Gone are the days when rugged phones had to be simple devices. After all, just because someone wants a phone that can be dropped in water or on concrete, doesn't mean they don't want one that can actually perform useful tasks. The new X3 smartphone from Runbo looks to be able to take a beating, but it comes with Android 4.0 installed, so it might actually be useful for checking email, browsing the web, and downloading apps.
Besides running Android 4.0, the Runbo X3 also comes with a 1GHz dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM. It also features an 8-megapixel camera on the rear, and a 0.3-megapixel camera on the front for self shots. The screen measures 3.5 inches, and features a respectable 480 x 800 resolution.
From a technical standpoint, the Runbo X3 falls right in line with low to midrange Android phones. Of course, what makes it notable is how tough it is. It comes with a dust and waterproof rating of IP67, which means that the phone is totally protected from dust, as indicated by the 6, and it can survive being temporarily submerged in water at a depth of up to 3.2 feet (one meter), which is indicated by the 7.
Another notable feature of the Runbo X3 is its walkie-talkie antenna, which is rated to allow the device to communicate with another X3 up to six miles (10 km) away. This should come in handy for users who frequently find themselves in the wilderness, where cell signal is nonexistent.
The X3 also supports dual sim card technology, which means it can support more than one phone number. It additionally has a full QWERTY keyboard for users who just cannot get comfortable typing on a touchscreen.
The Runbo X3 is available for US$349, which might seem a little high for a fairly basic Android phone. However, it is unlocked, so it's not tied to a contract, which might make it a more appealing choice for some buyers.
