Specs include the following:

• 4-inch WVGA display
• MediaTek MT6577 1GHz dual-core processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 4GB of internal storage
• 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording
• VGA front camera
• GPS
• microSD card slot
• Runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

These specs are more than reasonable for someone who just wants a phone that can take a bit of a pounding. But wait, there’s more. The Cat B15 has IP67 specification, which means it’s dust-proof, shock proof, and waterproof for up to 30 minutes when submerged in up to 3.2 feet of water.

The Cat B15 is priced aggressively for a decent unlocked smartphone, with its $350 tag. The company has lofty ambitions of becoming the number one manufacturer of rugged handsets in the world. Although this proclamation is bold, we’re positive Motorola will have something to say about that in the near future. However, with Motorola’s direction being changed by Google, Caterpillar may actually stand a good chance of accomplishing what they are setting out do. After all, there’s a wide open market for rugged handsets.

That said, for any of you interested in buying Caterpillars Cat B15 handset you will only have one source to go through, Quality One Wireless. Hey, that isn’t so bad if you’re really in the market for a rugged phone like this.

[via Phandroid]

The specs of the device are not super impressive by today’s standards, but are functional nonetheless. The Kyocera Hydro Edge packs a dual-core 1 GHz processor, a 5 MP rear facing camera, 4-inch WVGA display and tempered glass. The device also touts Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver, which utilizes bone conduction technology to transmit sound in the noisiest of environments.

Even with the mid-range spec sheet, the Hydro Edge was snappy and responsive, and it’s rubberized back was non-obtrusive and felt comfortable to hold in the hand. I wasn’t able to connect the device to Wi-Fi however, but scrolling through the homescreen and opening apps showed no signs of lag. It’s a snappy little device for sure, and will be great for those who are often in extreme conditions, or have little ones running around anxious to play Angry Birds.

The Kyocera Hydro Edge will be launching on Boost Mobile and Sprint this summer. Pricing was not available, but will be aimed at the lower echelon for certain. If you’re looking for a rugged device at an affordable price point, this could be the smartphone for you.

When questioned about why Samsung has yet to make a waterproof device, Kim responded by saying that a water and dust proof device is in the works and that it will be announced officially in the next few weeks.

We’ve still yet to hear any rumors about this development, so suffice it to say we are a tad bit weary of this rumor. With no ruggedized version of the Samsung Galaxy S III released, we cannot reference Samsung’s past decisions. But it would also not be surprising, as Samsung has decided to turn the volume up to eleven in 2013 regarding device release and marketing.

The ruggedized Galaxy S4 would be somewhat similar to the Sony Xperia Z, which has seen many a soak test and every possible form of device torture one could imagine.

What are your thoughts on a ruggedized Galaxy S4? Is there some cred to this rumor, or is it just a  fanboy’s pipe dream?

[Via: Android Central]