Kyocera DuraForce: Rugged, Durable, and Ready for Adventure

When it comes to smartphones, most people prioritize sleek design and advanced features. But for those who need a phone that can withstand harsh environments, the Kyocera DuraForce may be the perfect choice. Launched in 2014, this rugged device was built to handle extreme conditions and tough terrains. Let's take a closer look at what makes this phone a standout in the market.

Rugged design

The Kyocera DuraForce may not win any design awards, but that's not what it's for. Instead, the focus is on durability and functionality. The phone measures 136.9 x 70.6 x 14 mm and weighs 200 g, making it slightly bulkier and heavier than the average smartphone. But this is due to its rugged build, which is IP68 dust and water-resistant and MIL-STD-810G compliant. This means it can withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes and is resistant to shock, extreme temperatures, and vibration.

Sturdy platform

Under the hood, the DuraForce runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat and is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset, which was a top-of-the-line processor in 2014. It also features a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU, providing decent performance for everyday tasks. The phone comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded through a microSD slot.

Impressive display and audio

With a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the DuraForce may seem small by today's standards. However, the display boasts a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen is also protected by a rugged material, making it scratch-resistant and durable. The phone also comes with stereo speakers, making it ideal for loud and clear communication, even in noisy environments.

Capture your adventures

Despite its rugged build, the DuraForce doesn't skimp on camera features. The main camera is 8MP with autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities, allowing you to capture high-quality photos and videos. The front camera, though only 2MP, is sufficient for video calls and selfies.

Long-lasting battery life

One of the major concerns for any smartphone user is battery life. Thankfully, the DuraForce has a 3100 mAh non-removable battery that can last up to 504 hours on standby and 17 hours of talk time. This is perfect for those who spend long hours outdoors and need a reliable phone that won't run out of juice quickly.

Strong cellular network and connectivity

The DuraForce supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing fast and reliable connections wherever you go. With speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps for HSPA and 150/50 Mbps for LTE Cat4, you can easily stream videos, download files, and stay connected with friends and family. The phone also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC capabilities, making it a versatile device for communication and navigation.

Advanced features

Aside from its ruggedness, the DuraForce also comes with advanced features, including an accelerometer, proximity, compass, and barometer sensors. These sensors can provide useful information for outdoor enthusiasts, such as altitude and weather conditions. The phone also has a Smart Sonic Receiver, which uses vibrations to transmit sound directly to your eardrum, ensuring clear audio in noisy environments.

Final thoughts

The Kyocera DuraForce may have been discontinued, but it remains a top choice for those who need a tough and reliable smartphone. With its rugged design, decent performance, excellent display and audio, and advanced features, it's the perfect device for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone who needs a durable phone. While it may not have the latest and greatest features, the DuraForce's ruggedness and functionality make it a standout device in today's crowded smartphone market.


Latest Kyocera DuraForce Specs and Prices

LAUNCH

  • Announced:  2014, November. Released 2014, November
  • Status:  Discontinued

PLATFORM

  • Operating System:  Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
  • Chipset:  Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
  • CPU:  Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7
  • GPU:  Adreno 305

MEMORY

  • Card slot:  microSDHC (dedicated slot)
  • Internal:  16GB 2GB RAM - eMMC 4.5

DISPLAY

  • Type:  IPS LCD
  • Size:  4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~57.8% screen-to-body ratio)
  • Resolution:  720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
  • Protection:  Yes

BODY

  • Dimensions:  136.9 x 70.6 x 14 mm (5.39 x 2.78 x 0.55 in)
  • Weight:  200 g (7.05 oz)
  • SIM:  Nano-SIM - IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant

MAIN CAMERA

  • Single:  8 MP, AF
  • Features:  LED flash, HDR, panorama
  • Video:  1080p@30fps

SELFIE CAMERA

  • Single:  2 MP
  • Video:  -

BATTERY

  • Type:  Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable
  • Stand by:  Up to 504 h
  • Talk time:  Up to 17 h

CELLPHONE NETWORK

  • Technology:  GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • 2G bands:  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
  • 3G bands:  HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
  • 4G bands:  1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 17
  • Speed:  HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps

SOUND

  • Loudspeaker :  Yes, with stereo speakers
  • 3.5mm jack :  Yes - Smart Sonic Receiver

COMMUNICATIONS

  • WLAN:  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
  • Bluetooth:  4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
  • Positioning:  GPS
  • NFC:  Yes
  • Radio:  No
  • USB:  microUSB 2.0

FEATURES

  • Sensors:  Accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Colors:  Black
  • Price:  About 320 EUR

Disclaimer: Specifications shown may be different from the actual product. We cannot guarantee that the information provided on this page is 100% correct. This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice.

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