Caterpillar Unveils Rugged B15 Android Smartphone At MWC

At Mobile World Congress earlier today, Caterpillar unveiled its rugged B15 Android smartphone. Some folks need a phone that can handle just about anything thrown at it, and one look at the device suggests this is that handset. This aluminium smartphone has mid-range specs and the ability to withstand drops on concrete, immersion in water, and more.

First up is the CAT B15's specs, which are decidedly mid-range and ample enough for most casual users. Inside, users will find 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage space. There's a dual-core 1GHz Cortex A9 processor, as well as a 4-inch WVGA resolution (800 x 480). Overall, not too bad, but the hardware definitely isn't this device's claim to fame.

As far as its ability to handle the harsh external world, the B15 is constructed from aluminium and shock-absorbing rubber, giving it a sort of built-in protective case appearance. The device can handle drops onto concrete from a height of just under 6 feet. The phone can be submerged in water, as well, up to a depth of a little over 3 feet, meaning you won't have to panic when it plops into the kiddie pool or rain puddle.

Temperature is also of little worry to the B15, which can handle temps as low as -4F to as high as 122F. Word has it the handset will be available in March, and will be priced at £299, which is a tad over $450USD. There's no mention of whether the device will be available in retail stores (hardware stores?), or just online.

[via T3]