Price and specifications of Kyocera DuraForce XD advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Kyocera DuraForce XD is a robust smartphone created to withstand tough environments while offering moderate smartphone capabilities. Released in November 2015, it has become a favorite choice among users who need a durable device capable of enduring extreme conditions. It's known for its resilience and useful features that support both professional and everyday tasks.

Design and Build

The Kyocera DuraForce XD features a rugged design that emphasizes durability. It measures 166.8 x 86.4 x 13.9 mm and weighs in at a hefty 307 grams. Its substantial build is designed to take on the rigors of daily life and more demanding environments, making it an ideal choice for those in fields like construction or outdoor recreation. The phone is equipped with a nano-SIM slot and rubberized edges to enhance grip and protection. Although it's more substantial than the average smartphone, this bulk adds to its robust nature.

Display

The device comes with an IPS LCD display that measures 5.7 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 62.1%. The resolution stands at 720 x 1280 pixels, translating to a pixel density of around 258 ppi. While the resolution might seem low by today's high standards, it is adequate for basic multimedia consumption and typical daily usage. The display is covered with protective material to shield it from scratches and minor impacts, ensuring longevity.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the DuraForce XD is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. It has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot. These specifications make it suitable for fundamental smartphone activities such as browsing, multimedia playback, and basic applications, though it may lag with more demanding apps or multitasking.

Software

Out of the box, the Kyocera DuraForce XD runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop. While this version of Android is quite outdated, at the time of its release, it provided a user-friendly interface with access to various applications through the Google Play Store. It's important to consider that advancements and updates in operating systems have surpassed this version, which may limit the installation of newer apps and features.

Camera

The device is equipped with an 8MP rear camera that includes autofocus (AF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama capabilities, with video recording capabilities of 1080p at 30 frames per second. This camera setup is adequate for documenting daily activities and capturing moments. On the front, there is a 2MP camera primarily for video calls and casual selfies. While the camera technology is not cutting-edge, it serves well for those with basic photography needs.

Battery Life

The DuraForce XD has a removable 3700mAh Li-Ion battery, providing ample power for a rugged phone in its class. It supports up to 816 hours of standby time and up to 23 hours of talk time on 3G networks, which is quite impressive and suits users who need extended battery life in their daily activities. The 10W wired charging ensures that recharging the device is relatively quick given the era of its release.

Network and Connectivity

The Kyocera DuraForce XD supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, offering versatile connectivity options. It incorporates various bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE, allowing it to work on a majority of networks where these bands are available. Other connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and NFC, with a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Notably, it does not feature a radio.

Additional Features

Designed with outdoor and tough-use scenarios in mind, the device includes a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These tools enhance its functionality in various professional and extreme environments. Additionally, it retains a 3.5mm audio jack and a loudspeaker for audio connectivity and entertainment.

Conclusion

The Kyocera DuraForce XD serves a niche market requiring a robust and reliable smartphone for harsh conditions. While it lacks the performance and software updates of modern smartphones, its durability and adequate feature set make it an excellent choice for users in specific sectors. More modern features and higher-end specifications may be missing, but for the intended demographic, the DuraForce XD remains a formidable device even after being discontinued.