UKC

Lost my phone yesterday on a run so need a replacement..

Something with decent(ish) cameras (macro lens would be great), large battery capacity and 'rugged' for ~£200-300 

seems Oukitel and Ulefone armor fit the bill but so many different models it's hard to decide.. maybe the Armor 24?

Is rugged necessary? Why not just get something with a decent camera/whatever other functions you want and put it in a case when necessary? I have a reconditioned pixel 6 from Backmarket which has been great.

rugged a bonus. camera and battery prob highest priority but limitations with my budget.

I'm wondering if an old pixel 6 or 8 would still have better image quality than more recent offerings from china? also concerns with battery life on used phones? (not replaceable)

There's a decent camera on the pixel 6 which is why I got it. They're pretty cheap 2nd hand now. Later models are probably better.

Left field and not what you asked for... But for completeness 

How about the phone you already own and use a waterproof carry bag thing, like this sort of jobbie

https://www.canoeandkayakstore.co.uk/products/palm-phone-case

I think they might need something to put in it though.😉

Or maybe a normal phone in a bag.

I got a ruggedised phone by Doogee (nope, hadn't heard of them before either) and it was cheap as chips, brilliant spec, huge battery waterproof brilliant in every respect except 1 rather large issue

I did expect it to be a little on the big and heavy side but me it was like a flashback to:  Dom Jolly "I'm on the phone!!!"

I'm eyeing up an Ulefone X16 for my next one. Mulling over the 4G or 5G version.

It'll be my third Ulefone, I've always found them tough enough and great bang for your buck.

Think mines a pixel 5 and the camera regularly out performs friends newer iPhones for landscape and low light photographs.

Edit - For me the main selling point was it's smaller than most phones on the market, so fits in a pocket.

I am a fan of the Ulefone and Doogee rugged phones, and have been using them for a good while now. I am a full-time mountain leader, so they get plenty of use in all weathers

I have just finally shelved my Doogee S86 as it was running Android 10, and was struggling with Google Wallet certification. Otherwise, it was simply bulletproof, has been in my rucksack or pocket for years, and to all intents and purposes looks as good as new, (despite me often showing off it's ruggedness by dunking it and dropping it from heights).

I have today replaced it with the Doogee Fire 3 Pro running Android 15, which is a little lighter, a little smaller, but with an interesting curved back for easier handling. It still has the hugemungous battery life, and after playing with it for a few hours, I think I like it. What I really like was the £130 price tag, so if it gives as good service as the S86, I will be very pleased.

I can't recommend them enough

Any middle of the road samsung plus an otterbox. 

Would you call the Galaxy A16 middle of the road or is it very much Vergeville AZ? What's its camera like? I'm a bit fed up with taking my Z50 out and never being bothered to take it out of its case and take a pic. Asking because my son gave me his A16 and he said it was a piece of *hit? (It seems amazing to me but I don't really want a phone.)

I have a refurbished Pixel 8. It was the slimmest I could find and has an excellent camera. My friends regularly comment about the quality of the photos. It claims to be waterproof, but if buying refurbished, they always come with the warning that waterproof is not to be trusted. I have dropped it plenty and it's still fine so far. I can't remember how much I paid, but it will have been less than £300, because I wouldn't pay more than that for a phone!

Currently using a Sony Xperia, as has (had?) one of the best cameras on the market. Put it in a LifeVenture case for wet stuff:

https://www.lifeventure.com/products/waterproof-phone-pouch

I like it, because it doesn't have any hard/rigid clips.

Curious what you go for, though, as the Xperia is at a point where it can't take latest versions of apps.