US Cellular’s Kyocera DuraPro is a rugged flip phone priced like a smartphone
By Vlad Bobleanta on 26 Feb 13It definitely seems like more and more carriers are launching more and more rugged phones lately. And that’s a good thing. After all, why not have this option? If you don’t like the rugged look, or don’t need the water and dust protection, you’re free to buy something else.
If, however, you would need a rugged phone and your carrier of choice is US Cellular, you’re in luck, for it’s about to add a new one to its roster. That said, the Kyocera DuraPro will certainly not appeal to those who crave a smartphone.
That’s because the DuraPro is no such thing. It’s a feature phone that comes with the almost-dead flip design (clamshell), as you can see above. It is very rugged though. It adheres to the Military Spec 810G. It’s water, shock, dust, and vibration resistant. Furthermore, it is encased in non-slip Dura-Grip material, which makes it extremely easy to hold yet incredibly durable. The DuraPro can be immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes without breaking a sweat.
The Kyocera DuraPro can also withstand temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog, and humidity without problems. So it will be a perfect fit for people working (or just travelling) in environments where such things aren’t rare occurrences.
The phone has a 3.2 MP camera, a microSD card, and a programmable hot key on the side that can be assigned to any app you want.
The Kyocera DuraPro will be available online at US Cellular on February 27, and in stores one day later. It will be offered for $99.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year contract. The price is more than what you can find decent midrange smartphones at, and it’s on par with what third party retailers sometimes charge for high-end smartphones. So get this only if you really hate smartphones. Or love ruggedness that much.
If you liked the post, you might find these interesting too:
- Kyocera DuraPlus brings extreme ruggedness to Sprint’s Direct Connect
- Rugged (water and dust proof) Samsung Galaxy S4 coming soon?
- Verizon announces the Casio G’zOne Ravine rugged clamshell
- Kyocera announces Hydro and Rise Android 4.0 ICS smartphones
- Sprint launches rugged Kyocera DuraXT for Direct Connect users
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