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Review: Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro for AT&T

Form Performance Basics Extras Wrap Up Comments 4

As far as rugged smartphones go, the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro is a fine device. Nearly every feature works well, though there are a few notable exceptions.

The hardware is pleasantly functional and easy to use. It looks decent and doesn't come off like a brick. You probably can't run over it with a tank, but it is tough enough to survive a fair amount of abuse. The screen is decent, the performance on AT&T's network is excellent, and the battery life should be enough for most people.

The software, user interface, and most applications work flawlessly. Samsung has done a good job of refining TouchWiz over the years and the Rugby Pro offers a flexible platform for customizing its behavior.

The real failing of the Rugby Pro is not the awkward ePTT software, but the poor volume of the speakers. I tested two separate devices, so I can't write the problem off as something specific to my review unit. If there's one thing a PTT device needs to deliver, it's Judas Priest-like volume from both the earpiece and speakerphone. The Rugby Pro is simply not loud enough.

Our Ratings

Overall

Reception

Battery Life

Hardware Usability

Hardware Quality

Display

Interface Speed

Audio Volume

Camera

Related

Hands-On: Samsung Rugby Pro and Galaxy Express

The Samsung Rugby Pro is a rugged Android smartphone and the Galaxy Express is a smaller brother to the Galaxy S III. Read on for Phone Scoop's first impressions.

Samsung Outs Galaxy Express and Rugby Pro for AT&T

Sep 28, 2012
Samsung and AT&T today announced the Galaxy Express and Galaxy Rugby Pro Android smartphones. Shared features of these two devices include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, LTE 4G, and 5-megapixel cameras with video capture.

Samsung's Rugby Pro Earns Its Jelly Bean Stripes

Jan 15, 2013
AT&T and Samsung have made the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update available to the Galaxy Rugby Pro. The update is being pushed out over the air in phases, but can also be installed via Samsung's Kies software.

Apple Seeks to Add Six More Samsung Devices to Lawsuit

Nov 26, 2012
Apple has filed a request with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in an attempt to add six more Samsung devices to an existing lawsuit against the Korean company.

Samsung Rugby Pro Arrives October 21 for $99

Oct 19, 2012
AT&T announced that the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro wil be available online and in stores starting October 21. The device, which is a ruggedized Android smartphone with a 4-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, and PTT, costs $99.99 with a new contract.

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro

4" display 480 x 800 pixels
Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 processor 1 GB RAM
1,850 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm), NFC, Water-Resistant

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