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Samsung Rugby Smart review

7.5/10 AVG.
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Samsung Rugby Smart
Samsung Rugby Smart
Samsung Rugby Smart
Samsung Rugby Smart
Samsung Rugby Smart
Samsung Rugby Smart
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7.5/10
Informr score
The Samsung Rugby Smart currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 10 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Looking for a serious, rugged smartphone? Take a look at the Samsung Rugby Smart. Apart from sporting a more mainstream look than most rugged handsets, it actually runs a smart OS in the form of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. That alone makes it an interesting option among the half a dozen or so other rugged phone alternatives. And if you’re an AT&T subscriber, it’s one of your best smart and rugged options.

With the Android operating system, you can use it not only as a phone but also as a highly advanced mobile computer. And the fact that it can take its fair share of use and abuse is a huge plus. Some reviewers have even gone so far as to say that it is the best option in its class.

Problems arise with the Rugby Smart when it comes to battery life and speed during performance. Most of the complaints against it are about occasional sluggishness during use. This shouldn’t be surprising since the Rugby Smart isn’t exactly fitted with high-end hardware components. Its battery is also a bit disappointing as it only offers 3 hours of talk time in 3G. And when it comes to standby time, it lasts a little better than 10 days.

This phone might be a good pick for AT&T subscribers who are trying to find a well-balanced rugged smartphone. It specs are hardly impressive, but with an attractive price tag and durable exterior, it’s definitely an attractive choice for the right buyer.

Need to Know: Samsung Rugby Smart

1. Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the default OS. (The Good)

2. Good build quality for professionals who need a rugged phone for work. (The Good)

3. Relatively short battery life. (The Bad)

4. Not as rugged or as smart as other phones available on the market. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
3.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.7"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1650 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechnoBuffalo
TechnoBuffalo

I’m the kind of gadget geek that always wants a gadget that I don’t really ever, ever need. I have a solar powered atomic watch that I never wear, for example, but I keep it around in case a Zombie apocalypse does indeed occur. So when I heard about the Rugby Smart I thought to myself, awesome, an A...

- Todd Haselton , TechnoBuffalo
Engadget
Engadget

Well, this is a pretty easy decision to make, really. Are you on AT&T? Do you cherish the ability to give your phone a beating over laying claim to top-shelf specs? Then pretty much your only option is the Rugby Smart. Even if you're free to pick whichever carrier you please, this is still probably...

- Terrence O'Brien, Engadget
Phonedog
Phonedog

The Rugby Smart may not be the tough, work-horse phone that Samsung says it is, but it's durable enough to handle some drops and water spills. If you need an extra-durable phone, I would look elsewhere. But if you simply have a hectic life and you are a little rough on your phone, the Rugby Smart is...

- Sydney Myers, Phonedog
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

The Rugby Smart is a neat little smartphone from Samsung. It's not a fully ruggedized tank, but it's tough enough to endure the daily trials and tribulations of an active lifestyle that might wreak havoc on lesser smartphones.About the only bad thing I can say about it is the fuzzy-sounding voice ca...

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
Android Community
Android Community

For $99.99 on an AT&T contract, you’ve got a few options. If you want 4G LTE, the HTC Vivid is an excellent choice. Those who need more power can opt for the Motorola Atrix 2, and those who want a big, beautiful screen can choose Samsung’s own Galaxy S II. But for someone who wants a small and relat...

- Michael Crider, Android Community


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Rugby Smart user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Rugby Smart with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Rugby Smart has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
3.7"

The Samsung Rugby Smart's screen size is 3.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Scorpion ARM7 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1650mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1650 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 16 days standby time, 480 minutes, 353 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Rugby Smart Specs

Overview
Release Date March 4, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Scorpion ARM7 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 1.52 W/kg
Body: 0.94 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA 14.4
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Smile detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1650 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 574 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 353 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 480 minutes
Standby Time Up to 16 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.2 x 6.6 x 1.2 cm (4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5 in)
Weight 125 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design Yes
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: OTA
Audio Formats: MP3, MP4, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WMA, WAV, M4A, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, PDF, PPT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-I847
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Rugby Smart Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Rugby Smart
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