Sprint's Kyocera DuraMax is the more advanced of its two new 3G push-to-talk phones. We got to give it the water-dunk test at CTIA.
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds.
Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
The Kyocera DuraMax and its cousin, the DuraCore, are Sprint's fist push-to-talk CDMA phones. Both built to military specifications, the DuraMax has one or two extra features.
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Keyboard close up
Flip up its face and you'll see the DuraMax's thick, meaty buttons, including a speakerphone button and a circular navigation. That thick flip hinge is typical of rugged phones.
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Dunk tank
The dunk tank is always the best part of playing around with any rugged phone. You know, you drop it into water, and watch the bubbles rise as you ring the phone. See? Still works!
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Camera
Unlike the DuraCore, the DuraMax comes with a camera; a 3.2-megapixel shooter to be exact.
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It means business
Thick, sturdy, heavy, and textured for a solid grip, the DureMax is just daring you to try to break it.
