Overview of Kyocera DuraForce
The Kyocera DuraForce, announced and released in November 2014, represents a rugged and durable smartphone option designed for those who require a device that can withstand harsh environments. With its military-grade protection and robust body, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in demanding job sites.
Body and Design
The DuraForce boasts dimensions of 136.9 x 70.6 x 14 mm and weighs 200 grams, making it a sturdy and solid choice. Its rugged design ensures it can endure drops, shocks, and exposure to water and dust. The device features a Nano-SIM slot and is engineered to meet IP68 and Military Standard 810G certifications, ensuring it stands up against tough conditions.
Display Characteristics
Equipped with a 4.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the DuraForce offers a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, delivering a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi. The screen is designed to be tough, and although specifics about screen protection are not detailed, it can withstand common scratches and impacts encountered daily.
Hardware Performance
At the core of the DuraForce is the Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset, paired with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This configuration, although modest by today's standards, was sufficient for running applications smoothly in its time, especially with the Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) OS. The device includes 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC card slot.
Camera Functionality
The main camera on the DuraForce is an 8 MP autofocus shooter with features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. For selfies and video calls, it offers a 2 MP front camera, which, while basic, provides adequate quality for standard usage.
Battery Life and Management
Powering the DuraForce is a Li-Ion 3100 mAh non-removable battery, supporting up to 504 hours of standby time and up to 17 hours of talk time. This substantial battery life is a major advantage, especially for users operating in environments where frequent charging might not be possible.
Network and Connectivity
The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, with a range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. Network speed capabilities include HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 at 150/50 Mbps. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band support, and the ability to function as a hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE is available, alongside GPS and NFC capabilities. However, it lacks an FM radio, which might be considered a downside for some users.
Audio and Multimedia
The Kyocera DuraForce is equipped with stereo speakers, providing a decent audio output for calls and media. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering compatibility with a wide array of headphones and external speakers!
Sensors and Additional Features
The device includes an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, and a barometer. These features enhance the user experience, particularly for enthusiasts who rely on sensor data for navigation and environmental monitoring.
Price and Market Position
Initially priced at about 320 EUR, the DuraForce was positioned as a mid-range device with premium durability features. Its discontinuation means it is now primarily available through secondary markets, appealing mainly to users requiring a rugged phone capable of withstanding challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The Kyocera DuraForce serves as a benchmark for rugged smartphones, offering a combination of durability, reasonable performance, and essential features. While its specifications may seem outdated by today's standards, its robust construction and reliable hardware continue to make it a valuable choice for individuals and professionals operating in environments where conventional smartphones might fail.
Key Features of Kyocera DuraForce
- Robust network support with GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies
- Resilient design with dimensions of 136.9 x 70.6 x 14 mm and a weight of 200 g
- Nano-SIM compatibility
- 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels
- Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) operating system
- Powered by Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU
- 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM and the option to expand via microSDHC
- 8 MP main camera with autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama features
- Durable 3100 mAh non-removable battery offering up to 504 hours of standby and 17 hours of talk time
- Equipped with stereo loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack
- Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities
- Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and LE support
- Incorporates NFC and GPS
- Integrated sensors include accelerometer, proximity, compass, and barometer
Kyocera DuraForce Drawbacks
- Discontinued status, making it harder to find support and updates.
- Heavy weight at 200 g, which may not be comfortable for all users.
- Low screen-to-body ratio (~57.8%), resulting in a less modern design.
- Outdated OS, running Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), limiting compatibility with newer apps.
- Older Snapdragon 400 chipset may result in slower performance compared to newer models.
- Limited internal storage of 16GB which might not suffice for heavy users.
- Average camera capabilities with only 8 MP main camera and 2 MP selfie camera.
- Lack of radio feature.
- Non-removable battery, limiting user ability to replace it easily.
- High price for its specifications, about 320 EUR, compared to newer models with better features.
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