What can you expect from a company that hails from the land where everything is out to kill you? Aspera Mobile launched their latest rugged phone, the new R40.
The 4G Aspera R40 marries a truly rugged design with an IP68 rating, meaning the device is waterproof to at least a 1 metre depth for 30 minutes. It is fully dustproof, purpose-built for tough environments and reinforced for shock, vibration, water and sand. The R40 runs on the innovative KaiOS and features the world’s most popular social media applications including Google Maps, Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook pre-loaded and built in. All this for an RRP of just $129.
Aspera Mobile MD Allan Robertson explained, “The first products Aspera launched in Australia in 2014 were rugged devices. Some people are still using those devices, which demonstrates the longevity of the rugged, waterproof and dustproof design. Since then, we have become known for launching quality rugged devices – the real deal when it comes to water and dust protection. The R40 shifts the game a bit as it’s deliberately designed and pre-loaded as a rugged device for mobile users who do not want or need a full smartphone experience.”
Aspera is a company that is in constant contact with its users and it’s those same users who helped shaped the design and specifications of the R40.
Robertson continued, “We have seen previously with our R30 and R32 models that there is definitely a market for this type of product. Many people are active, outdoors types and want a simpler solution than a smartphone, but still need the rugged features. The R40 with its KaiOS and pre-loaded social media apps does just that.”
The R40 also brings the benefits of 4G with a Wi-Fi hotspot enabling sharing of mobile data connection to other devices. It also has an extra-large 2500mAh li-ion battery which allows you to stay connected for longer, with an approximately 15 day standby and a 40 hour talk time. The R40’s memory can be expanded up to 32GB via an SD card and it features an 2MP rear and 0.3MP front camera.
Allan Robertson concluded, “The R40 with its rugged design, IP68 rating for water and dust protection, screw re-enforced casing, body designed for shock absorption, large 2500mAh battery, KaiOS smart operating system and access to KaiOS app store makes it an ideal choice for active and outdoor types, industrial users and tradies. Together with our recently released R9 rugged smartphone, retailers can now offer choice of Aspera’s rugged devices at very compelling retail prices. These models continue the Aspera tradition of delivering quality mobiles to Australian consumers.”
You can find the new $129 Aspera R40 rugged phone with smart features in Harvey Norman, Big W and Retravision stores across Australia.
Specifications
IP certification
IP68
Submersible in water to at least 1m for 30 minutes
Totally dust resistant
Network frequency
4G bands 700/850/900/1800/2100/2600Mhz (1/3/5/7/8/28a+b)
3G bands 850/900/2100MHz
2G bands 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Performance
MediaTek 6731
Quad core 1.1GHz processor
512MB RAM
4GB ROM
Expandable memory SD card to 64GB maximum
Camera
2MP rear + 0.3MP Front
Video recording
Multimedia
Video AVI/MP4/3GP
Audio MP3/MP4/ACC/AAC+/WAV
FM radio
Video recording
Dimensions
Size 137 x 62 x 17.5mm
Weight 162g
Construction
Rubberised outer body for shock absorption
Recessed screen for protection
Body joins reinforced with 10 screws
Removable battery
Seal for USB charge port, 3.5mm earphone jack
Display
2.4” display
240×320 resolution
Screen recessed 1.5mm from protective body
Sim card
Micro Single SIM
Micro SD card 64GB maximum
Connectivity
4G network data
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
Battery
2500mAh
15 day standby
40 hours talk time
Other features
GPS
G-Sensor
Micro USB charge point
Extra loud speaker
3.5mm earphone jack
