14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Rugby Smart was leaked for the first time about a month ago. The phone was tipped for AT&T, but additional details on its specs were a bit scarce.
Today, Samsung and AT&T officially announced that the Samsung Rugby Smart would be available for purchase in the United States in AT&T retail stores and online.
Customers who want to purchase this affordable Android smartphone will be able to do so beginning March 4 for as low as $99.99 (75 EUR) with a two-year agreement and monthly minimum data plan.
Samsung Rugby Smart is a rugged smartphone. According to Samsung, the phone can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and can withstand extreme temperatures. Obviously, it’s dustproof as well.
The handset is powered by Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread and sports a more than decent 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display.
“The Samsung Rugby Smart is perfect for active customers who need another level of durability with their smartphone. It is water and dustproof and has all the features of a leading smartphone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.
Surprisingly, this affordable smartphone comes with 4G capabilities. It also packs a 5-megapixel rear photo snapper, which features autofocus, LED flash and HD (720p) video recording, as well as a secondary 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls.
There’s no word on the processor embedded inside, but we know the phone will offer 4GB of internal memory and microSD card slot for memory expansion. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support will be included as well, along with corporate email and location, music and social networking services.
“We continue to bring the highest quality devices – the Rugby Smart is the ultimate smartphone to withstand extreme conditions. AT&T customers are now able to stay connected with a durable smartphone while experiencing even the roughest environment,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile.
