It appears that Verizon customers in need of a new
rugged handset, will soon have the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 to throw around. A
render tweeted this morning by reliable tipster Evan Blass shows the Android
powered handset with a thick casing, and the Verizon logo on back. It appears to have dual front-facing speakers and
a dual camera setup in back. Keep in mind that this phone isn't made for the
smartphone fanatic who cares about the latest specs and thin bezels. This is a
handset for someone who works in construction, or is outdoors all day.
Unfortunately, none of the specs leaked. But we can
take a look at the current OG version of the Kyocera DuraForce Pro that is
still available from several carriers and online stores. That phone launched in
2016 and features a 5-inch Sapphire Shield Display made with the second hardest
material on Earth after diamonds. It works with gloves and wet fingers.
According to the Kyocera website, the DuraForce Pro
can be fully submerged up to 6.5 feet for as long as 30 minutes. And the device
meets military specifications MIL-STD 810G for dust, shock, vibration,
temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt, fog,
humidity, immersion, temperature shock and icing/freezing rain. Loud, dual
front-facing speakers are found on the original, and a programmable side button
can be used for the push-to-talk feature.
The new model should improve on the 2GB of RAM, 32GB
of native storage and 3240mAh battery employed on the original unit. And the
DuraForce Pro2 should have a more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 617 that
drives the first-gen phone. There is no word on when we can expect the sequel
to be unveiled.
