Exclusive: Panasonic To Launch Android Powered ‘Rugged’ Smartphone in India

Interestingly, Panasonic is working on a new Android-­based handset aimed at enterprise market. The upcoming handset will be inspired by Panasonic's Toughbook, as informed by a high­-profile executive over at Panasonic India.

The company executive at Panasonic who choose to remain anonymous told exclusively to GizBot, "We do have plans to launch a tough phone for Indian market." Apparently the firm could launch the device anywhere between November and December 2014.

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Furthermore, the source also informed that the upcoming tough phone will be slightly thick and heavy compared to a normal smartphone. Additionally the handset will be able to withstand bumps and work in extreme conditions.

Panasonic is currently thinking to add a "Made in Japan" ­ 2500mAh battery in the upcoming smartphone and the same battery would be equivalent to a 4000mAh battery found inside heavy duty phones.

On the specs side, the device may arrive with a 4-­inch display and will run on Android 4.4 Kitkat mobile OS. It could be priced anywhere between Rs. 13,000 and Rs. 14,000. No more info on the rugged phone is known, except the display and tentative price. The device is still in the R&D stage.

Japanese electronics firm Panasonic, which stopped selling mobile phones in Europe last year, now seems confident about its re-­entry into Indian handset market. phones.

The smartphone vendor continues to bring interesting Android ­powered handset. Its latest flagship phone, the Eluga U, which was launched in India recently, seems to have impressive features. Looks like, the company is clearly aiming to win over mid-end of the handset market. Users can buy the Panasonic Eluga U at Rs. 18,990 in India.

The Osaka-­based company officially entered Indian handset space in 2013. Its first ever Android­ powered smartphone, the P51, went on sale in May last year.

In India, Panasonic is selling its handsets in collaboration with Jaina Mobile for the distribution, marketing and customer care support.

Stay tuned to GizBot for more exclusive updates!