AGM X6 Review: A Durable Companion for the Outdoors

When it comes to rugged smartphones, the AGM brand has become synonymous with reliability and durability. The Chinese manufacturer, known for its focus on outdoor enthusiasts, workers in demanding environments, and those prone to dropping their phones, has introduced the AGM X6, a device designed to withstand the harshest conditions. The AGM X6 promises a robust build, practical features, and decent 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.

The AGM X6 follows the classic design language of rugged smartphones, with a robust and high-quality build that meets military standards. Complying with MIL-STD-810H, IP68, and IP69K, the phone is waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof, capable of surviving falls from up to 1.5 meters. The device’s rubberized edges and non-slip texture ensure that it can withstand shocks and impacts, a critical feature for outdoor use.

One of the standout design elements of the AGM X6 is its “Phantom” variant, which sports a transparent back that reveals the internal components, such as the NFC module and battery. While this design might not appeal to everyone, it adds 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 look, making it both functional and stylish.

Despite its durability, the AGM X6 remains relatively lightweight at 260 grams, which is lighter than many competing rugged phones. However, compared to conventional smartphones, its weight and bulk are still noticeable, which might take some getting used to.

The AGM X6 features a large 6.78-inch IPS display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels. The display delivers solid color reproduction, good contrast, and impressive viewing angles, thanks to the IPS technology. However, the screen is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is below what many modern smartphones offer. While this is acceptable for general use, those accustomed to higher refresh rates might find the experience slightly lacking.

One area where the display falls short is brightness. The screen’s maximum brightness is average, making it difficult to view content under direct sunlight. This is a crucial consideration for outdoor users who rely on their smartphones in bright environments.

AGM pre-applies a screen protector to the display, which is a nice touch for added durability. However, the screen protector does attract some streaks, which may require regular cleaning.

Under the hood, the AGM X6 is powered by the Unisoc Tanggula T750 processor, an octa-core chipset featuring six ARM Cortex A55 cores and two ARM Cortex A75 cores. The device also includes an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, which handles graphical tasks. While the X6 is not a powerhouse, it provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as 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 within the lower mid-range category. It’s comparable to older flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10, though it doesn’t match up to newer, more powerful phones. For users who require a rugged device for basic tasks, the X6 performs well, but those seeking high-end gaming or intensive multitasking might find it underwhelming.

The AGM X6 ships with Android 14 out of the box, providing a near-stock Android experience. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer a clean and uncluttered interface. There’s no bloatware, and a virus scan during testing found no malware or spyware. Most 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 ranging from -30°C to 300°C, making it useful for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in various fields. The sensor works well and provides accurate readings, though its utility for the average user may be limited.

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, the image quality is average at best. Photos taken with the X6 often appear pale and washed out, with a lack of sharpness and contrast. The absence of optical image stabilization further hampers the camera’s performance, particularly in low-light conditions.

The front-facing camera, with its 16-megapixel sensor, fares better for selfies and video calls. It also supports facial recognition, which works quickly and accurately for unlocking the device.

Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second, and the lack of image stabilization makes it challenging to capture smooth footage, especially when on the move.

The AGM X6 packs a 5,000mAh battery, which is on par with many flagship smartphones. In my tests, the device achieved a battery life of approximately 13.5 hours. That's under typical usage conditions, including web browsing, streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity. This translates to about two days of use 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 18 watts. While this is not the fastest charging solution available, it is sufficient for most users. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not supported, which may be a drawback for some.

The AGM X6 is a solid choice for those in need of 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 alike. However, it’s not without its flaws. The camera performance is mediocre, the display could be brighter, and the overall performance is limited compared to higher-end smartphones.

For a price of around €300, the AGM X6 offers a good balance of features and durability. However, those who prioritize camera quality or need more processing power might want to explore other options. The X6’s strengths lie in its rugged build, battery life, and resistance to the elements. All these make it a reliable companion for outdoor activities and tough working conditions.