Kyocera has introduced the DuraForce Pro 3, an ultra-rugged Android smartphone tailored for first responders and anyone who works needs a smartphone in challenging environments.
According to Kyocera, rugged smartphones have been proven to offer a 53% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to non-rugged smartphones for similar mission-critical frontline mobile applications. By providing quality ultra-rugged products, backed by a two-year warranty, and a range of accessories, services, and solutions, Kyocera aims to assist businesses and first responders in maximizing productivity while effectively managing their technology budgets.
The DuraForce Pro 3 boasts MIL-STD 810H and IP68 certifications, making it dust-proof, waterproof, and resistant to drops, ensuring it can withstand even the harshest environments. Kyocera uses its proprietary Sapphire Shield display in its ultra-rugged smartphones. Sapphire, known as the second hardest mineral in the world after diamonds according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, boasts scratch-proof properties that safeguard the display from everyday wear and tear. The sapphire glass is also used to protect the rear camera lens on select Kyocera devices.
The strength of sapphire stems from its crystalline structure, which makes it highly resistant to scratches and damage. Kyocera has about 47 years of experience in perfecting the manufacturing process of synthetic sapphire, making it both durable and affordable for mobile phone displays. In terms of durability, sapphire has proven to be far less likely to break when dropped on rocks compared to typical strengthened-glass displays.
The sapphire material used in the company’s electronic devices is derived from natural aluminum oxide. The compound is transformed into a powder and then heated to extreme temperatures of at least 3,600°F. Following the heating process, the sapphire is processed into clear sheets, giving a sapphire glass material.
While no display can claim to be entirely break-proof, Kyocera claims that phones equipped with Sapphire Shield displays have demonstrated a significantly lower likelihood of breakage when dropped because they are more resistant to ongoing abrasions, scratches, and micro-fractures that can compromise the display’s durability over time
The DuraForce Pro 3’s outdoor-visible display ensures clear visibility even in challenging lighting conditions, and the X-frame structure adds reinforcement to protect against drops, water, and other hazards. The device can be washed and sanitized for further effectiveness. In addition, Kyocera has partnered with Visual Labs to provide a body-worn camera solution for law enforcement agencies and support for enterprise push-to-talk (PTT), AI-enhanced audio, and improved GPS for transportation and logistics applications, among others.
