Sonim XP Strike
Sprint Intros Intrinsically Safe Phone
Sprint has started selling an intrinsically safe (IS) version of it Sonim XP Strike rugged Direct Connect phone. IS devices are designed for environments with flammable gasses or dust. Such devices have extra protections to ensure that - even in the event of a component failure - the device cannot be a source of ignition. IS devices are required in places that handle large amounts of fuel, mines, and even some large bakeries. The last IS phone offered by Sprint was the Motorola i365IS, an iDEN phone introduced in 2008 and discontinued in June 2012. The Sonim XP Strike IS has a special IS battery that protrudes from the back, making the phone 1.2" thick. The battery and other IS changes also bump the price up to $600 on contract. The XP Strike IS is available now.
Sprint Strikes First, Strikes Hard with Rugged Sonim Phone
Sprint today announced the Sonim XP Strike, a ruggedized handset that's compatible with its push-to-talk service. The Strike is the first Sonim handset to be sold by Sprint. It is a mil-spec 810G rated monoblock device that can withstand 6-foot drops to concrete, as well as a 30-minute bath in water that's two meters deep. It can withstand blowing rain, salt fog, vibration, shock, and dust. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera with flash, Bluetooth, FM radio receiver, GPS, and support for microSD cards. It runs all of Sprint's DirectConnect services. The Sonim XP Strike is available through most Sprint sales channels beginning today for $129.99 after rebate with a new agreement.
