(2014-09-08, 17:44)Mokus Wrote: [ -> ] (2014-09-07, 12:09)edcoolio Wrote: [ -> ]What are the WCDMA frequencies you need?
Without that, it is difficult to look...
Preferably 900/2100MHz, but only 2100MHz is also OK.
OK, cool. Under $250 and tough - are you planning on dropping this device in the water?
Here is what I have seen. The best priced products with shock-proof/water-resist tend to be dual core, 512MB RAM products. It tends to be a hunt just to find them with a decent range of WCDMA frequencies (plenty are just basic 2g quad frequencies) with an IPS screen and respectable battery - so I see where your request is coming from.
Some have a radio built in, although I'm not sure how many people use the thing, but they are out there.
Personally, running down the M8 (AKA "snowpow") looks about as good as you are going to get. It is the tried and true 6589, so it should be very easy to root. Realize the phone is very heavy/large for a 4.5 inch screen, but it does fulfill all your requirements. It has dual SIM, removable batteries, Some are listed at 850/2100 and others are WCDMA 850/900/2100MHz so make sure and ASK first for your own sake!! (for example, the ali shop below claims the tri-band 3G while Gearbest only lists the two WCDMA frequencies)
Another to try is the MANN ZUG 3 with a 4" screen. Looks decent enough, but I have seen a few more complaints buzzing about with this one - but still not too many. Also an IP68.
The final one is a dark-horse (for me) as I have heard nothing about it. It is the "Jaguar V12". It has the best specs of them all, but an IP67 rating. This would be my first choice if I was going to take a flyer on something that SHOULD be relatively awesome for what it is, with the understanding that there are no guarantees.
I have heard nothing really, really bad about the product if that counts for anything - all reviews seem decent enough, and that includes youtube of course. Specs are acceptable for a purported IP68 phone. Just make sure you are looking at the M8 quad core, NOT the M8s dual core!
Gearbest has the M8 at $250 (don't forget the chinaphonearena discount code) but you can find them on aliexpress for around $230 or less if you are willing to chance there with a good supplier (try Andoid Mini PC/ Phone/ Tablet Shop) - this shop has the other products for you to read about if it strikes you. Gearbest is preferred here and will obviously tend to cover you a bit better if you get a lemon, so make sure and factor that into your decision.
I'll keep my eyes open as time permits. Hope you find something soon and give a shout if you see or buy anything interesting!