Top 10 Flip Phones for Construction Workers - EE (2024)

Although some people find them outdated, flip phones have numerous benefits and are widely used. They are compact, user-friendly, and offer a wide range of features. Hence, it’s no surprise that many people still use them, including construction workers.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 flip phones for construction workers and described their most important characteristics.

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Top 10 Flip Phones for Construction Workers

1. CAT S22

Construction workers often work in rough or even dangerous environments and need a phone like CAT S22 that can handle those harsh conditions. This flip phone is anything but basic. It features the IP68 rating that proves the phone is resistant to water and dust. CAT S22 is also MIL-STD-810H rated, which means it can handle shocks, impacts, vibrations, high temperatures, and drops.

The phone also has the Non-Incendive, Class I, Division 2 certification, confirming the phone can be used in hazardous work environments where high concentrations of gases and vapors may exist.

Other useful features of this phone include push-to-talk, large tactile buttons, and extra-loud audio.

Pros:

• Can withstand harsh conditions
• User-friendly
• Suitable for noisy environments

Cons:

• Weaker battery

Rating: 4.9/5

CAT S22 is an ideal choice for every construction worker. It’s resistant, easy to use, and has everything necessary for clear and reliable communication with coworkers.

2. Sonim XP3

Sonim XP3 is almost indestructible; you can submerge it in water, drop it, or bang it, and it will still look as good as new. This rugged phone meets MIL-STD-810G standards that confirm it has passed numerous rigorous tests and can be used in military applications.

Of course, the phone offers much more than ruggedness. It has a noise cancellation feature, 100 dB+ speakers, and push-to-talk, which guarantee easy communication in loud environments. Sonim XP3 also features a camera that enables you to take decent-quality photos.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Meets military standards
• Noise cancellation

Cons:

• Inconsistent performance

Rating: 4.7/5

Thanks to the heavy-duty construction, you can be sure Sonim XP3 can withstand everything you put it through. The phone enables clear communication even in the loudest environments.

3. Kyocera DuraXe

Kyocera DuraXe can survive almost anything. Like most rugged phones, this one has high IP ratings and is tested according to military standards. Since it can withstand harsh conditions without difficulty, this phone is perfect for construction workers or anyone working in hazardous environments.

The device features large buttons that make typing easy, even with gloves on. Plus, it enables you to choose the font size for all applications. The side button is customizable, so you can use it for push-to-talk or accessing an app.

Kyocera DuraXe sits comfortably in your hand because of its non-slip rubberized exterior.

Pros:

• Rubberized housing
• Resistant and durable
• Large buttons

Cons:

• Poor battery life

Rating: 4.7/5

The simple and efficient Kyocera DuraXe offers excellent customization options, enabling you to adjust the phone to your needs. You won’t have trouble using it even if you’re not tech-savvy.

4. Kyocera DuraXV Plus

This is another Kyocera rugged flip phone many construction workers find appealing. It has the highest IP ratings and complies with military-grade standards.

One feature that makes this phone stand out is the Smart Sonic Receiver. This system eliminates background noise and turns sound into vibrations sent to your eardrum. Thanks to this unique technology, you’ll have no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the phone.

Kyocera DuraXV Plus features a push-to-talk button that enables you to communicate with your coworkers quickly and efficiently.

Pros:

• Exceptional built
• Smart Sonic Receiver
• Memory card slot

Cons:

• Lower-quality display

Rating: 4.6/5

If you’re looking for a phone with excellent call quality, Kyocera DuraXV Plus is an ideal choice. The phone’s state-of-the-art sound system and durability make it the ideal choice for construction sites.

5. Samsung Rugby 4

Samsung Rugby 4 is a perfect combination of everything a construction worker needs out of a phone: simplicity, ruggedness, and functionality. The phone is IP67 rated, which proves its resistance to solid particles and liquids. Plus, Samsung Rugby 4 has the MIL-STD-810F certification. This means the device complies with numerous military-grade standards and can be exposed to shocks, impacts, vibrations, high pressure, and drops with no consequences.

The phone also features PTT and a built-in compass that can come in handy in numerous situations. Unlike its older siblings, Samsung Rugby 4 has Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in GPS.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• MIL-STD-810F and IP67
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

• Low-quality camera

Rating: 4.4/5

Although this isn’t a phone that will blow your mind with its impressive features, it’s an affordable and useful piece of equipment. Since it complies with military standards, Samsung Rugby 4 offers superb resistance and durability.

6. Plum Ram 8

With the IP68 rating, Plum Ram 8 is resistant to water and dust and deserves a spot on this list. Although the phone features basic functions, many construction workers choose it because of its elegant design and ease of use.

Plus, this phone has something most flip phones don’t: dual SIM standby. This means Plum Ram 8 can store two SIM cards, but they can’t be used at the same time. Thanks to this option, you don’t have to carry two devices.

The phone is incredibly easy to use and features large buttons.

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Dual SIM standby
• Elegant design

Cons:

• Weak battery

Rating: 4.3/5

If you need a phone to perform basic tasks, Plum Ram 8 is an excellent choice. Although this is a basic phone, it has dual SIM standby many find very useful.

7. Samsung Convoy 3

Construction workers need a phone like Samsung Convoy 3 that won’t shatter to pieces after an awkward drop. Designed to match strict military standards, this phone stands up to impacts, drops, shocks, extreme temperatures, humidity, and high pressure.

A frequent point of concern for most construction workers is sound quality. Since constructions sites can be very loud, you need a phone with an exceptional sound system. Samsung Convoy 3 guarantees clear communication thanks to dual microphones and advanced noise cancelation technology.

Pros:

• Excellent call quality
• Military-grade ratings
• Push-to-talk

Cons:

• Slower performance

Rating: 4.2/5

If you need good call quality and premium resistance to elements, Samsung Convoy 3 is an excellent choice. It can easily fit into your pocket and even enables you to use voice commands to call or send messages.

8. Motorola Barrage V860

Motorola Barrage V860 is another flip phone that meets military standards and can take a fair amount of abuse without damage, making it perfect for construction sites. Thanks to the rubberized case, the phone sits comfortably in your hand and can survive drops without a scratch.

Although the screen’s resolution isn’t impressive, it’s viewable in direct sunlight. Like most phones on the list, Motorola Barrage V860 features push-to-talk, making communication on construction sites much easier.

Pros:

• Meets military standards
• Compact and functional design
• Push-to-talk

Cons:

• Low video quality

Rating: 4/5

The rubberized case and push-to-talk feature make this phone excellent for construction workers. While the design may not be visually appealing, it’s certainly functional.

9. Samsung Convoy 4

Like its predecessor, Samsung Convoy 4 is designed according to strict military standards and can work in the harshest conditions. It guarantees exceptional call quality thanks to dual microphones, increased volume, and noise cancellation.

The 5 MP camera with a flash and autofocus allows you to take good-quality photos and videos. If you run out of storage, you can simply insert a memory card with up to 32 GB.

Samsung Convoy 4 supports push-to-talk and can act as a walkie-talkie, enabling you to communicate with your coworkers at the push of a button.

Pros:

• Follow military standards
• Camera with a flash and autofocus
• Push-to-talk

Cons:

• Weaker battery

Rating: 4/5

Samsung Convoy 4 is a solid phone that performs well in the roughest conditions. It features a good-quality camera and expandable storage.

10. Consumer Cellular Link II

Even though Consumer Cellular Link II isn’t a rugged phone, it offers a wide range of features for construction workers. Since it weighs less than five ounces, the device is compact and easy to slip into a pocket.

The phone has a 2.8-inch main display and a 1.7-inch external display that enables you to see important notifications. Since Consumer Cellular Link II features Bluetooth connectivity, you can talk to your coworkers without keeping the phone in your hands.

Best of all, the device has a memory card slot that allows you to expand its storage by up to 32 GB.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Expandable storage

Cons:

• Not particularly durable

Rating: 3.9/5

Consumer Cellular Link II is a lightweight, compact phone with Bluetooth connectivity. Although it isn’t rugged, the phone is a good cost-effective option with expandable storage.

What Is a Rugged Device?

A rugged device is a device that can be exposed to harsh conditions without suffering from damage. Rugged phones can handle shocks, impacts, high temperatures, humidity, moisture, and much more without consequences. Some devices can even be used in hazardous work environments where concentrations of vapors, mists, and gases can be present.

Manufacturers can’t just say a device is rugged without proof. Two rating systems are often used to determine a device’s ruggedness: IP and Mil-Spec. IP ratings show a device’s resistance to dust and water. Mil-Spec ratings prove the device has passed rigorous tests and can be used in military applications.

Why a Construction Worker Needs a Rugged Phone

Construction sites are often noisy, dusty, and dangerous. While regular phones can be used in such conditions, they typically don’t last long. This is because standard smartphones aren’t built to survive exposure to extreme conditions. They can easily break or suffer from internal damage due to moisture or humidity.

Rugged work environments like construction sites require rugged phones. Such phones will survive exposure to harsh conditions and ease communication with your coworkers, thanks to their unique features.

Plus, many rugged phones have additional options that construction workers can find useful, like thermal imaging or enhanced hygienic properties.

Five Best Mobile Apps for Construction Workers

Here’s a short overview of some of the best apps for constructions workers:

FingerCAD

FingerCAD enables you to create technical drawings on your phone using your fingers. The app allows you to draw homes, decks, floor plans, or anything else that can be designed with a CAD application. You can save your drawings, share them with coworkers, and print them out.

PlanGrid

PlanGrid is an excellent drawing-sharing app. It works by publishing drawings to a cloud that can be accessed by all team members. That way, everyone stays in the loop regarding recent changes.

OSHA Heat Safety Tool

This app offers recommendations for protective measures that keep workers safe. It displays the current heat index in your area and reminds you to drink water, take breaks, plan for emergencies, and more.

Handyman Calculator

Handyman Calculator is a simple app every construction worker needs. It helps you calculate materials, organize your time, track invoices, write to-do lists, and much more.

Carpenters Square

Carpenters Square helps you square foundations, walls, or floors. All you need to do is fill in the blanks, and the app will do the rest.

Top Five Construction Worker Add-On Accessories

Construction workers can take advantage of numerous add-on accessories:

Memory Card

If your phone’s storage is full, its performance will decrease. Fortunately, this can easily be solved with a memory card. These cards are affordable, easy to use, and can store hundreds of files.

Bluetooth Earphones

Talking on the phone can be tricky when you’re doing something with both hands. If you often need to make phone calls while working, consider purchasing Bluetooth earphones and talk hands-free.

Thermal Imaging Attachment

Construction workers use thermal cameras to diagnose issues and ensure proper installation. Although their efficiency is indisputable, thermal cameras are often very expensive. Fortunately, FLIR offers a unique and cost-effective solution: thermal imaging attachments that mount on your phone and cost much less than regular thermal cameras.

For an affordable thermal-imaging rugged smartphone, check out the Cat S62 Pro.

Power Bank

Running out of battery at work can be frustrating and inconvenient. With power banks, this is no longer an issue. These small, portable devices ensure you don’t run out of battery when you need it the most.

Cell Phone Holster

Since communication is essential on a construction site, you need to be available at all times. If you keep your phone buried in a toolbox, you’ll have trouble hearing it, especially with so much going on around you. That’s why a cell phone holster may be a good investment. It’s convenient, affordable, and prevents you from missing an important call or text.

How to Get a Bulk Discount on Rugged Phones

A construction team is often comprised of dozens of workers. If you’re purchasing phones for an entire team, you’ll be happy to know you can get a discount on bulk orders. All you need to do is reach out to Energy Electronics LLC.

If you’re not sure what to look for on a phone or you need the assistance of any kind, our technology experts can help. Fill out this form, and our team will contact you within one business hour: