Continuing our flip phone spotlight series, a few of us at MobilePhones.org.uk have recently had occasion to consider mobile phone flips that are more rugged than high-tech – notably prompted by drops in deep puddles and a tot thinking a mobile phone would make a great bath toy, so the first of two clamshell mobile phone reviews today brings to the fore the Kyocera DuraMax, a marvelously sturdy model in Sprint’s CDMA line.

Overview

Although the Direct Connect option isn’t yet as fast as the Nextell predecessor, as Sprint takes down the familiar iDEN network, and users become familiar with the faster CDMA network, user complaints about connectivity issues outside the 3G network will dimish. A drawback, though, is that 3G CDMA coverage is still apparently spotty; hence, the complaints.

The data transfer and surfing can be slow, but the images are sharp and very clear on this flip phone.

The speaker isn’t the greatest, so if you use the option a lot, you might be disappointed in the sound quality. Depending on your area, you can find that using the device without activating the speakerphone in the push-to-talk function facilitates clearer communications.

However, the PTT option can come in quite handy, especially in quick calls or in emergencies, so discounting the model simply because of its less-than-stellar speakerphone might be a point to reconsider.

The Kyocera DuraMax is built to military standards in resistance to shocks, dust and humidity and extend its water resistance to withstanding complete immersion in up to three feet or roughly one metre of water for up to 30 minutes – valuable if wee babes are around or if jumping a puddle.

Besides being the first Direct Connect with PTT functionality on a CDMA network and the durability bonuses, let’s find out what else the mobile phone has to offer.

Specifications

Dimensions: 101.5 x 53.5 x 25.5 mm / 144g
Display: 2.0 inches, colour internal and / 240 x 320 pixels at 200 ppi. / 1.0 inches monochrome external / 96 x 64 pixels.
Memory: Expandable external memory up to 32 GB with microSD card.
Battery: 1360 mAh / Talk: up to 8 hours.
Camera: 3.2 MP / 2048 x1536 pixels /LED flash.
Connectivity: 2G: CDMA 800, 1900 / 3G: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO.

Additional comments: As a CDMA device, it will not work on any GSM network and cannot be unlocked. MP3 / WAV / WMA / eAAC+ player; MP4 / H.263 / H.264 / WMV player. Flashlight feature, not just screen light. No secondary camera, no surprise in a clamshell mobile phone. No WiFi: This isn’t a smartphone.

Overall opinion: The dual communications options and the outstanding durability offset the speakerphone issue, in our opinion, and we’d recommend this flip phone to anyone who’s looking for solid reliability, GMS lock-out aside.