Panasonic has released many rugged Windows-based tablets and smartphones in the past, and the company will continue that trend with the launch of the Toughpad FZ-F1. Based on Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise, the 4.7-inch smartphone is being announced as part of the company's Mobile World Congress plans.
The phone will have an unnamed 2.3Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. However, Panasonic has made this smartphone, along with the Android-based Toughpad FZ-N1, for enterprise customers who demand that their smartphones stand up to a lot of abuse:
"The slim and lightweight Toughpad FZ-F1 and FZ-N1 feature a drop rating of 6' and have also passed a torturous tumble test that saw the devices endure 2,000 consecutive 3.3' drops – so they can stand up to the abuse of the most demanding enterprise and government usage environments. The devices are fully sealed against dust and are also submersible, in up to 3.3' of water for 30 minutes, meeting IP65 and IP67 certification requirements. Its ruggedized glass screen ensures the high level of display reliability and durability.""The new Toughpad handheld tablets can operate beyond a typical 8-hour work shift on the standard, field replaceable battery, and with an optional extended life battery it can go well beyond two full work shifts. For times when a battery change is necessary during work hours, it can be accomplished while keeping the device operational. And when more power is needed, the quick charge capability delivers extended use after a one hour charge, with a full charge averaging only two hours."
It will be a while before the phone is available, and it will be very expensive. Panasonic will start selling the Toughpad FZ-F1 sometime this fall for the price of $1,599.
