Recommend me a rugged/robust smartphone

[simon_adams_uk]

I'm in the market for a smartphone and am thinking a robust/rugged one would suit me best - primarily so it can be taken MTBing / into the general outdoors without me having to worry about being delicate with it.

I've got 4 options so far:
* Sony Xperia Active: http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-active/
* Samsung Galaxy Xcover: http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-active/
* Motorola Razr (rugged to an extent): http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/G...nd-Services/Mobile-Phones/MOTOROLA-RAZR-GB-EN
* other 'normal' smartphone but with an additional protective casing

Q1 - does anyone have any of these 3 phones and, if so, are they recommended?
Q2 - have I missed anything else similar?
Q3 - do all/some/none of these phones have a compromised overall performance because of their robustness (eg connectivity, speed, etc)?
Q4 - should I just get a protective casing and choose from a wider set of phones? [I'd rather not as it seems a shame to have a shiny new phone and then put it in an ugly aftermarket box...!]

Thanks in advance,
Simon

 

[Hacienda71]

I am due to change my HTC Desire after two years of use. I got a silicon case for it and screen protector and it has lasted well despite being dropped a couple of times and used daily to log rides etc using Endomondo and Strava.

 

[HovR]

Have you considered the Motorola Defy? A family member has one, and it seems pretty sturdy.

R.e. after market casings - I know numerous very active people, who are often out in the mountains, camping, fishing etc, with iPhones in Otter Box hard cases, and they are excellent. They add some bulk to the phone, but provide a great amount of protection. Even better with a high quality screen protector.

 

[Plax]

Probably a bit late into this but I only recently myself joined the smartphone revolution and got myself a Samsung Galaxy Ace. With a screen protector and scilicone case I can't see how the odd drop would kill it, depending on how high you drop it of course.............. I've only ever dropped mine in the house though.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Im with the Defy by Motorolla its a really good phone, and pretty tough, my mate has one and regulary drops it in pints of beer to show it's waterproof, I have seen it fall from his pocket while out riding and bounce along the road along with various other bits of abuse. The phone looks a mess now but is still functioning ok.
He is awaiting his new phone and then we are going to see what it takes to kill the thing, really tough phone.