It should be no surprise that one of the most rugged smartphones would be made by the same people who make rugged construction equipment. The new CAT S41 Smartphone ($520) from Caterpillar can go where most phones can’t even dream of going.
Besides boasting a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen, the S41’s body can withstand a 6 foot (1.8m) drop onto concrete as well as salt spray and thermal shocks with operating temperatures between -13°F (-25°C) to 131°F (55°C). Its water resistance is such that the phone can stay under 6 foot of water for an hour without damage. The 5″ Full HD screen and 13-megapixel rear camera can even function underwater, while the easy-grip design lets you use it with gloves or when wet.
Even the non-removable Lithium ion battery matches the ruggedness with a 5,000mAh capacity that provides up to 44 days in standby or 38 hours of talking at 3G. The S41 can even charge other devices and has a reserve battery level to prevent it being completely drained when sharing the juice.
