The Japanese electronics giant Kyocera is known for high-end photographic equipment efforts to make a rugged 4G smartphone called Kyocera Torque. The device runs Android OS and designed for the great outdoors. Recently, Samsung announced their own outdoor Android phone called Galaxy Xcover 2, featuring the same capabilities for outdoor hazards.

Kyocera Torque System Features

Even if this device is wrapped with lots of resistance against environmental hazards, Kyocera Torque runs Android 4.0 ICS, 4-inch screen display with 800x480 resolution, and dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. It has a limited internal memory of 1GB but can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card. The phone can take snapshot with its 5MP main camera and 1.3MP on the front, and it is expected to have the Kyocera photographic quality with it.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2

Samsung announced Galaxy Xcover 2 on January 25, 2013 with special features to withstand outdoor dangers. The device runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 4-inch screen display with 800 x 480 resolution, 5MP primary camera, 4GB internal storage with microSD expansion slot, 1GB RAM, and single core 1GHz processor.

The Great Outdoor Challenge

Both these Android phones are designed for outdoor use and features survival qualities against liquid splash, shocks and drops.

Resistances against:

Kyocera Torque

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2

Water

Yes

Yes

Dust

Yes

Yes

Shock & Vibration

Yes

Yes

Solar Radiation

Yes

Uncertified

Low pressure

Yes

Uncertified

Humidity

Yes

Uncertified

Extreme Temperatures

Yes

Yes

Kyocera Torque and Galaxy Xcover 2 can spend 30 minutes underwater with 1 meter depth and would continue to perform tasks without impediment. The Japanese rugged phone offers more resistances against hazards as the company claims, and the Korean rugged phone offers fitness applications and a fantastic torch light aside from the usual hazard protection.