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Samsung Rugby III review

4.2/10 AVG.
RATING
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Samsung Rugby III
Samsung Rugby III
Samsung Rugby III
Samsung Rugby III
Samsung Rugby III
Samsung Rugby III
...


4.2/10
Informr score
The Samsung Rugby III currently has an Informr score of 4.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 6 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Good speakerphone
  • Long battery life

What's bad

  • Poor call quality
  • Questionable durability (unable to survive independent water test)

The Samsung Rugby 111 is a flip phone with an internal and external display, alpha-numeric keypad with large keys, and a battery rated for up to 9 hours of talk time. It features push-to- talk for walkie-talkie-esque capabilities, a speakerphone, microSD and a 3.5mm jack. The external display shows date, day, time, battery remaining indicator, etc., and rests just below a large speakerphone grille.

As the name implies, the Rugby 111 is designed to be durable. Built to military specs, Sony claims it can withstand dust, rain, shock, vibration, humidity and can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes.

However, some reviewers found the phone unable to deliver on some of its promised durability. Phonearena subjected the phone to two inches of water for 30 minutes. “After 30 minutes we retrieved it to find the device powered off and unwilling to power back on.”

Most reviewers found the call quality to be subpar. CNET said it was “sadly, one of the worst audio experiences I've had in a long time, and on a simple cell phone like this, that's inexcusable.” Phonescoop said the quality “is abysmal. Every conversation I had sounded like I was talking through a wall.”

There’s a basic WAP browser onboard and a 3 megapixel camera that can shoot 320 x 340 video through a variety of modes. The phone also lets you set up restrictions on calls, messaging and access to the address book. “This is handy for businesses looking to deploy fleet phones, since they can ensure that the phones be used only for business purposes,” Phonearena said.

Most reviewers were underwhelmed by this phone. CNET summed up by saying, “although I like the phone's aesthetics, based on poor call quality in my tests, I can't recommend buying the Rugby 3 for personal or company use.”


Custom
Operating system
Operating system
Custom
468 MHz
Processor
Processor
468 MHz
2.4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
2.4"
3+ MP
Camera
Camera
3+ MP
1300 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

The Samsung Rugby 3 has a terrifically responsive dial pad and enhanced push-to-talk support.

- Jessica Dolcourt, Cnet
Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

The Rugby III is a jack of all trades, but master of none. If you're looking for a basic handset that can withstand some abuse, it manages to accomplish that with ease. Nearly every other feature, however, earns a "B" at best.The biggest detractor is call quality. It's simply not good enough, not fo...

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

The Samsung Rugby III isn’t a sleek phone, nor is it a smart phone. It is intended to be a big, rugged device that can withstand rough environments. While it performed as expected as a phone, it unfortunately was not able to meet the advertised certifications. The only reason you buy a phone l...

- Brian K., PhoneArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Rugby III 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
2.4"

The Samsung Rugby III's screen size is 2.4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
468 MHz

There is a STE PNX6809L 468 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
3+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 3+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
256 MB

Internal memory is 256 MB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1300mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1300 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 20 days standby time.

Rugby III Specs

Overview
Release Date December 14, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor STE PNX6809L 468 MHz
Internal Storage 256 MB
RAM 128 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.47 W/kg
Body: 0.56 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) Yes
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 2.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, BPP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi No
Mobile Hotspot No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
3+ Megapixels
Zoom
2x digital
Flash
No
Additional Rear Camera Info
Effects, Frames, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Smile detection, White balance, Mosaic, Metering Exposure
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
15 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 167 pixels
Size 2.4 inches
Secondary Display LCD (STN), 128 x 128 pixels, 1.3 inches, 65k
Sensors Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1300 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) No
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 20 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Flip
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 10.4 x 5.3 x 2.1 cm (4.1 x 2.1 x 0.8 in)
Weight 132 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design Yes
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Standard / 12-key Numeric
Navigation Type D-pad
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Any Key Answer: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Contact List Capacity: 1000
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
PC Synchronization: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR, WMA, M4A
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Currency Converter, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Samsung SGH-A997, Samsung Rugby 3
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Rugby III Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Rugby III
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