Waterproof Tough Phone Cases vs. Rugged Smartphones for Motorcyclists: Which is Right for You?

Navigating the Open Road: Waterproof Tough Phone Cases vs. Rugged Smartphones

For motorcycle enthusiasts, a reliable phone is essential. Whether you're using it for navigation, music or communication, your phone needs to withstand the rigours of the road. This leads to a common question: Should you invest in a waterproof tough phone case or a rugged smartphone?

Waterproof Tough Phone Cases: Protecting Your Existing Device

Waterproof tough phone cases are a great option if you're happy with your current smartphone but want/need extra protection. Maybe you're riding in dusty conditions or changeable weather and you want to protect your valuable phone. Here are some key advantages of tough cases:

• Cost-effective: They are generally more affordable than purchasing a completely new rugged phone.
• Variety of styles: Choose from a wide range of designs, materials, and features to suit your needs.
• Maintain your phone's features: You won't lose out on the latest technology or features of your current phone.
• Vibration absorption: Our Ultimateaddons Tough Cases have a silicon layer inside the case that envelopes the phone to seal against water ingress and offer some engine and road vibration dampening. Most smartphones employ Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) systems in the camera which can be damaged by vibrations.

However, there are also some downsides to consider:

• Limited protection: While waterproof tough cases provide excellent protection against drops, water, and dust, they may not offer the same level of durability as a rugged smartphone.
• Bulkiness: Some cases can add significant bulk to your phone, making it harder to handle.
• Potential for damage: If the case itself is damaged, your phone could be exposed to the elements.

Rugged Smartphones: Built for Adventure

Rugged smartphones are designed from the ground up to withstand harsh conditions. Here's what they offer:

• Extreme durability: They feature reinforced frames, impact-resistant screens, and sealed components for maximum protection.
• Enhanced features: Often come with built-in features like GPS, barometers, and even thermal imaging, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.
• Long-lasting battery life: Rugged smartphones often have larger batteries to handle demanding usage.
• No Optical Image Stabilisation: Typically, rugged smartphones don't have OIS in the camera so they are unaffected by engine and road vibrations and don't generally require the use of a dampener.

However, rugged smartphones also have some drawbacks:

• Higher price: They tend to be more expensive than standard smartphones and they may lack the feature set of top line smartphones.
• Heavier and bulkier: They are designed for toughness, which inevitably leads to larger and heavier devices.
• Limited software updates: Rugged phone manufacturers may not provide updates as frequently as mainstream phone makers.

Which is Right for You?

The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Budget: If cost is a primary concern, a waterproof tough phone case might be the better option.
• Level of protection: For extreme durability, a rugged smartphone is essential.
• Features: Do you need advanced features like thermal imaging or a long-lasting battery? Rugged smartphones excel in this area.
• Convenience: If you value a slim and lightweight device, a tough phone case may be more appealing.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal needs and how much you're willing to invest in protecting your phone on the open road.

Conclusion

Both waterproof tough phone cases and rugged smartphones offer excellent protection for motorcyclists. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can make an informed decision that will keep your phone safe and ready for your next adventure. 

Here at MOTOGPS we particularly like Samsung's XCover line of rugged smartphones that are designed for business use. Since it's release, we've used and recommend the 5G XCover7 which is MIL-STD-810H and IP68 rated and the screen is accessible with motorcycle gloves.

Talk to us about Tough Case solutions to suit your phone or motorcycle mounting options to suit rugged phones.