When it comes to rugged smartphones, the AGM brand has become synonymous with reliability and durability. Known for its focus on outdoor enthusiasts, those working in harsh environments, and those prone to dropping their phones, the Chinese manufacturer has introduced the AGM X6, a device designed to withstand the harshest conditions. The AGM X6 promises a solid build, practical features, and good performance, making it a strong contender in the rugged smartphone market. In this review, we take a deep dive into what makes the AGM X6 stand out.
Technical data
| Dimensions | 174.95mm x 81.49mm x 11.42mm |
| Weight | 260 gr |
| Processor | Unisoc Tanggula T750 8 cores (6x ARM Cortex A55 @ 1.83 GHz; 2x ARM Cortex A76 @ 2.05 GHz) |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 @ 680MHz |
| Memory | 8GB RAM; 128GB system memory |
| Expandable memory | yes; microSD card (maximum 512GB) |
| View | 6.78′ FHD+ screen (1080 x 2460 pixels, 60 Hz) |
| Camera system | Rear: 50 MP main camera, temperature sensor, LED flash Front: 16MP front camera with face recognition |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh; charging at 18 watts maximum |
| Protection against water, dust and impacts | Waterproof, drop-proof, dust-proof according to IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H |
| Links | USB-C 2.0; 3.5mm jack |
| Cellular | GSM: B2, B3, B5, B8 WCDMA: B1, B2, B4, B5, B8 LTE-FDD: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B20, B26, B28 LTE-TDD: B34, B38, B40, B41 5G NR:n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78 |
| Wireless Network | Wi-Fi 5 (WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Card slots | 2 (1x Nano SIM and 1x Nano SIM or microSD) |
| Software | Android 14 |
| price | €299.99 |
| Various | Temperature sensor (-30 °C to 300 °C), pre-installed screen protector, configurable function button, NFC, power adapter included, face recognition, fingerprint sensor |
Design and Build Quality
The AGM X6 follows the classic design language of rugged smartphones with its robust and high-quality build that meets military standards. Compliant with MIL-STD-810H, IP68, and IP69K, the phone is waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant, and can withstand drops of up to 1.5 meters. The device’s rubberized edges and non-slip texture ensure it can withstand bumps and shocks, a critical feature for outdoor use.
One of the standout design elements of the AGM X6 is its “Phantom” variant, which features a transparent back that reveals internal components like the NFC module and battery. While this design may not appeal to everyone, it does add a unique aesthetic that sets the X6 apart from other rugged phones. The phone’s aluminum side accents and four side buttons further enhance its rugged appearance, making it both functional and stylish.
Despite its durability, the AGM X6 remains relatively lightweight at 260 grams, which is lighter than many rival rugged phones. However, compared to traditional smartphones, its weight and bulk are still noticeable and can take some getting used to.
AGM X6 review: Display Quality
The AGM X6 has a large 6.78-inch IPS display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels. Thanks to IPS technology, the display offers solid color reproduction, good contrast, and impressive viewing angles. However, the display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is below what many modern smartphones offer. While this is acceptable for general use, those used to higher refresh rates may find the experience a little lacking.
One area where the display falls short is brightness. The maximum brightness of the display is average, making it difficult to view content under direct sunlight. This is an important consideration for outdoor users who rely on their smartphones in brightly lit environments.
AGM pre-applies a screen protector to the display, which is a nice touch for extra durability. However, the screen protector does pull some streaks that may require regular cleaning.
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Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the AGM X6 is powered by the Unisoc Tanggula T750 processor, an octa-core chipset that includes six ARM Cortex A55 cores and two ARM Cortex A75 cores. The device also includes an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU that handles graphical tasks. While the X6 isn’t a powerhouse, it provides enough performance for day-to-day tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
The phone is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 512GB via microSD. The inclusion of 5G connectivity is a welcome feature at this price point, ensuring fast and reliable mobile data speeds.
In terms of benchmark performance, the AGM X6 falls into the lower mid-range category. It’s comparable to older flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S10, but it’s no match for newer, more powerful phones. For users who need a solid device for basic tasks, the X6 performs well, but those looking for high-end gaming or intensive multitasking may find it lacking.
AGM X6 review: Software Experience
The AGM X6 ships with Android 14, offering a near-stock Android experience. This is a major advantage for users who prefer a clean and uncluttered interface. There’s no unnecessary bloatware, and a virus scan during testing found no malware or spyware. Most of the pre-installed apps are Google services, with only a few additional apps from AGM.
One of the unique features of the AGM X6 is the customizable button on the left side of the device. Users can assign one of five functions to this button. These include activating the camera, flashlight, or music player, as well as using it for push-to-talk or temperature measurement. However, the button's customization options are somewhat limited.
Another notable feature is the temperature sensor integrated into the camera module. This sensor can measure temperatures between -30°C and 300°C, making it useful for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in various fields. The sensor works well and provides accurate readings, but its usefulness for the average user may be limited.
Camera Performance
The AGM X6 is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, accompanied by an LED flash and the aforementioned temperature sensor. While the camera’s resolution is impressive on paper, image quality is average at best. Photos taken with the X6 often look washed out and washed out, lacking in sharpness and contrast. The lack of optical image stabilization further degrades the camera’s performance, especially in low-light conditions.
The front camera, with its 16-megapixel sensor, performs better for selfies and video calls. It also supports facial recognition, which works quickly and accurately to unlock the device.
Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second, and the lack of image stabilization makes it difficult to capture smooth footage, especially while moving.
AGM X6 review: Battery Life and Charging
The AGM X6 packs a 5,000mAh battery, which is on par with many flagship smartphones. In my testing, the device managed to get around 13.5 hours of battery life. That’s under typical usage conditions like web browsing, streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity. That’s about two days of usage for moderate users. In standby mode, the X6 loses about 4-5% of its battery per day, giving it an estimated standby time of up to 20 days.
Charging the device is done via a USB-C 2.0 port with a maximum charging speed of 18W. This isn’t the fastest charging solution on the market, but it should be enough for most users. Unfortunately, wireless charging isn’t supported, which could be a downside for some.
AGM X6 review: Final Thoughts
The AGM X6 is a solid choice for those who need a durable smartphone that can withstand the rigors of outdoor environments. Its rugged design, long battery life, and practical features like dual-SIM support and a temperature sensor make it a valuable tool for professionals and adventurers. However, it is not without its flaws. Camera performance mediocrethe display could have been brighter and its overall performance is limited compared to high-end smartphones.
For around €300, the AGM X6 offers a good balance between features and durability. However, those who prioritize camera quality or need more processing power may want to explore other options. The X6’s strengths are its robust build, battery life, and resistance to the elements. All of this makes it a reliable companion for outdoor activities and harsh working conditions.