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Aspera R8: Plans | Pricing | Specs

Matt Sayer

Last updated: 7 September 2019

Water and dust resistance, a shock-absorbent shell and modern features like 4G compatibility and Android 6.0 make the Aspera R8 one of the more capable rugged phones on the market.

4.5 inches

Display size

480 x 854px

16GB

Internal storage

8 MP

Rear camera

2,600 mAh

Battery size

Finder rated as Average vs similar phones

Details

Device features

Display size	4.5 inches
Resolution	480 x 854
Pixels per inch (PPI)	218

Rear camera megapixels	8MP
Rear camera aperture size	N/A
Video recording	SD
Front camera megapixels	2MP
Front camera aperture size	N/A

Dimensions	142mm x 74mm x 13mm
Weight	215g

NFC	No
Wi-Fi	802.11 b/g/n
Network category speed	N/A

Processor	N/A
RAM	2GB
Operating system	Android 6
Internal storage	16GB
External storage support	Up to 32GB
Battery capacity	2,600mAh

Headphone jack	Yes
Fingerprint sensor	No
Water resistance	IP68
Wireless charging	No

Launch price (RRP)	$399
Launch date	2012

Matt Sayer is a writer for Finder, covering all things technology and telecommunications. Along with reporting on events like CES and Mobile World Congress, he has produced comprehensive guides for popular products like smart speakers and graphics cards. He has a Bachelor of Computer Science from RMIT University and is passionate about helping Aussies leverage technology to better their lives.

By incorporating an array of protective features such as a reinforced body, waterproofing and dust resistance, the Aspera R8 can withstand far more punishment than your typical iPhone or Samsung Galaxy handset. This makes it a compelling choice not only for workers in the industrial and trade sectors, but also for anyone who wants the security of knowing their phone can take the occasional fall or spill and keep right on trucking.

Design

Rubberised, reinforced and sealed tight for protection against the elements
Gorilla Glass touch screen resists scratches while affording all the benefits of a touch interface

Aspera's goal with the R8 is to combine the resilience of basic rugged handsets like the Aspera R25t with the advanced capabilities of a modern smartphone. To this end, the R8 follows the familiar smartphone design of pairing a large touch screen with three capacitive (non-physical) buttons for navigation. The IPS screen measures in at 4.5 inches and displays at a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. Importantly, that screen is recessed 2mm below the phone's frame to minimise the chance of damage in the event of a fall. In case it does take a hit, the screen is made from Gorilla Glass 3 which offers resistance to scratch and contact damage.
Moving away from the screen, the R8's entire body is covered with shock-absorbent rubber and coloured black and yellow to make it easier to spot should you drop it. The phone's frame is further reinforced with 14 screws to prevent warping or breaking on impact.
Rain and dust pose little threat to the Aspera R8 thanks to its IP68 fluid and particle resistance rating. That IP68 rating certifies that the R8 is completely dust-tight and good for submersion in depths of up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. If you've ever accidentally knocked your phone into the sink or spilled your drink onto it, you'll know how much of a lifesaver that feature could be.
For as fortified as the Aspera R8 is, it isn't lacking features. 16GB of internal storage provides a decent chunk of space for loading up music and videos, plus you can always expand it by adding a microSD card – so long as that card is no bigger than 32GB. When playing back music, videos or the built-in FM radio, you can plug in a standard set of headphones via the 3.5mm audio jack or connect a wireless pair over Bluetooth 4.0.
On the software side, the Aspera R8 comes loaded with Android 6.0 aka Android "Marshmallow". In addition to providing access to millions of apps via the Google Play Store, Android 6.0 heralded a number of noteworthy improvements to the Android operating system including better battery management, finer control over the permissions you give individual apps and faster performance when multi-tasking. Just bear in mind that Aspera does not offer updates to later versions of Android with the R8.
Unlike many other rugged phones, the Aspera R8 supports modern networking standards like 4G and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n as well as the ability to share its Internet connection with other devices via USB tethering or by acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Camera

8MP rear camera should prove sufficient for general photography
Scratch-resistant lenses maintain the R8's rugged design

Rugged phones make good companions for hikers, explorers and anyone else who enjoys roaming the great outdoors. Unfortunately, most rugged phones lack high-quality cameras to capture the beauty such adventures uncover. The Aspera R8 bucks this trend, packing a respectable 8MP rear-facing camera along with a 2MP front-facing camera for snapping a quick selfie. Both cameras feature scratch-resistant lenses, too, ensuring you can continue to document your travels even after a few nasty bumps.
You'll also find an auto-focus feature on the rear camera to help dial in the best shot. Video capture is fully supported, too, as well as a nifty continuous-shot feature that can take up to 99 photos in rapid succession.

Performance

Solid specs that should be sufficient for typical day-to-day use
Android 6.0 remains a capable operating system, even if it is a little long in the tooth

Phones built for harsh environments are typically lacking in the performance department, a limitation they get around by paring back features and using streamlined operating systems that require minimal processing power. Not so with the Aspera R8. To power the many features of Android 6.0, the phone packs a quad-core 1.3GHz processor along with 2GB of RAM. This isn't exactly a top-of-the-line combination, but it's a solid pairing that should have little trouble handling basic day-to-day tasks like sending emails, browsing the Internet and streaming audio or video.

Battery

2,600mAh battery with claims of up to 8.5 hours of talk time
Battery is sealed for added protection

A sturdy exterior isn't the only important component of a rugged phone like the Aspera R8. A resilient battery is just as vital, especially if you're setting off into the great outdoors and won't be crossing paths with too many power points on your travels. To account for this, Aspera has outfitted the R8 with a 2,600mAh battery it claims delivers longer-than-average performance under moderate use. In pure numerical terms, it pegs the R8's battery as capable of delivering 8.5 hours of talk time or 400 hours on standby. That's not too shabby when compared to modern smartphone standards, though how long the R8 will actually last you in practice is going to depend largely on how frequently you use it and what you use it for.

Pricing and availability

Aspera R8

Tough stuff

The Aspera R8 combines a rugged design with modern features to produce a hardy smartphone fit for those with physically active lifestyles.

The Aspera R8 is available from online retailers like Amazon and Buy Mobile for an RRP of $399.

Aspera R8 specs

Display

Camera

Physical dimensions

Connectivity

Power, storage and battery

Device features

Display size	4.5 inches
Resolution	480 x 854
Pixels per inch (PPI)	218

Rear camera megapixels	8MP
Rear camera aperture size	N/A
Video recording	SD
Front camera megapixels	2MP
Front camera aperture size	N/A

Dimensions	142mm x 74mm x 13mm
Weight	215g

NFC	No
Wi-Fi	802.11 b/g/n
Network category speed	N/A

Processor	N/A
RAM	2GB
Operating system	Android 6
Internal storage	16GB
External storage support	Up to 32GB
Battery capacity	2,600mAh

Headphone jack	Yes
Fingerprint sensor	No
Water resistance	IP68
Wireless charging	No

Compare SIM-only plans for the Aspera R8

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Aspera R8: Plans | Pricing | Specs