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In this article, I will not be conducting the full range of MIL-STD-810H tests on the smartphone. Not because I’m afraid of damaging the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, but because it would likely lose its original appearance in the process.
And this is the first thing you should understand about MIL-STD certification—and the main reason why even rugged smartphones come with silicone cases. Military-grade protection is not designed to keep your device free from scratches or other cosmetic damage.
Video about MIL-STD-810H and Motorola Edge 50 Neo
Why it is important
MIL-STD-810H is meant to protect what truly matters—your data, SIM card, photos, and even the phone’s USB port. Some things are more valuable than the smartphone itself, even if it’s a Motorola. Your memories, your time, and your peace of mind—once lost, they can’t be restored.
What is MIL-STD-810H? It’s a series of military-grade tests developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The previous version, 810G, is still widely used, including by NATO. We have a separate article covering this in detail—if you’re interested in the specifics, that’s the place to go. It’s a very thorough breakdown. But to summarize…
The MIL-STD-810H testing protocol evaluates a device’s durability under extreme conditions, including high and low pressure, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. It also tests resistance to rain—both freezing and regular—exposure to dust and sand, shock from explosions, rapid acceleration, running water, firearm-induced vibrations, intense noise, and prolonged sunlight.
MIL-STD-810 is not IP68
This is why MIL-STD-810H is not the same as an IP68 rating, for example. An IP rating only measures resistance to dust and water, while MIL-STD testing covers a much wider range of conditions, including sun exposure. It’s also important to note that passing lab tests doesn’t guarantee a smartphone will survive a real-world explosion. A manufacturer can submit a reinforced sample for testing, while mass production might be held to slightly less rigorous standards—you get the idea.
For Motorola, this isn’t really a concern—the build quality of the Edge 50 Neo is excellent. If there were any major issues, reviewers would be pointing them out. My comment is more directed at some of the lesser-known “generic” Chinese brands. That said, even among them, quality can vary. If you have a heavy-duty rugged phone with a 20,000 mAh battery, it’s much harder for a manufacturer to create a test sample that won’t withstand MIL-STD conditions.
Here’s the key takeaway—and the reason I’m writing this in the first place. MIL-STD-810H is not a flawless standard. It doesn’t make any device “indestructible.” You still shouldn’t use your smartphone as a soccer ball or a spatula for flipping meatballs. That’s what a) an actual ball and b) a kitchen utensil are for.
Please use your smartphone for its intended purpose, at least a little bit. And don’t expect the appearance of the Edge 50 Neo to remain flawless, no matter how much time passes. I’m still frustrated with the manufacturer for not including glass on the display right from the factory. Finding it, even on AliExpress, is a hassle. Hydrogel screen protectors are easy to come by, but glass—much more difficult. The same goes for the Edge 50 Ultra.
So, if you want to maintain the color and texture, be careful. Oh, and I almost forgot—Motorola gave us the Edge 50 Neo in one of its most exotic colors, Mocca Mouse. It’s truly an exotic color, as you won’t find it in Ukraine, but there are other options available.
I’ve already reviewed the Edge 50 Neo before, and it came in either Latte or Peach, which I was really impressed with. The gold combined with the leather-like tone is just a perfect combination. There’s also Nautical Blue, the gray Grisaille, and another one I really like—the deep red Poinciana.
Main reason
So why even bother with MIL-STD-810H if it’s so random? Here’s the point. If your smartphone is built to the same standards and under the same conditions as the test sample that passed the laboratory tests, you can be confident that your device will survive in situations where its competitors won’t.
This is especially important in a war-torn environment. Acoustic explosions, damaged batteries, fires, and debris. And yes, I’m talking about this as someone who has been affected by full-scale invasion, but according to statistics, 50% of people in Ukraine are in the same situation. We’re the perfect market for this.
That’s why devices with MIL-STD-810H, like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, are some of the most reliable you can have—unless you’ve decided to go for a tank-like smartphone with sealed slots. And I’m sure many of you wouldn’t opt for that.
Read also:
- What is MIL-STD 810H: Standard Characteristics, Testing, and Usage
- Review of HONOR Magic 7 Pro: Worthy Flagship Smartphone
- Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Harmful? Insights from Audiologists
