Smartphones with insane battery life: meet the Apocalypse phones

All modern smartphones feel the same. They all have glass-metal construction, sleek designs, big screens, and batteries that last around a day or a bit more — unless you’re using one of the new foldable smartphones, which offer a new form factor. While traditional slab smartphones suffice most of our needs, they fail when exposed to harsh environments. For example, when you head out on a week-long hiking trip, you’ll probably need a phone that lasts more than a day.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best smartphones that offer a long battery life. It is, however, worth noting that these phones don’t feature stellar specs or cameras that can match those found on iPhones. Instead, they are built to handle tougher conditions and offer much better battery life than typical flagship models.

Oukitel WP27

Taking the top spot on our list is the OUKITEL WP27 rugged smartphone. This phone stands out with its large 8,500 mAh battery, comfortable design, lightweight (despite being a rugged phone) and the fast MediaTek Helio G99 processor for handling demanding tasks. The WP27 comes with a large 6.8-inch display that features a 120Hz refresh rate and a 396 PPI. Additionally, it packs a 64MP main sensor with PDAF, a 20MP SONY night camera, and a 16MP selfie shooter. After using this smartphone for approximately two weeks, we highly recommend it as the top pick if you’re seeking an affordable rugged phone with a great design and a comfortable feel.

OUKITEL WP19

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an even bigger battery, take a look at the OUKITEL WP19 smartphone, boasting an impressive 21,000 mAh battery. OUKITEL claims that the WP19 can provide a week’s worth of service on a single charge. In addition to a powerful battery, the OUKITEL WP19 also comes with MediaTek’s Helio G95 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. The only area where it falls short compared to the WP27 is in the display department, offering a 90Hz refresh rate, whereas the WP27 offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.

DOOGEE V30

For those looking for a rugged smartphone that does not skimp on specs in favor of durability, the DOOGEE V30 is probably the best option. It features a big 10,800 mAh and is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 which can cruise through demanding tasks with ease. It also features modern connectivity features such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and even supports eSIMs. You can read more about our experience with the Doogee V30 in our full review right here.

Ulefone Power Armor 16 Pro

If you want a tough and budget-friendly smartphone with a big battery, consider the Ulefone Power Armor 16 Pro. This smartphone features a big 9,600 mAh cell with support for 18W fast charging. Powered by MediaTek’s Helio G25 chipset, this smartphone features 64GB of onboard storage with the option to expand using a microSD card. One thing that sets the Ulefone Power Armor 16 Pro apart from others is the loudspeaker on the back. This back speaker can reach up to 122 dB in loudness, which can sure come in handy in noisy environments.

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

If you want a rugged smartphone that combines modern Android features with a sturdy design, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is a solid choice. It sports a 6.6-inch display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. It is powered by the Snapdragon 778G processor — the same processor that powers the Nothing Phone 1 and vivo V29. It runs on Android 13 (OneUI 5) and features DeX support as well. While its battery capacity is modest at 4,000 mAh, the advantage is that it’s user-replaceable, so you can carry a spare. Additionally, it comes with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 13MP selfie shooter. If budget is not an issue, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro stands out as one of the top Android rugged smartphones available.

UMIDIGI Power 7 Max

For those looking for a smartphone with a big battery that doesn’t sport a rugged look, the UMIDIGI Power 7 Max is a perfect choice. It comes with a relatively stylish outer body that doesn’t look awkward in the work environment. It is powered by the UNISOC T610 chipset — the same chipset that powers Nokia’s T20 tablet — and runs on Android 12. It has a big 10,000 mAh battery that should easily last you at least a couple of days on a single charge. Moreover, it features 18W fast wired charging and a 48MP SONY camera sensor.

Blackview BV7100

Last on our list is the Blackview BV7100 rugged smartphone. This rugged smartphone is powered by MediaTek’s Helio G85 gaming processor and runs on Android 12. Blackview claims the 13,000 mAh battery can provide over 15 hours of continuous gaming sessions and over 1100 hours of standby time. Plus, it’s built to handle rough conditions with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, making it a reliable companion for your adventures. If you’re on a budget, the Blackview BV7100 rugged smartphone is a great choice.

Of course, you don’t always need a separate smartphone for camping and other adventure sports activities. For such scenarios, battery cases offer a great way to extend the battery life of the smartphone you already own. Though the battery cases make the device thicker, bulkier, and heavier, you can remove them at any time and get back your sleek smartphone – something you can’t do with rugged battery-focused smartphones.

Check out our list of the best battery cases for some popular smartphones that we could find on the market today. Can’t find your device? Do let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll update our collection with the best battery case for your specific device.