Kyocera Torque, Sprint’s first ultra-rugged 4G LTE Android smartphone

USA: Water, dirt, drops – there seem to be 101 ways to break or damage smartphones that dutifully serve as mini computers, schedulers and entertainment devices. Sprint and Kyocera Communications Inc. announced the upcoming availability of Kyocera Torque, built to survive extreme elements and everyday life.

Torque will be available this spring; exact availability and pricing will be announced this quarter. Torque is an ultra-rugged, 4G LTE Android smartphone featuring Sprint Direct Connect push-to-talk service and Kyocera’s award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver audio technology.

“Anyone will quickly appreciate the durability of this smartphone, whether you work in rugged environments or just enjoy outdoor activities,” said David Owens, VP, Product Development, Sprint.

“It seems like everyone I talk to has damaged a phone by dropping it on a hard surface. This phone is for all those customers who want to make sure even if that happens, the phone will withstand the fall. This is an impressive Android device that can withstand extreme conditions while bringing our customers the speed of Sprint 4G LTE and convenience of instant push-to-talk communications from Sprint Direct Connect.”

Torque is built to Military Standard 810G (MilSpec) to withstand dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, humidity, blowing rain, low pressure, salt fog and extreme temperatures, along with IP67 standards for dust, sprayed water and full immersion up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes. The device is specifically designed to hold up to the rigors of today’s rough-and-tumble lifestyles – whether on a construction site, beach trip or a kids’ playground – without sacrificing style and features.

“We know from our research, conversations with customers and personal experiences that there’s a tremendous consumer need for rugged handsets to deal with life’s everyday challenges,” said Eric Anderson, senior VP and GM of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications.

“Those devices, however, have traditionally been designed specifically for an enterprise customer. Kyocera has taken the most robust, rugged MilSpec features and combined them with our easy-to-use, affordable, Android smartphone designs to create a durable mobile device that supports not only the construction foreman using Sprint Direct Connect but also the outdoor sports enthusiast or the busy mom or dad who’s juggling children and playground duties.”