It seems ZTE who make most of Telstra’s cheaper devices, such as smartphone, modem dongles/wifi and tablets are set to launch a new ruggedised 4G Android smartphone, which given their relationship, will probably launch as a Telstra branded device.
The device, which has been given the name Telstra Dave 4G, is being described as a ruggedised 4G Android smart phone with IP67 certification – waterproof to 1 metre and dustproof – and has been given the Telstra blue tick for improved rural and metro coverage both on the Telstra 4G and Next G networks.
The specs for the T83 Dave include:
- 4.0″ capacitive touch screen with Gorilla glass
- 1.2GHz dual core processor
- Bluetooth 3.0
- 5 MP rear facing camera
- 2.5GB internal storage onboard – expandable to 32GB via microSD card
- Android 4.1.2
The history of updates to ZTE/Telstra branded devices hasn’t been stellar and it’s sad that a device launching with a now older version of Jelly Bean and may not get any further upgrades past Jelly Bean 4.1.2, but we will have to wait and see. As a device aimed at the lower end/pre-paid market if the reception is there it may receive further attention on the software update front.
There is no pricing at this stage announced but its good to see more devices including 4G/LTE devices coming to our big 3 telcos one way or another.
UPDATE: We have been tipped that the Telstra ‘Dave’ will launch at an outright price of $360 but will also be available on a $60 per month Telstra Business Plan with a $5 per month handset fee.
Would you consider buying the Telstra Dave 4G? Are you in the market for a ruggedised 4G device
