The global rugged phones market size was USD 2.98 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 4.45 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2023–2031. The demand for rugged phones is growing owing to the advancements in 5G networks and new applications.
Rugged phones are designed specifically to be water-resistant, durable, dust resistant, and shockproof. These phones are protected with tough outer shells and long battery life. Rugged phones have three levels of ruggedization including semi-rugged devices, fully-rugged devices, and ultra-rugged devices.
Semi-rugged devices are devices that have the same elements as non-rugged devices but are comparatively more protected than non-rugged devices. Fully-rugged devices are specially designed for construction sites and are unaffected by dust and water, they are also durable in extreme weather. However, ultra-rugged phones are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Ultra-rugged phones are nearly indestructible and completely operational in blizzards and sandstorms, thus they are costly.
The rugged phones market was affected severely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were temporary market shutdowns owing to the pandemic, immediate interruptions were also seen in the supply chain. The pandemic further hampered the manufacturing activities and supply chain management. These factors together impacted the revenue growth of the rugged phones market universally.
Rugged Phones Market Dynamics
Major Drivers
Rugged phones are water and dustproof and resistant to difficult environmental areas the requirements for rugged phones increase. Rugged phones are protected from explosions owing to their high durability. The growth of the rugged phones market is due to their outdoor and indoor usage. Rugged phones are employed in industries such as aviation, oil & gas, and chemical & pharmaceuticals. Thus, boosting the market.
Existing Restraints
The rugged smartphones are over-priced, as they have specifications that normal smartphones often lack. Rugged phones are designed specifically for extreme conditions thus they have advanced features. Rugged phones are water and dust resistant, due to this, rugged phones often do not have in-display fingerprint sensor, or expandable microSD card slots. Thus, hampering the market.
Emerging Opportunities
Rapidly advancing 5G technology is likely to create lucrative opportunities in the market. Several countries have started deploying 5G connectivity including Germany, South Korea, the US, and China. China Telecom and China Unicom have deployed 5G in several cities in China. According to GSMA’s projection, it is estimated that 36% of mobile users in China will start having 5G smartphone connections by 2025.
Scope of Rugged Phones Market Report
The market report includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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Rugged Phones Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2016–2021
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Forecast Period
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2023–2031
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Segmentation
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Type (Featured Phones and Smartphones), Screen Size (Below 5 Inch, 5 Inch to 6 Inch, and Above 6 Inch), End-user (Commercial, Industrial, Military & Defense, Government, and Consumer)
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Regional Scope
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Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered in the Report
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AGM Mobile; Zebra Technologies Corp.; Blackview.; Cat phones.; OUKITEL.; ulefone.com; KYOCERA; Unitech Electronics Co., LTD.; Sonim Technologies Inc.; and IIIF150.
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Market Segment Insights
Based on type, the rugged phones market is divided into featured phones and smartphones. The featured phones segment is expected to expand at a significant pace during the projection period. Featured phones are devices that can be used in daily life, as they have specifications that are required in daily life. Featured phones have functions more than a basic cell phone but less than a smartphone.
On the basis of screen size, the global market is segregated into below 5 inch, 5 inch to 6 inch, and above 6 inch. The 5 inch to 6 inch segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Some prominent companies including AGM Mobile, Nomu, and Ulefone are associated with the rugged phones market with 5 inch to 6 inch screen size to provide better experiences to the users.
On the basis of end-user, the rugged phones market is segmented into commercial, industrial, military & defense, government, and consumer. The military & defense segment is expected to expand at a robust pace during the forecast period. In military stations, rugged phones are used for critical missions. On battlefields, rugged computing devices were used for communication purposes and to share critical information. Rising conflicts around the world is likely to fuel the military & defense segment in the coming years.
In terms of region, the global rugged phones market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the projection period. The factory & industry automation solutions are developing along with the industry digitalization in the region. Surge in population, rise in disposable income, and increase in the adoption of smartphones are contributing to the growth of the market in the region.
Segments
The rugged phones market has been segmented on the basis of
Type
- Featured Phones
- Smartphones
Screen Size
- Below 5 Inch
- 5 Inch to 6 Inch
- Above 6 Inch
End-user
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Military & Defense
- Government
- Consumer
Region
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Middle East & Africa
Key Players
- AGM Mobile
- Zebra Technologies Corp.
- Blackview.
- Cat phones.
- OUKITEL.
- ulefone.com
- KYOCERA
- Unitech Electronics Co., LTD.
- Sonim Technologies Inc.
- SAMSUNG
- IIIF150.
Competitive Landscape
Key players competing in the global rugged phones market are AGM Mobile; Zebra Technologies Corp.; Blackview.; Cat phones.; OUKITEL.; ulefone.com; KYOCERA; Unitech Electronics Co., LTD.; Sonim Technologies Inc.; and IIIF150. These companies utilize strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, collaboration, product launches, and production expansion to cater to the growing consumer base worldwide. For instance,
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In September 2022, SAMSUNG launched the Galaxy XCovers6 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro in the US. The aim behind the launch of these devices is to deliver field workers and frontline workers the flexibility to use it during their tough situations. Moreover, demand for the device is high due to its security, sleekness, and its robust performance.
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In February 2023, Kyocera International Inc., a leading North American company, added the DuraXV Extreme+ flip phone without a camera to its lineup of military-grade rugged device portfolio along with Verizon. The main purpose is to help improve employee focus in the work environment, the non-camera option is suitable for sensitive workplaces and for seniors with the demand for loud and simple devices.