The latest and most powerful smartphones are great to have, but sometimes you need a handset that not only does the most basic things you need from a phone, it may also need to be able to take what life can throw at it. This is where the Sprint Kyocera DuraPlus comes in that is not just a sub $70 device.

This tough cookie will be available via the usual Sprint channels from Sunday March 11th, and will cost customers taking a new contract or eligible for an upgrade only $69.99, after a $50 mail-in rebate via a reward card. The Kyocera DuraPlus is the first handset in the range to have a form factor that features a flat stable bottom, which makes it ideal for vehicle mounts for freestanding operation.

The handset has been certified to Military Standard 810G, which means your cell phone will be able to withstand dust, humidity, rain, extreme temperatures, shock, and up to thirty minutes submerged in one meter of water. One great feature of the phones is the powerful built-in LED flashlight, which also has a dedicated button.

A dedicated jack is another feature of the Kyocera DuraPlus that allows users to use the handset with the optional extra heavy-duty remote speaker microphones. This heavy duty handset is ideal for those working in construction, utility industries, and public safety services.

The Kyocera DuraPlus also features the Sprint push to talk direct connect function, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS support, and a tough rubber outer shell. There is a standard easy to access keyboard along with a 2-inch QVGA TFT display, and the 1,650 mAh battery is promised to provide around 9.5 hours of talk time from typical usage.

For more information head over to the official Sprint Community website. Check out the video below of the Dura series.

Are you in the market for a tougher rugged cell phone?