Sonim XP3 cellphone takes rugged to another level

Sonim have announced the follow-up to their XP1 rugged cellphone, which comes in the shape of the chunky XP3.  Despite Sonim's enthusiastic claims to the XP1's invulnerability, the XP3 is apparently even more shock and drop resistant; it's also waterproof, and can survive being fully submersed for 30 minutes within one meter of water.

In fact the XP3 meets the Mil-Spec 810F rating against salt, fog humidity, transport and thermal shock. The buttons are all tested to function beyond half a million pushes, and it'll happily make calls from -20C to +60C; something tells me most users wouldn't be able to say the same about themselves.

The battery lasts for 5.5 hours of talk and over 9 days of standby time and, if you actually manage to break it in the first three years of ownership, Sonim will replace it no questions asked. The Sonim XP3 is available now, either SIM-free for £245 ($367) or free with a contract from Vodafone UK.

Press Release:

Sonim Unveils the World's Only Rugged All-Weather GSM Mobile Phone

Makers of the World's "toughest" phone introduce an even more rugged – and now completely waterproof — phone for people who work and play in demanding environments.

London, UK, 24th November 2008: Sonim Technologies, makers of the award-winning Sonim XP1 today announces the latest addition to their Xtreme Performance Series, the Xtreme Performance 3, the world's only rugged "all weather" GSM mobile phone.

The XP3 has a more rugged specification than the XP1 and can withstand more shocks and drops than its predecessor. Most importantly, the phone can be fully submersed for 30 minutes within one meter of water. In addition, the XP3 boasts an IP-57 rating and is designated with a Mil-Spec rating of 810F against salt, fog humidity, transport and thermal shock. The phone is rugged in every detail – the keyboard touch buttons are tested to function beyond 500,000 pushes.

Bob Plaschke, CEO of Sonim Technologies comments, "When we launched the Sonim XP1 last year, it was with a clear goal in mind. We wanted to create phones for people who work and play in rugged environments." Plaschke continues: "For these people, having a phone is a tool, not a fashion accessory. They need a mobile handset to withstand some of nature's harshest conditions. The Sonim XP3 is capable of working at -20C or at +60C without breaking down. We are committed to the rugged consumer, and the XP3 further proves our dedication to this community."

Since the XP3 is purposed to be a communications tool for use in rugged environments, it is equipped with a powerful 1180 mAh battery that delivers 5.5 hours of talk and over 9 days of standby time. As continued proof of Sonim's confidence in its products, the XP3 comes with an unconditional, three-year warranty.

"It's true, it doesn't matter how you break it, or whether you get it wet during the course of your work, we at Sonim Technologies will provide you with a replacement, no questions asked," says Plaschke. "In fact, we challenge the industry to match our warranty."

He continues: "Our customers needs have been largely forgotten by the mobile industry. We have listened to the feedback from our core audience, such as plumbers, builders, and even first response and rescue teams throughout the world. The Sonim XP3 is our reminder to our customers that no matter how rugged and tough their environment, we can provide the phone that will withstand the stress."

The Sonim XP3 is available either SIM-unlocked for £245 inc VAT or free on contract with Vodafone please go to www.sonimxp3.com or call 0845 459 2009.

The Sonim XP3 will be available in high street retailers in time for Christmas.