The Kyocera Torque release date has finally gotten a mention nearly a month after the phone was unveiled and the company states that it will be available for purchase for a price of $99.99. The handset is said to be the carrier’s first ‘ultra-rugged’ 4G LTE smartphone to operate on the Android platform.
The handset runs on Ice Cream Sandwich and it supposedly has the hardware in possession to provide a full Jelly Bean experience. Well, it’s up to the company whether the handset will receive an update to the latest OS or not. To craft out the smartphone, the manufacturer has designed the exterior with reinforced corners that are enclosed within a non-slip Dura-Grip material. This not only enhances the durability, but also provides a firm grip.
Additionally, the device is designed to meet 810G military standards, making it resistant to shocks, dust, vibration, solar radiation, blowing rain, low pressure, extreme temperatures, salt fog and more. And owing to its IP67 standards, it can be fully submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. Resting beneath an impact-resistant glass on the front is a 4-inch WVGA IPS LCD touchscreen with wide viewing angles.
Where technologies are concerned, the device comes with the Smart Sonic Receiver which touts to enhance the earpiece’s audio clarity to deliver better conversations especially in noisy environments. Then there’s Sprint’s Direct Connect PTT service which is powered by the carrier’s broadband network. Complementing the 2,500mAh Li-ion battery are the MaxiMzr and Eco Mode apps that help to conserve energy. The device is capable of delivering 18.9 hours of talktime on a single charge.
The Kyocera Torque will be released through Sprint retail channels and online on March 8 for the aforesaid sum which is exclusive of tax, after a $50 mail-in-rebate via a reward card. Potential buyers and existing customers will have to sign up for a new 2-year contract agreement.
Specifications at a glance:
– Display: 4-inch WVGA 800 x 480p LCD
– Processor: Dual core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon SOC
– Battery: 2,500mAh Li-ion
– Connectivity: NFC, 4G LTE, HD Voice, Bluetooth 4.0 LE/EDR, Wi-Fi b/g/n
– Camera: 5MP rear-facing with video recording and 1.3MP front-facing webcam
– Memory: 1GB RAM; 4GB ROM, expandable up to 32GB
– Dimensions: 4.44 x 2.38 x 0.56 inches
– Weight: 5.5 ounces