# Rugged Ultra-Small Smartphones The Unihertz Atom is Tough and Tiny By Joey Haar | Published 2018-06-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unihertz-atom References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/6/6/17433188/tiny-4g-smartphone-rugged-unihertz-atom) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jellyphone/atom-world-s-smallest-4g-rugged-smartphone) At some point in the early 2000s, tech companies started realizing that the battle for the [smallest cellphone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oneplus-13s) was a futile one, and the relatively large smartphones of today are a testament to that changing sentiment -- so while modern phones tend toward big screens, the Unihertz Atom is something of a throwback. The phone stands out precisely because of its [minute form factor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluefox-nx1), and it's ideal for users who need a smartphone but are content with less. Not only is the Unihertz Atom an attractive offering because of its size qua size, but the phone also takes advantage of its stature for durability. The Atom has [IP68 dust and water resistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivo-y31d), and Unihertz encourages consumers to use it for extreme activities -- it can even take photos and record video while underwater. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Rugged Ultra-small Smartphones:** The trend of manufacturing smartphones that are both rugged and ultra-small presents an opportunity for companies to cater to consumers who need a compact and durable device. - **Throwback Form Factor:** The trend of small smartphones like the Unihertz Atom allows companies to tap into nostalgia while catering to users who prefer smaller, more manageable devices. - **Durability in Phone Design:** The trend of incorporating durability features like IP68 dust and water resistance into smartphone designs provides an opportunity for companies to attract consumers who engage in extreme activities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile Technology:** The mobile technology industry can embrace the trend of rugged ultra-small smartphones and cater to consumers seeking small, durable devices. - **Adventure Sports Equipment:** The adventure sports equipment industry can take advantage of the trend of incorporating durability in phone design by partnering with smartphone manufacturers to create devices suitable for extreme activities. - **Retro Consumer Electronics:** The retro consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the trend of throwback form factor by producing retro-style small smartphones that appeal to nostalgia-driven consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compact 5G Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jelly-max.md) - [Compact Jelly Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jelly-star.md) - [Micro-Sized Alt Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-phone-2a-micro.md) - [Compact Durable Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackview-n6000.md) - [Multifunctional Handheld Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unihertz-jelly-star.md) - [Angular Keyboard-Accented Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unihertz-titan-2.md) - [Hyper-Durable Chinese Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-durable-smartphone.md) - [High-Power Projector Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unihertz-tank-2.md) - [Mini-Sized Alternative Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cmf-phone-mini.md)