What you should look for in a construction smartphone
Robustness and protection
The most important criterion for a construction smartphone is its durability. Many devices are certified according to the IP standard. IP67 or IP68 means that the device is completely dustproof and can withstand a short immersion in water. Particularly resistant models also carry the IP69K marking. Not only are they waterproof, but they can also withstand high-pressure cleaning. Read about MIL-STD-810 often. This term refers to a military standard that includes drop, vibration and external temperature testing. However, manufacturers do not always carry out all tests – it is worth taking a closer look at the details.
Battery and charging speed
On construction sites, a power socket is rarely within easy reach. That’s why battery capacity plays a central role. The higher the value in milliampere-hours (mAh), the longer the smartphone works. While regular cell phones get by with around 4,000 mAh, many so-called rugged cell phones (construction smartphones) offer 6,000 mAh and more and can easily last an entire working day or even more. An additional help is the quick charging function. This means that the battery can be recharged in a short time – practical during a break or when travelling.
Display and operation
A well-built smartphone must remain readable even in bright sunlight. Here bright displays have an advantage, while darker screens make work more difficult. Equally important is the possibility of using it with gloves. Many models offer a special glove mode, so that the display reacts reliably even when wearing work gloves. Some devices can even be used in the rain or with wet fingers, which often happens on construction sites.
Camera and extras
The camera is not only used for taking snapshots on the construction site, but is also an important documentation tool. Only 12 megapixels are enough for sharp images. However, many construction smartphones offer much more. Wide-angle cameras help capture entire rooms or facades in the image. Special extras such as a thermal imager can make temperature differences visible, for example in insulation or cables. Some models also have night vision functions, which allow useful shots even in the dark or in low light conditions.
He talked about round performances
In addition to robustness and battery, performance also plays an important role. A workday full of photos, videos or apps requires sufficient storage space and main memory (RAM). You’re safe with at least 6-8 gigabytes of RAM and 128 gigabytes of storage. Some devices can also be expanded with a microSD card. This gives you enough space for documentation, plans, and any apps you use for your projects.
Our 6 best smartphones – explained briefly
AGM Glory G1S 5G – all-rounder with thermal imaging and night vision
Robustness: IP68 (Dustproof/Waterproof), IP69K (Pressure Cleaning), MIL-STD-810H (Military Standard for Extreme Conditions).
Drums: 5,500mAh
Extra: Thermal imaging camera (for measuring temperature in the dark), night vision, laser pointer – ideal for inspections.
Technology: 8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage, 6.5″ display, Android 11.
Special Feature: Supports modern 5G network.
Price: approx. €699
Blackview BL9000 Pro – battery champion with fast charging
robustness: Also IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H
Drums: Huge 8,800 mAh battery and ultra-fast 120W charging: fully recharges in a short time.
Extra: FLIR thermography, glove mode,
Technology: 50 MP camera, Android system “DokeOS 4.0” (based on Android 14).
Price: approximately €462.95
Crosscall Core M5 – Sustainable and durable
Robustness: IP68 and MIL-STD-810H (13 military tests). Works from -51° to +71°C.
Drums: 4,000 mAh
Extra: 5 year warranty, 10 year warranty on spare parts – which is rare for smartphones
Technology: 4.95″ display, 13 MP camera, Android 12; works even with wet gloves
Price: €249.90
Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra – For maximum battery life and good storage
Robustness: IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810G.
Drums: Gigantic 15,600 mAh – lasts almost a week (according to the manufacturer)
Technology: 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 6.78″ display, Android 13, 64MP camera
Extra: Touch yourself with gloves
Price: approx. €530
Ulefone Armor X 31 Pro – value for money winner with additional tools
Robustness: IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810h
Drums: 6050mAh
Extra: Night vision camera, 5G mobile network, touch with gloves
Technology: 64 MP camera, 6.56″ display, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage, Android 14
Price: approx. €229
CAT S 75 Pro – Rugged device with thermal imaging and glove mode
Robustness: IP68/IP64K and MIL-STD-810G
Drums: 5,000 mAh
Extra: FLIR thermal imaging camera, programmable emergency button, usable with gloves and in wet conditions
Technology: 50 MP camera, slightly poor low-light behavior, but high stability, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage, 6.58″ display, Android 12
Price: approx. €300
Because clockin is the perfect match for these rugged smartphones
Only with a construction site smartphone is the work much more robust and efficient, only in combination with it clock in the app The full potential is revealed: documenting photos, recording times, ticking off checklists – and all this offline, reliably and audit-proof.
Here’s how clockin ideally integrates with smartphones:
- Make the most of offline runtime: In particular, devices like the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra with its monstrous battery (15,600 mAh) or the ultra-fast charging Blackview BL9000 Pro offer their full power only in combination with the clock – because you use every minute of the battery for recording instead of constantly charging it.
- Use additional features sensibly: On smartphones with thermal imaging (e.g. AGM Glory G1S 5G, CAT S75 Pro) it is possible to directly photographically document damage or loose cables. clockin automatically organizes images in chronological order and makes them immediately available in your project, without the hassle of renaming or sorting them.
- Practical in hard everyday life: Models with glove mode (e.g. Crosscall Core M5, Ulefone Armor X 31 Pro) allow you to use the app stably even with thick work gloves. This saves time and nerves, because every minute less of typing means more concentration on your work.
- Sustainability and organization: Those who choose durable models like the Crosscall Core M5 want reliable tools: with clockin you can guarantee that your data is equally durable and well structured. Instead of scattering photos, schedules, and notes across your phone, they end up chronologically, sortable, and securely in your project file.
- Quick adjustment on site: The Ulefone Armor X 31 Pro, with its affordable price, 5G connection and night vision camera, is ideal for smaller project teams. With clockin you are ready to use straight away: digitally supported and well connected.