Although the current models from Apple and Samsung are waterproof, very few people want to rely on them. In most cases, the manufacturer excludes contact with salt water for complaints, and the risk is far too great given the high prices for the top models. In order to remain reachable and not put your expensive device in danger, it can be worth buying a cheap outdoor mobile phone.
The French manufacturer Crosscall has two models in its range that are also specifically designed to be protected against corrosion. The Shark-X3 is waterproof for up to 60 minutes at a water depth of two metres in accordance with the IP68 standard and is even said to be floatable. It also offers an emergency call function, whereby an emergency text message is sent and light signals are activated after a pre-selected period of time in the water. With a 2.4-inch display, 64 megabytes of memory and a 5 megapixel camera, the mobile phone only offers basic functions, but the lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 950 milliampere hours is said to provide up to 264 hours of standby time. The price of 99 euros is very fair.
With a 5-inch display, 32 gigabytes of memory and a 12-megapixel camera, the Action-X3 already offers the functionality of an average smartphone. It is also waterproof in accordance with the IP68 standard and should also be protected against salt water or oily liquids. The Gorilla Glass 4 is also designed to protect the screen against drops and scratches. Only the operating system is somewhat outdated with Android 7.1.2. The smartphone costs 349 euros.
Both devices support dual SIM. This means you can receive messages and calls from friends abroad as normal and still use the SIM card of a local provider for surfing.
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
