Rugged Phones Market Trends, Size, and Analysis 2021-2031
The rugged phones market size is projected to reach US$ 5.69 billion by 2031 from US$ 2.98 billion in 2023. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.40% during 2023–2031. The rise of new technologies, such as AI and IoT and developments in communication technologies are likely to remain a key trend in the market.
Rugged Phones Market Analysis
The demand for rugged mobile phones for mission-critical and non-critical communication in areas such as transportation and logistics, manufacturing and construction, and retail and warehousing is growing rapidly. Rugged smartphones are being adopted over simple consumer-grade mobile phones due to their improved safety features, durable design, and feature phones created specifically for task workforces working in demanding environments. Equipping task/field workers with smart and innovative rugged phones enables efficient communication among personnel while also increasing overall operational productivity in a variety of demanding locations. Furthermore, the increasing trend of digitalization across sectors, as well as developments in communication technologies such as 5G, are likely to drive the global rugged phones market over the forecast period.
Rugged Phones Market Overview
Rugged phones are devices that have been specially designed and tested to satisfy military requirements, allowing them to endure high temperatures, immersion, shocks, and other conditions. With casings or shells that are durable enough to withstand drops on hard surfaces. They have great drop, dust, and water resistance ratings, as well as an outstanding battery life. They are appropriate for those who work in hard conditions, such as building sites, roads, coal mines, wood factories, farms, outdoor locations, long-distance transit, and so on.
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Rugged Phones Market: Strategic Insights
Market Size Value in US$ 2,982.21 million in 2023 Market Size Value by US$ 4,457.88 million by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Base Year 2023
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Rugged Phones Market: Strategic Insights
Market Size Value in | US$ 2,982.21 million in 2023 |
Market Size Value by | US$ 4,457.88 million by 2028 |
Growth rate | CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2028 |
Forecast Period | 2023-2028 |
Base Year | 2023 |
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Speak to AnalystRugged Phones Market Drivers and Opportunities
Expanding 5G Deployments to Favor Market Growth
The demand for connected devices and reliable network technologies is increasing among industrial customers worldwide. While communication network technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G are already established, the growing complexity of electronic systems and the integration of advanced technologies in smartphones are driving the need for further improvements in network capacity, latency, and coverage. As a result, 5G, a fast-emerging wireless technology, is offering promising performance enhancements over existing technologies. Several key countries, including South Korea, Germany, China, the UK, and the US, have already successfully deployed 5G networks. Notably, China has activated 5G networks in selected cities through major telecom operators like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. It is projected that approximately 36% of mobile users in China will be using 5G by 2025.
Similarly, South Korea has also initiated 5G services through operators like SK Telecom and Korea Telecom. Compared to existing wireless network technologies, 5G is expected to provide enhanced network capacity, high coverage, improved latency, and better battery life, which are anticipated to drive its penetration over the forecast period. Due to the growth outlook of 5G technology, companies in the global rugged phones market have begun integrating 5G capabilities into some of their models to meet the increasing demand and differentiate their offerings from competitors. Key players in this market, such as Blackview, OUKITEL, and Ulefone Mobile, have already introduced 5G-enabled phones, while other companies are also exploring 5G capabilities to include in their products in the coming years based on customer requirements for advanced functionality. Consequently, 5G is expected to complement the growth of the rugged phones market during the forecast period.
Rise of New Technologies, such as AI and IoT
AI-enabled devices are all over the place. According to Simpli Learn, AI technology is used in some form or another in over 77% of today's electronics. According to Eurostat, by 2021, 29% of EU firms deployed Internet of Things devices to keep their premises secure. Moreover, Rugged mobile computers can gather and send data from numerous sensors and devices in the field regarding IoT. These mobiles may be fitted with specific data collection and analysis software, making it more straightforward to monitor and manage IoT devices remotely. For instance, a rugged mobile can be used to track the whereabouts of a fleet of cars, operate industrial machinery, and check the temperature and humidity levels in a warehouse.
Rugged mobiles can also be integrated with AI devices for safety. Various authorities are using collaborated rugged mobiles for school safety, government buildings, and other public spaces. For instance, in October 2023, KYOCERA collaborated with three technology developers on an innovative solution to improve safety in schools, government buildings, and other public spaces. Kyocera's ultra-rugged mobile technology (Android smartphones and tablets); Omni-Response 360° sensory technology for optimal situational awareness with a comprehensive dashboard; ZeroEyes AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software; and Cradlepoint networks that connect sites, vehicles, IoT technology, and safety personnel comprise the school safety solution. Thus, the rise of new technologies, such as AI and IoT, is expected to offer lucrative opportunities for market growth.
Rugged Phones Market Report Segmentation Analysis
Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the rugged phones market analysis are type, screen size, and end user.
- Based on type, the market is segmented into smartphones and featured phones. The smartphone segment held a significant market share in 2023.
- In terms of screen size, the market is divided into Below 5 Inch, 5 Inch to 6 Inch, and Above 6 Inch. The 5 Inch to 6 Inch segment held a substantial share of the market in 2023.
- Based on end user, the market is segmented into industrial, government, commercial, military and defense, and consumer. The industrial segment held a significant market share in 2023.
Rugged Phones Market Share Analysis by Geography
The geographic scope of the rugged phones market report is mainly divided into five regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America.
The manufacturing and healthcare industries’ increasing use of rugged mobiles is anticipated to fuel the market expansion in terms of revenue in North America. Additionally, the market’s revenue growth is being driven by the rising demand for public safety, privacy, and government data. Additionally, a considerable portion of the market’s revenue growth is anticipated to be driven by the region’s expanded manufacturing capacity. Moreover, several players in the US are expanding their portfolio in rugged mobiles. For instance, in September 2022, Samsung expanded its rugged portfolio in the US by launching the Galaxy XCover6 Pro smartphone and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro tablet. Both gadgets are made to withstand hostile situations. To survive severe altitudes, temperatures, vibration, and humidity, they are both MIL-STD-810Hii compliant. The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro, and the integrated S Pen are all IP68-rated for dust and water protection.
Rugged Phones Market Report Scope
Rugged Phones Market News and Recent Developments
The rugged phones market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data post primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. A few of the developments in the rugged phones market are listed below:
- Nokia today launched an array of industrial 5G devices to keep enterprise teams and public safety workers safe, connected and informed over private wireless networks in hazardous and industrial environments such as ports, mines, chemical plants and offshore oil platforms. The company is introducing new ruggedized 5G handhelds, a new industrial device consumption model, and enhancements to worker and device-related applications. By adding these new assets to Nokia’s end-to-end platform for industrial digitalization, along with its private wireless and edge applications, the company reinforces its industry leadership with a market-leading portfolio. It strengthens its commitment to helping industrial enterprises navigate their digital transformation journeys, ensuring their operations are safer, more productive and more efficient.
(Source: Nokia, Press Release, September 2023)
Rugged Phones Market Report Coverage and Deliverables
The “Rugged Phones Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)” report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:
- Rugged phones market size and forecast at global, regional, and country levels for all the key market segments covered under the scope
- Rugged phones market trends as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
- Detailed PEST/Porter’s Five Forces and SWOT analysis
- Rugged phones market analysis covering key market trends, global and regional framework, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
- Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments for the rugged phones market
- Detailed company profiles
Report Coverage
Revenue forecast, Company Analysis, Industry landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
Segment Covered
Type, Screen Size, and End User
Regional Scope
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America
Country Scope
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Expanding 5G deployments and increasing demand in various industries are driving the market.
Developments in communication technologies are key trends in the market.
Blackview, Caterpillar, Kyocera, OUKITEL, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, AGM Mobile, Sonim Technologies Inc., Ulefone Mobile, Unitech Electronics Co., LTD., and Zebra Technologies Corp. are major players in the market.
The market is expected to reach a value of US$ 5.69 billion by 2031.
The market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 8.40% during 2023–2031.
The Insight Partners performs research in 4 major stages: Data Collection & Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analysis and Data Triangulation & Final Review.
- Data Collection and Secondary Research:
As a market research and consulting firm operating from a decade, we have published many reports and advised several clients across the globe. First step for any study will start with an assessment of currently available data and insights from existing reports. Further, historical and current market information is collected from Investor Presentations, Annual Reports, SEC Filings, etc., and other information related to company’s performance and market positioning are gathered from Paid Databases (Factiva, Hoovers, and Reuters) and various other publications available in public domain.
Several associations trade associates, technical forums, institutes, societies and organizations are accessed to gain technical as well as market related insights through their publications such as research papers, blogs and press releases related to the studies are referred to get cues about the market. Further, white papers, journals, magazines, and other news articles published in the last 3 years are scrutinized and analyzed to understand the current market trends.
- Primary Research:
The primarily interview analysis comprise of data obtained from industry participants interview and answers to survey questions gathered by in-house primary team.
For primary research, interviews are conducted with industry experts/CEOs/Marketing Managers/Sales Managers/VPs/Subject Matter Experts from both demand and supply side to get a 360-degree view of the market. The primary team conducts several interviews based on the complexity of the markets to understand the various market trends and dynamics which makes research more credible and precise.
A typical research interview fulfils the following functions:
- Provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook
- Validates and strengthens in-house secondary research findings
- Develops the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding
Primary research involves email interactions and telephone interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:
- Industry participants: VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
- Outside experts: Valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the electronics and semiconductor industry.
Below is the breakup of our primary respondents by company, designation, and region:
Once we receive the confirmation from primary research sources or primary respondents, we finalize the base year market estimation and forecast the data as per the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors assessed during data collection.
- Data Analysis:
Once data is validated through both secondary as well as primary respondents, we finalize the market estimations by hypothesis formulation and factor analysis at regional and country level.
- 3.1 Macro-Economic Factor Analysis:
We analyse macroeconomic indicators such the gross domestic product (GDP), increase in the demand for goods and services across industries, technological advancement, regional economic growth, governmental policies, the influence of COVID-19, PEST analysis, and other aspects. This analysis aids in setting benchmarks for various nations/regions and approximating market splits. Additionally, the general trend of the aforementioned components aid in determining the market's development possibilities.
- 3.2 Country Level Data:
Various factors that are especially aligned to the country are taken into account to determine the market size for a certain area and country, including the presence of vendors, such as headquarters and offices, the country's GDP, demand patterns, and industry growth. To comprehend the market dynamics for the nation, a number of growth variables, inhibitors, application areas, and current market trends are researched. The aforementioned elements aid in determining the country's overall market's growth potential.
- 3.3 Company Profile:
The “Table of Contents” is formulated by listing and analyzing more than 25 - 30 companies operating in the market ecosystem across geographies. However, we profile only 10 companies as a standard practice in our syndicate reports. These 10 companies comprise leading, emerging, and regional players. Nonetheless, our analysis is not restricted to the 10 listed companies, we also analyze other companies present in the market to develop a holistic view and understand the prevailing trends. The “Company Profiles” section in the report covers key facts, business description, products & services, financial information, SWOT analysis, and key developments. The financial information presented is extracted from the annual reports and official documents of the publicly listed companies. Upon collecting the information for the sections of respective companies, we verify them via various primary sources and then compile the data in respective company profiles. The company level information helps us in deriving the base number as well as in forecasting the market size.
- 3.4 Developing Base Number:
Aggregation of sales statistics (2020-2022) and macro-economic factor, and other secondary and primary research insights are utilized to arrive at base number and related market shares for 2022. The data gaps are identified in this step and relevant market data is analyzed, collected from paid primary interviews or databases. On finalizing the base year market size, forecasts are developed on the basis of macro-economic, industry and market growth factors and company level analysis.
- Data Triangulation and Final Review:
The market findings and base year market size calculations are validated from supply as well as demand side. Demand side validations are based on macro-economic factor analysis and benchmarks for respective regions and countries. In case of supply side validations, revenues of major companies are estimated (in case not available) based on industry benchmark, approximate number of employees, product portfolio, and primary interviews revenues are gathered. Further revenue from target product/service segment is assessed to avoid overshooting of market statistics. In case of heavy deviations between supply and demand side values, all thes steps are repeated to achieve synchronization.
We follow an iterative model, wherein we share our research findings with Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) until consensus view of the market is not formulated – this model negates any drastic deviation in the opinions of experts. Only validated and universally acceptable research findings are quoted in our reports.
We have important check points that we use to validate our research findings – which we call – data triangulation, where we validate the information, we generate from secondary sources with primary interviews and then we re-validate with our internal data bases and Subject matter experts. This comprehensive model enables us to deliver high quality, reliable data in shortest possible time.