Ruggedized Samsung B2100 leaks, we can't wait to torture it
With the MWC in Barcelona just around the corner we got a glimpse of another phone that will probably be introduced there. The Samsung B2100 looks like a trimmed-down sturdier version of the B2700, which we reviewed/stress-tested a while ago.
The Samsung B2100 looks very similar to the Samsung B2700, except that this time it is even tougher. It bears the IP57 certification which is just as good as the Sonim XP3 Enduro. This means that the handset is fully waterproof (up to 30 minutes in up to 1 m depth) as well as completely dust and sand resistant.
In terms of features the B2100 is hardly a great hit but the ones that need a phone so tough are rarely tech-freaks anyway. The handset packs tri-band (900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM support, a 1.77" display with a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels and a 1.3 MP camera.
The fragile 3G video camera is now absent along with the UMTS support, but at least EDGE support is provided so network data transfers shouldn't be completely ruled out.
Some of the other B2700 features gone missing are the digital compass and altimeter.
Samsung B2100 also sports Bluetooth and USB connectivity as well as a microSD card slot for expanding the built-in memory of 10MB.
The handset is expected to hit the shelves in March in three color versions (black, green and red) with an estimated retail price of only 90 euro (120 US dollars). Sounds quite a deal for an indestructible phone, right? We can't wait to get one for a spin... (in the washing machine).