Sonim JCB Toughphone Review

Look and feel

For a handset to survive being dropped out of a window, driven over and generally thrown all over the place, it’s got to be made of strong stuff. The JCB Toughphone is on the heavy side, but this only adds to the assurance that it can withstand a hit. Likewise the JCB yellow and black colour scheme gives it additional credibility.

Ease of use

Simplicity is a key factor for the JCB Toughphone. You don’t want to be messing around with various key combinations when you’re halfway up a crane for example. Navigation around the phones limited features is a cinch, while the keys are spaced out enough that they can be easily found while wearing gloves.

Features

If the JCB Toughphone has a weakness, then it’s the lack of features. However, many will argue that for the purpose the phone was built for, a camera, 3G or a media player would be unnecessary luxuries. The handset does boast Bluetooth as well as being shock, water, dust and drop resistant.

Performance

Sonim and JCB claim that the Toughphone is the toughest handset around and after putting it through its paces, and then some, we’d be inclined to agree. The phone may be lacking in features, but it certainly lives up to its name.

Battery life

While only offering an average battery life, due to the lack of 3G or camera for example, the handset is not going to drain juice from the 240 minutes talktime or 200 hours standby time.