Consumer Devices vs Going Rugged

Going rugged, whether your customer’s employees operate on a construction site or the shop floor, there’s one thing these businesses need regardless of their environment: reliability. Standard devices aren’t designed to handle the rigours of these settings and are likely to break quickly due to anything from drops and spills to dust and dirt. 

Meanwhile, rugged devices are specifically built to ensure your employees won’t be let down by their tools when it matters most. And no matter how rugged devices evolve, that core principle will always drive their design. 

So, what kind of credentials do rugged devices offer, and why should you opt for one over a consumer alternative?

Consumer vs Rugged 

Durability

Consumer: Consumer devices simply aren’t built for the frontline. They’re susceptible to any number of risks that are present in these environments. Screens, cameras and processors can break easily from shock or drops, while dust, dirt and water can damage internal components. 

Rugged: Rugged devices are built to an international standard rating of IP68¹ and the highest military standard for survivability and endurance, MIL-STD-810G² That means they can withstand anything you throw at them. From drops and shocks to dust and dirt, and even submersion up to 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. 

Design

Consumer: Traditionally, design and style have been consumer devices’ forte. These slimmer machines fit snugly in your hand or pocket and offer unparalleled ease-of-use. 

Rugged: Historically rugged devices have been known for being bulky and awkward. However, the newest generation of devices has broken away from this stereotype. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro offer the sleekness and ease-of-use that you’ve come to expect from their consumer alternatives, without sacrificing their standards. And they can be supported with a complete ecosystem of rugged accessories³ including cases, docks, mounts, chargers and keyboards. 

Battery

Consumer: While consumer devices have improved in multiple areas, battery life continues to be a struggle. Battery failure can hinder work, especially on sites where power points aren’t readily available. Meanwhile, charging itself often takes too long, and charging pins and cables can be easily damaged.

Rugged: Rugged devices are constructed with longevity in mind. Their superior battery life and interchangeable batteries mean workers can continue uninterrupted in the field. Plus, POGO charging docks⁴ ensure you avoid broken connections and can enjoy 15% faster charging.

Sensitivity

Consumer: Traditional touch screens can often be unpredictable in extreme environments. Water can make them unresponsive to the touch and difficult to view, while gloved workers have to remove their safety equipment to engage with their devices.

Rugged: You won’t experience the same difficulties with rugged devices. Designed to respond to both gloved and wet touch, your workers can keep going without interruption. Meanwhile, high-resolution screens ensure all information is clear, and users can enjoy an optimal viewing experience regardless of the situation.

Value

Consumer: Many businesses have opted for consumer devices on the frontline because of their lower price tag, but it’s a risky move. If those devices fail on a regular basis and need replacing, you can quickly find costs beginning to escalate. 

Rugged: While rugged devices were once far more expensive, the price gap between them and consumer devices is closing quickly. However, thanks to their longer life and replaceable batteries,⁵ rugged devices prove to be considerably more cost-effective in the long run.