Need a new(to me) rugged / durable phone

[schwim]

Hi there everyone!

I need an Android phone suited for an active lifestyle. For me, it doesn't necessarily mean an SOS and PTT button but does mean:

1) loooong battery life
2) can take a hit(clipped to a camelback and hitting the ground at 20-25mph if things go pear shaped)
3) clip or holster to hold tightly but allow quick access for pics and communication
4) AT&T(Cricket) compatible

Some restrictions and things to make it easier:

1) $350ish pricepoint. I'm broke and cheap.
2) It doesn't have to be new
3) The phone itself doesn't have to meet all the requirements if there's a case that can extend it's usefulness, like a battery or clip case.
4) No crippling of storage or processing power. Lag, stutter and full partitions are for suckers.

My Nexus 5X running LineageOS was an OK phone except for the abysmal battery life. It caused me to absolutely hate it. Carrying around a batterypack to plug it into while in the woods while trying to use the phone was an absolute joke. Since I buy phones nobody else wants, absolutely nobody made a battery case for it and clip cases are only available from Engrish providers that make cases to fit your phone and avocado.

So I bought a Doogee S60(Not CAT). The hardware specs of the phone was everything I could hope for and more but the a huge number of bugs and the horrific software provided by the MFGR made it impossible to use. Seriously. the last ROM update bricked the phone. . If it had good software, I would have overlooked the non-working fingerprint scanner, SD card slot and wireless charging but since the whole package is flawed, the phone is waiting on a return authorization so I can send it back for a refund.

If I could mix the great OS of the 5X with the hardware specs of the Doogee S60, I'd be the happiest man in the world but while browsing the thousands of offerings on eBay and CL, I haven't found the mix of cheap and durable unless it's another Chinese almostphone.

Any suggestions would be incredible welcome. I'm back to the 5X that I charge 3-4 times a day.

Thanks for your time!

 

[lunatic59]

You might look at the "Active" line from Samsung. They are a more rugged version of their regular phones. I just checked Swappa and you can get an S7 Active for a little over $200.00.

My son had an S6 active that he really abused and it took it pretty well. I couldn't tell you if the battery life will be great but the S7 has a 4000 mAh battery, which is pretty big. You can check out the full spec's here.

 

[Spec2nirvash]

You could look at the Kyocera DuraForce Pro. Tough as nails. Drop, water submersion (6ft 30 min), temp extreme ready. They're $425 brand new from T-mobile, probably find a used one in your price range on ebay.

Only cons are that they're fairly heavy for the size and you can't root them.

There are three models: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile

Verizon model isn't fully LTE compatible with TMO service. Avoid it.

AT&T model will work but only 2GB of RAM, it's VERY laggy!! Avoid this phone even if price is tempting!

TMOBILE model has 3GB RAM and will work perfect with AT&T service, make sure you buy unlocked or you may have to buy an unlock code from ebay.

I've owned both ATT and TMO models. Hope that helps!

 

[Spec2nirvash]

Oh forgot to mention the Pro models are loaded with NFC, finerprint scanner, baro, lots of sensors. Not something you see on a newer phone for the price!