foneranger Rugged 128 Tough UK SIM-Free Mobile Phone - Yellow

I considered several other phones before deciding to buy this one. I wanted a basic phone that is very hard to break compared to modern smart phones. This phone satisfies both of these aims very well. The first thing to know about this phone is that it is certified as IP-67. IP stands for Industry Protection (or International Protection or Ingress Protection depending on the context where it is used). It basically provides an indication of how well a product has been designed to withstand damage from dust and water; the higher the number the better the protection. In this case, the first number is 6 which means it is design to be dust tight. Drop it in the dirt or sand, no problem, because it is designed to prevent dust from getting into the phone to harm it. The second number is 7 which means it is designed to withstand water up to a depth of one metre. Drop it in the bath, puddle or shallow water, no problem, because it is designed to be water tight in these cases. I use this phone when I'm out and about in rough environments, when I want to be in contact by phone, but don't need all the additional functions of a smart phone. For example, I use it when I visit industrial sites for work or when I'm walking in the country side or mountains. In these cases I don't usually need to access the internet or want to use the other functions on a smart phone, but want to be contactable by phone or be able to make a call in an emergency. I also want the phone to be rugged enough to take a few knocks along the way and survive the elements. Although this phone is very basic compared to modern smart phones, it has the following features. - Quadband, Dual SIM card slots, LED Torch (that shines out of the top of the phone), earphone and memory card slot. - Call history for missed calls, dialled calls and received calls. Call settings for call waiting, calls diverted and calls barring. It has auto redial, call time reminder, connect notice and a choice of answer modes. - Organiser with calendar, alarm, world clock, calculator and ebook reader. - A basic 1.3 MP camera for photos and videos. - Phone book that can be stored on SIM card or phone memory. - Messaging with Inbox, Drafts, Outbox, Sent messages and SMS templates. - Profiles for General, Silent, Meeting and Outdoor. - File manger. - Multimedia for Image viewer, video recorder, video player, audio player, sound recorder and FM radio. - Settings for dual SIM cards, phone settings, network settings, security settings, Bluetooth connectivity.

I brought this phone to replace an HTC S620 from 2008 (still in use !) And treated it with the same manner. HTC 7, years 128 tough 3 weeks. Quote 'The damage has been caused by undue pressure. This product was designed to take the ‘knocks’ of normal everyday life only to a certain extent. In order to damage the screen in this way, force would have to be applied in a way that is not covered by the warranty.' I am disappointed that my Htc has failed to break unlike "extra tough" phones. From my experience I would not believe the hype and just buy an el cheapo chocolate bar phone and not get frustrated by false expectations !

Initially disappointed, as it looks a LOT more plastic in real life, than in the photos. Also, as I started to play with it the button-action is very clunky - or, rather, 'clicky' - also plasticky! However, as a phone (!) it has been good. Pros: It seems as rugged as advertised. Sound quality very good for calls and people can hear what I am saying (which is not as common in modern phones as one might expect!). Also, the texting speed is better than any other phone I've ever had! Battery-life has been excellent so far. Cons: People do initially laugh at it as a Tonka-toy phone! Bonus: The external speakers are incredible - I can use this as a sound-system when I'm working!

A phone that doesn't break or 'pocket call' when rattling around in my handbag. Battery lasts about a week, so usually charged when I need it, unlike my smartphone which I have to recharge every day if I want to use it. Stuffed in a pocket for dog-walks it won't get scratched or wrecked if I get caught in a downpour. Doesn't ruin relationships by bizarre predictive texting! This is essentially an excellent phone for someone who just wants a phone for phone calls and simple texts. Option for two sym cards may be useful for people with specific needs. It has options for 'general', 'silent', etc. profiles, which you can customise. The ringtones, alerts, switch on, switch off, etc.sounds can be customised from a list of options. You can set alarms. The buttons can be inactivated for handbag or pocket, but this still allows you to answer the phone or view new texts. Has a built-in torch. Has a camera, video and sound recorder, basic quality and I haven't tried to download anything from it so no idea how easy it would be to retrieve things from it. In theory it offers some sort of internet connectivity, but I think that's probably where you want a different device. I use this as my main phone, so I can be in touch fairly reliably when out and about. I have a smart phone as well which I charge up occasionaly to use for navigation, unplanned photography, wifi hotspot and business calls, but, in the UK and abroad, this rugged, simple phone is my primary link to those I love!

It's survived drops and was waterproof until the dog eat the rubber plug (within an hour of getting it. When it's in my pocket the torch will always come on as a button presses against something. If I manage to hear the phone ring when it's in my pocket and I touch one of the buttons whilst taking it out (even though the keys are locked)the call is lost and no caller No stored. The buttons are so small I can only press one at a time by using the corner of my nail. Even then my nail will slip off so inputting the wrong number or letter. People keep leaving me voice mails which I can't access and can't find any help re this. now I can't see anything because the dog has scratched the screen and as far as I can see it can't be replaced. A tough phone for outdoors yes but apart from that a pain in the neck. I won't be getting another.