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Review: Kyocera DuraMax for Sprint

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Nov 3, 2011, 7:26 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Kyocera fields one of the first devices using Sprint's new CDMA-based push-to-talk service. Can this new system — and the DuraMax — live up to the solid PTT performance of Sprint's aging iDEN network?

The Kyocera DuraMax is a rough-and-tumble clamshell made for Sprint. It's one of the first to use Sprint's new CDMA-based (rather than iDEN) DirectConnect push-to-talk service. Though it aims low with a basic feature set, if you're looking for a simple voice phone that can survive the daily wear-and-tear of an outdoor work environment or active lifestyle, then the DuraMax may fit the bill.

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About the author, Eric M. Zeman:

Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.

Both the DuraCore and DuraMax are rugged phones for Sprint. Rather than support Sprint's iDEN network for PTT functions, however, they rely on the new CDMA-based alternative.

Sprint Enables DirectConnect to Work Over 1xRTT

Jun 18, 2012
Sprint today announced that with new roaming agreements and the use of CDMA 1xRTT technology, the availability of its new DirectConnect service has expanded such that it covers three times the square mileage that its iDEN network does. According to Sprint, the DirectConnect service now works on its 1xRTT 2.5G network in its PCS 1900MHz spectrum band, which has a broader footprint than Sprint's EVDO 3G network.

Sprint Pegs Oct. 2 as CDMA-Based PTT Service Launch

Sep 27, 2011
Sprint today announced that it will launch its next-generation, IP-based push-to-talk service, which runs on its CDMA network, starting on October 2. The new Sprint Direct Connect service is available in an area that is already larger than its iDEN-based walkie-talkie service.

Kyocera Brings DuraForce Pro up to Date

Jul 13, 2023
Kyocera today launched the DuraForce Pro 3, an overdue replacement for its DuraForce Pro 2 rugged, business-focused smartphone launched in 2018. The new model updates nearly all specs to modern standards, including 5G, larger display, larger battery (4,270 mAh), better cameras, better processor (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1), more memory (6 / 128 GB), Wi-Fi 6E, and more programmable shortcut buttons.

Verizon Continues Updating Rugged Lineup with Sonim XP10

Jul 20, 2023
Verizon has launched the Sonim XP10, a rugged smartphone with a wide range of features for field workers and "workers in dangerous environments". Just last week, Verizon launched the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3, a similar but higher-end rugged smartphone.

Kyocera DuraMax

2" display 240 x 320 pixels
QSC6085 processor
1,360 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Water-Resistant

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Quasijedi

Nov 3, 2011, 6:55 PM

The most basic thing Sprint allows Kyocera to screw up royally

I'm sorry, but from the review, it sounds like there are so many things that us iDEN folks are accustomed to having perfect right out of the bat, that it's a wonder that this phone ever made it out of the lab and onto store shelves. Why do I say that??? Here's why...

The phone's volume on the ear piece and loud speaker are both weak at best. If you're doing anything outside where there is sound above say 70 decibels (which happens often on even "quiet" construction sites), then this phone will be useless.

Secondly, signal strength. As the review stated, his iDEN device worked IN his basement (and everywhere else) whereas this Kyocera barely worked indoors, and failed in the basement. Outdoors should improve things, but that's not ...
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ShaeBunny

😢

cellphonesaretools

QJ, is that you? Another refugee from BAW?

- cellphonesaretools

Gsanders757

Well,"quasijedi" I have been a Nextel user for 15 years. I purchased 6 of these devices for my company and they work better than the majority of Nextel phones that we've ever used. The sound quality is fine and the reception and battery life is outs...
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Review: Kyocera DuraMax for Sprint

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