Sprint is getting down and dirty with Motorola’s i1 Android-powered smartphone.
The ruggedized device boasts solid body construction that meets tough military specs for protection against dust, shock, vibration and blowing rain.
According to Sprint VP Fared Adib, the i1 will ship on July 25th at a $150 price point (after rebate).
“Motorola i1 is the only Android device to [provide] Nextel Direct Connect as well as the latest smartphone features and the ability to withstand some of the harshest environments,” said Adib.
“[The device] also offers a [number of] business and entertainment apps, [such as] Scan2PDF Mobile 2.0, Unit Converter, ConvertPad, RealCalc Scientific Calculator, Facebook and Twitter.”
Other features include:
- 5 megapixel camera with LED flash.
- Swype, Opera Mini 5 and Touiteur pre-installed.
- Android 1.5 with MOTOBLUR.
- 600 MHz processor.
- 3.1″ screen.
- Push-to-talk.
- Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.
Although the i1 only runs Android 1.5, Nate Kimmey of Android Police noted that the last-gen OS won’t matter much to the phone’s target market.
“Clearly, the fact that it is running Android 1.5 is a huge downside…But its push-to-talk capabilities and extreme durability are the main features here, with moderate processor and great camera (not even the Samsung Vibrant, T-Mobile’s version of the Galaxy S, has LED flash) being bonuses.
“[So], if you’re the kind of person who isn’t exactly careful with their phone, or needs it to be usable in extreme conditions, you’re in luck.”
