ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The AGM H6 is the corporate’s newest rugged cellphone, priced at $299. There’s an early-bird deal that reductions it right down to $219.
- The cellphone passes all rugged safety certifications, has a big capability battery, and is way slimmer than its rivals.
- Being a mid-range system, there are some compromises, together with no 5G assist, just one rear digicam, and the dearth of long-term software program assist.
As flagship smartphone makers work to enhance the sturdiness of telephones, I am noticing that there are fewer and fewer cumbersome instances out within the wild. A couple of years in the past, rugged telephones had been clunky, heavy, and compromised by design to supply a cellphone that would survive drops, water immersion, and the sandiest of seashores.
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However for the previous couple of weeks, I’ve been utilizing the AGM H6, and it is exhausting for me to fathom simply how “regular” this system feels in comparison with earlier rugged telephones. It is also comparatively inexpensive at underneath $300. Here is the breakdown.
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AGM H6
As we enter the autumn and winter seasons, having a dependable rugged cellphone that may stand up to the weather is ideal for out of doors fans.
Let’s get the fundamentals down first. The AGM H6 has a big 6.56-inch show with a 90Hz refresh price, Unisoc T606 processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB inner storage with a microSD card slot, 3.5mm audio port, a 50MP principal digicam, NFC assist, and 4,900mAh battery. The cellphone does not assist 5G networks.
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At a weight of simply 240 grams and thickness of simply 10.75mm, it’s possible you’ll not suppose it is a rugged cellphone designed to face up to fieldwork. However I’ve dropped it, submerged it, and went operating within the rain with it and the system seems to be nearly the identical as when it got here out of the field. Bizzare, proper?
I typically carry a cellphone with me after I run for security and to have the ability to seize photographs on the go. As I enter the darkish and wet season within the Pacific Northwest, utilizing an inexpensive cellphone like this for these classes is ideal. It is much less dangerous than operating round with a $1,000 flagship cellphone, however nonetheless dependable sufficient to remain linked with my members of the family and social community.
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Survival is the secret with the AGM H6, due to its IP68 waterproof ranking, IP69K dustproof ranking, and 1.8m shock-resistant check certification. The body across the show is raised 0.4mm above the display to assist shield it whereas further nook safety (with a lanyard opening within the high left) is offered for drops. The USB-C port and headset jack are sealed with covers, which is a considerate contact.
That is the primary cellphone I’ve examined with the Unisoc Tiger processor and benchmark scores present it beating the Snapdragon 630 and 640 processors, a standard chipset on this sub-$300 class. I used to be in a position to make use of the AGM flawlessly as my each day driver, though I do not play intensive video games on my cellphone both. The big 4,900mAh capability battery acquired me by a day and a half pretty simply.
The cameras, 50MP principal and 2MP macro carried out effectively, and as anticipated, the low gentle efficiency merely cannot match flagship telephones that value 5 occasions the worth. I used to be in a position to seize images on my runs that my household loved, and for underneath $300, the digicam is completely acceptable. It is also good to see NFC inside in order that Google Pockets can be utilized for contactless funds.
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Android 13 is put in on the cellphone and it runs a moderately inventory model of Android. I simply want AGM was extra proactive with software program updates, particularly when different producers are emphasizing that, even with lower-cost gadgets. After studying this AGM weblog publish on updates and checking previous AGM telephones that I’ve examined, it’s unlikely that the AGM H6 will obtain any of the main Android updates.
There may be an extra yellow facet key on the left facet of the cellphone with settings for single press, double press, and press/maintain. It is just like the iPhone 15 Professional’s Motion Button however much more practical.
I really like the facet fingerprint sensor for a fast pick-up-and-unlock, the massive display for viewing spreadsheets and knowledge, and the rugged construct that lets me use it wherever and every time with out worrying about destroying it or paying a excessive payment for a safety service.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The AGM H6 is accessible now in a U.S. T-Cellular modelEuropean model, and remainder of the world model. I examined the U.S. T-Cellular model and it labored as supposed. When you’re on a special service, I might advise shopping for a special cellphone that is formally suitable.
The brand new AGM H6 is ideal for individuals who plan to ski, hike, fish, and discover the outside within the upcoming chilly seasons and even the hotter climate on seashores sooner or later. It is particularly smooth for the rugged cellphone that it’s, and on the sub-$300 value, its sturdiness options are completely value it.
