Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 Rugged, Waterproof Smartphone Wins Prestigious iF Design Award

Kyocera International, Inc., the leader in rugged mobile solutions, announced today that its DuraForce PRO 2 — the only rugged 4G LTE smartphone with a Super Wide View 4K Action Camera and virtually scratchproof Sapphire Shield Display – received the iF DESIGN AWARD 2019. This is the second iF Design Award for the DuraForce rugged series of devices.

The iF DESIGN AWARD is hosted by the iF International Forum Design GmbH Hannover to recognize industrial products around the globe for exceptional execution in design. The Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 was selected as the “Product Award” winner in the “Industry/Skilled Trades” category after a three-day jury session of 67 design experts who reviewed more than 5000 submissions from 70 countries.

DuraForce PRO 2 boasts IP68 dust and waterproof certification (to 2m/6.5ft deep for up to 30 minutes) and Military Standard 810G for protection against shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity, immersion, temperature shock and icing/freezing rain. Certified Non-Incendive Class I, Division 2 (Group A-D, T4), the device is ideal for plant and field operations needing durability and safety where concentrations of flammable gas, vapors or mists are not normally present in explosive concentrations but may exist.

Noisy environments are no match for the phone’s loud 106dB dual front speakers and four noise cancelling mics making push-to-talk (PTT) calls, speakerphone use, music and other audio crystal clear. Three cameras, 13MP rear, 5MP front, and a Super Wide View 4K Action Camera – all underwater safe and compatible with action-camera mounts – make it ideal for body-worn camera applications, documenting field work and assets, or for adventure seekers hitting the slopes or water. The device supports HD Voice and Wi-Fi calling and is Android Enterprise Recommended making it a reliable enterprise solution.

The proprietary 5-inch Sapphire Shield Display, available exclusively at Verizon, is impact resistant and virtually scratch proof. Second only to diamonds in mineral hardness, sapphire provides outstanding protection from damaging real-world scenarios. In situations ranging from keys in a pocket to a face-first drop onto rocks, independent lab tests show it to be far less likely to break than leading strengthened touch-panel glass. DuraForce PRO 2’s three cameras are covered and protected by Sapphire Shield as well for extra durability.

“We’ve been the industry leader in rugged devices for a decade, providing waterproof and military-grade smartphones for consumers and enterprise customers alike,” said Carl Grunwald, Deputy General Manager, Sales of Kyocera International, Inc.’s Communications Equipment Group. “Recognizing our second DuraForce PRO device with this prestigious award solidifies our success in combining extreme durability and functionality with enduring style.”

The Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 is currently available at Verizon Wireless . For more information about the new Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2, including updated carrier availability, please visit http://www.kyoceramobile.com/duraforce-pro-2/.

ABOUT KYOCERA

Kyocera International, Inc.’s Communications Equipment Group (CEG) is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life and work challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. Kyocera strives to offer rugged devices as an integral part of a total solution offering for a wide range of industries such as public safety, transportation and construction. Joined by an ever-growing list of application and accessory partners, Kyocera provides tremendous flexibility in creating efficient and economical telecommunication solutions for varied enterprise needs. For more information, follow the company at facebook.com/kyoceramobile, linkedin.com/company/kyoceramobile, Instagram.com/kyoceramobile, and twitter.com/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (tokyo:6971) (https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, mobile phones, printers, copiers and solar power generating systems. During the year ended March 31, 2018, the company’s sales revenue totaled 1.58 trillion yen (approx. USD 14.9 billion). Kyocera appears on the “Top 100 Global Innovators” list by Clarivate Analytics and is ranked #612 on Forbes magazine’s 2018 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

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