The rugged phone sector of the market is that part of the market where users need a phone that can handle anything. They need to be waterproof, Dustproof and most importantly practical. With leading brands such as CAT offering the S62 Pro so when AGM sent us the latest M7 rugged phone that comes in at a budget price. I wanted to explore this phone in more detail.
So who is AGM?
AGM is a rugged phone brand that has been around since 2008 when a group of tech enthusiasts saw a gap in the market. They have been offering innovation from offerings such as the AGM Rock V5 to the more recent AGM A10. They offer rugged devices on a budget.
Also Read: AGM A10 Review
First Impressions
The AGM M7 feels like it got delivered to me from the early ’90s by Marty Mcfly from Back to the future. This phone has large buttons, a replaceable battery, colour display but when you take a closer look it also has some up to date features such as a touchscreen and 3.5-watt speaker on the rear packs a real punch.
Design
The AGM M7 comes in at 14cm high and 2cm thick meaning it’s quite a chunky design. The Buttons on the M7 are even larger than those on my fathers Doro device and his buttons are designed for those with poor eyesight.
As you can see the buttons on the AGM M7 are larger than that of the Doro device.
The device has an easy to grip exterior which helps you keep the phone in your hand. On the left side of the device, you have a yellow customisable button that can be used to shortcut to audio, camera or LED touch. At the top of the device, you also have a top-mounted LED touch which adds to the practical element of this device.
The screen on the M7 is smaller than the average smartphone but when considering this is a rugged device it’s most likely to be an advantage. Moving to the rear of the device you have a large raised 3.5-watt speaker which offers a loud ringer that can be heard even in the noisiest of environments.
AGM M7 display is smaller than most devices.
The rear of the AGM M7 comes with that 3.5 Watt Speaker and rear camera.
Also on the rear, you have the cover that protects the battery compartment just like the Nokia devices of years ago. Once you take the cover off you are met with a second plastic cover that protects the battery that can be removed if required. The battery is removable which is quite impressive considering it’s an IP68 rated device it’s a handy innovative idea. The battery life you get a 2500mAh battery which considering what you can do with this phone it will last the day.
The phone also comes with a front and rear camera which I will discuss in more later in the review.
Features
The AGM M7 comes with Android 8.1 and this supports the use of Bluetooth, mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi. The phone does not come with the normal Google App store what you do get is a range of apps pre-installed such as:
- TikTok
- Skype
- Zello
Plus some standard apps such as FM Radio, Sound Recording, Calendar etc. The lack of Google Playstore means you also can’t sign in to your Google account meaning adding contacts can transfer via the USB-C port or do it the old fashion way and input each connection by hand.
The Rugged features of this phone include its IP68 rated which means it can handle taking a drop of up to 2m and is waterproof up to 2 meters. The phone is also dustproof and last but not least it can also handle extreme temperatures for as cold as -20 to 60C.
This phone is as rugged as they come and in testing handled everything we did to the phone. The phone has a top-mounted LED its bright and can be used if when the phone is locked ideal for say a mechanic using thick gloves.
Phone Browser
The Browser on the M7 is very basic to the point where it’s only suitable for the most basic of web searches. You can use the browser for your emails and even watch Youtube but the issues you have with this is the screen is very small and the resolution is low and the fact it requires frequent use of the touch screen so it’s not ideal. This is the same for other social media platforms like Facebook. The small screen makes it difficult to use.
If you use the phone like my dad does with his old school device this phone will be fine but if you want to use the smart elements we are used to in a smartphone you will find it a little clunky. However, if you keep your expectations low you will be happy with this phone.
Camera
The M7 has two cameras, one selfie camera on the top right of the device and the other on the rear of the phone just below the 3.5W speaker. Unfortunately, the cameras are low quality paired with low-fidelity colour. The cameras offer a functional way of taking a quick picture in good lighting that is not massively detailed.
Verdict
The AGM M7 is a unique device, not quite a Nokia 3310 of old but at the same time it won’t give the CAT S62 Pro any nightmares. However, for a rugged phone that offers simplicity for these on a budget, it’s not that bad if you’re looking for a basic but rugged phone.
This phone is ideal for those who need to get into the digital age but have limitations when it comes to technology and the AGM M7 does the basics well. The battery life will keep going like the Nokia’s of the 90’s. The Rugged design means you won’t have to worry about dropping it on the ground, in a puddle you could even use this device for the trip up the 3 peaks, just maybe take a camera with you if you want a detailed picture. The added LED touch will light up the dark.
AGM also offer an additional Desk Top charger which allows you to keep this phone safe and charged in your office or garage. This charging station costs £14.99 also available from the AGM Website.
Product Rating:
- Design: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
- Features: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Camera: 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
- Battery Life: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
- Value for Money : 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall Rating: 3.8 out of 5.0 stars – 3.8 Stars
The AGM M7 is currently available for £89.99 from the AGM Mobile Website
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I recently purchased this phone but am having trouble learning how to use it. The phone came with a sheet describing the various button and their functions but no real instruction in hoe to operate them. I took quite a bit of trial and error on my part and I still do not have full function. AGM needs to provide a step by step users manual for their customers.
Sorry to hear you are having issues with your phone if I can help let me know what features you are getting stick with?
Just purchased an M7 last week, initially like it but also having trouble to learn it’s intricacies, clear instructions that you can read with out a magnifying glass would be a huge help.
You need step by step on how to use the features on the agm 6m phone
Thanks, I will take that into consideration for the next review.