Rugged Phones Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players Analysis, and Forecast by 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 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