14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve recently reported on the ultra-rugged Sonim XP6 smartphone that’s now available for purchase in the United States exclusively through major carrier AT&T, and now it looks like the US-based company is back with yet another rugged handset.
The Sonim XP7 Extreme is the company’s first LTE smartphone, but also world’s most rugged handset, if we are to believe the company’s official statement.
According to Sonim, the XP7 is able to withstand extreme heat and cold temperatures, as well as water submersion up to 6.5 feet (2m), including salt water.
The smartphone features shock and impact resistance above military specifications, but it’s also dirt, mud, sand and dust-proof. On top of that, Sonim’s rugged phone can be used with gloves.
Sonim XP7 Extreme exists but it’s not yet available for the general market, which means you can’t purchase one yet. In order to make it available for those who need a smartphone that could withstand harsh environments, Sonim has turned to Indiegogo.
The company is looking to fund the smartphone’s release. The goal of the crowdfunding campaign is $150,000 (€120.000) and those who want to pledge can choose from three tiers: $579 (€465), $1 (€0.8) or $25 (€20).
Obviously, if you choose the first tier, you will get the Sonim XP7 Extreme, activated with an Ultra Mobile SIM and $49 (€39) of Prepaid credit, a Sonim Bluetooth headset, one microUSB adapter, 3-year comprehensive warranty (including accidental damage), $200 trade-in on 2016 Sonim Phone and Sonim Explorer Virtual Goodie Bag.
Choosing the $25 (€20) tier will get you a comfortable shirt, but not the rugger smartphone. Pledging $1 won’t get you anything, just the peace of mind that you have supported the sturdiest smartphone that money can buy.
The rugged smartphone is supposed to be available in March 2015
Sonim XP7 is available in Canada through TELUS and Bell, but the Extreme edition is an active sports variation of the former. In addition, Sonim plans to offer pre-installed apps aimed to the Active Sports users, and with some morels, sports specific accessories.
According to Sonim, the XP Extreme “is the introduction into the consumer market for people that work hard, but play harder, and need a phone that can keep up.”
Sonim XP7 Extreme will be available for those who pledge the right tier in March 2015. The smartphone will ship with Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system out of box.
The rugged smartphone will be compatible with all US-based GSM / HSPA / LTE carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and MetroPCS, but it will not support CDMA/LTE carriers like Sprint and Verizon Wireless.
