Motorola Brute i686 From Sprint Nextel – Review, Specification, Features, Price

The Motorola Brute i686 is the almost identical successor to the Brute i680 that was introduced last year. The most prominent enhancement to the phone is the added robustness when compared with its older sibling.

Motorola Brute i686 From Sprint

Specifications

• Network: iDEN Dual Band (800 MHz and 900 MHz)
• Display: 2.2 inch 65K Color (176 x 220 pixel) TFT LCD Display
• Camera: 2 Megapixel Fixed Focus
• Video Recording Resolution: 176 x 144 (QCIF), 352 x 288 (CIF), 128 x 96 (Sub QCIF)
• Storage Internal: 180 MB
• Geo Location: GPS
• Bluetooth: 2.1 with EDR
• USB: microUSB
• Audio Out: 2.5 mm Sub Mini Phone Headset Jack
• Military Compliance: E-911
• Battery: Li-Ion 1750 mAh

Features

The Brute i686 is a classic clam shell flip type phone. There is a small color display on the front cover that displays the date, time, network signal strength, battery status, phone mode, caller ID and recent call history. With the camera right above it, the screen also can be used as a viewfinder for self portraits. Inside the larger 2.2 inch screen offers the same 65KColor depth. The text size and back light timer can be changed to improve readability and battery life. A number of shortcuts have been placed on the bottom row of the display to access applications or functions that are more frequently used. The navigation includes two soft keys; a round toggle switch and a select key in the middle, the keys for main menu, camera and send/end or power keys are also part of the control and navigation panel. The keypad is well spaced and the raised keys are easily identifiable by touch. The phone is capable of storing seven phone numbers, email address and notes for each of your 600 contacts in its address book. The contacts can also be organized into groups or into PTT groups. With Sprint Nextel’s Direct Connect service, you can use International Direct Connect, Group Connect and Direct Talk options. The i686 Brute is a phone first then a messenger, it is not a smartphone and does not pretend to be one. The general selection of applications and tools are there for the average phone user, and advanced options like Stereo Bluetooth, application manager, USB mass storage, PC syncing and GPS with the TeleNav service is also included.

Motorola Brute i686 From Sprint

Verdict

Designed for basic communications in an outdoor rough environment, it fits the bill well for the casual adventurer by complying with the 810G military specifications which measure resistance against dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, low pressures, salt fog and humidity. The Push-To-Talk walkie-talkie option is really useful when outdoors in a group. The built in GPS is an essential feature for a rugged phone. There is not much different in specifications and those who already have the i680 will find it difficult to switch to the i686 for only the additional brute oomph.

Price

Motorola Brute i686 is available from the Sprint Nextel line with a $119.99 price tag and a two year contract.