DEWALT teams up with Global Mobile Communications, the UK's largest supplier of rugged mobile devices, to bring branded Android smartphone to construction sector.

The result: the state-of-the-art DEWALT MD501 Android smartphone; a dual-SIM 4G Android 5.1 rugged handset that couples advanced communications technology with the highest standards of physical durability.

TheMD501 boasts all of the functionality of a high-end smartphone, yet has been engineered with the exclusive needs of a trade professional in mind; offering far more than just a hard case wrapped around a standard phone, but rather a system designed to maximise end-user productivity. DEWALT products are rigorously tested in the harshest possible conditions, with the MD501 designed to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding construction professional. The MD501 is waterproof, dustproof and weatherproof in line with the recognised industry standard IP68, and MIL-STD 810G approved to withstand up to two metre drops onto solid concrete. With an operating range of -20°C to 60°C, and a 5” screen comprised of HD Bright View Gorilla Toughened Glass 3 to withstand the inevitable stresses that accompany daily jobsite use, the MD501 provides unrivalled protection and versatility, and a higher spec than any current rugged device on the market – guaranteed to outperform in all environments, conditions and scenarios.

The sleek, elegant design of the MD501 incorporates a multitude of performance enhancing features intended to boost end-user productivity, management and efficiency. The HD screen is compatible for use with gloves for maximum ease-of-use while on-site, and houses a 13 MP rear camera ideal for when jobsite conditions, results or methods need to be logged and recorded. Advanced battery technology provides up to seven to eight hours talk-time, intended to eradicate scenarios in which end-users are left on-site with zero communications. The MD501 also incorporates wireless Qi charging as standard, providing a hassle-free, alternative means of charging, as well as ensuring the MD501 remains fully compatible with increasing advances in all forms of wireless, cordless charging.

The MD501 is 4G in both its dual SIM slots, which function at the same time in order to offer dual network connection for business/personal differentiation, voice/data or roaming/core network. This function promises truly excellent connectivity for any and all areas of a tradesperson’s life, be that on-site or out-of-hours, with the amplified loudspeaker providing increased ringtone volume and improved call clarity, designed to be heard above the high noise levels associated with large-scale construction. The MD501 ultimately succeeds in providing enterprise-grade communication capabilities, within a durable, reliable and trade-focused rugged mobile device; guaranteed to surpass expectations in any and all trade functions.

Darren Barber, DEWALT UK Marketing Director said, “We live in a globalised, connected world; and for tradespeople in particular, it’s more important than ever to remain connected, active and reachable by phone. The DEWALT MD501 Android smartphone offers all the performance of a high-end smartphone, as well as the intelligent, robust and durable DEWALT design integrity that pushes our products to excel in on-site environments.

“For professional tradespeople working for themselves or running their own business, their mobile device is a crucially important job-tool, needed constantly on-site for a multitude of reasons: organising jobs, calling in the necessary equipment or staff or adapting to alterations as they arise. For these professionals, an empty battery or malfunction is enough to derail a job. The DEWALT MD501 is the trade solution for our professional end-users, offering a high performance rugged mobile within a market vastly underserved in mobility terms.”