Kyocera Communications
Kyocera Communications is the US mobile devices business unit of Kyocera Corporation, designing and selling rugged Android smartphones, feature phones, and tablets for enterprise, government, construction, utilities, logistics, and field-service buyers distributed through Verizon, UScellular, AT&T, and direct enterprise channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kyocera Communications does
Kyocera Communications, operating commercially as Kyocera Mobile, is the United States mobile devices business unit of Kyocera Corporation (TSE: 6971), a Japanese multinational. The division designs, manufactures in Japan, and sells ultra-rugged smartphones, feature phones, and tablets intended for enterprise field workers, construction, utilities, logistics, manufacturing, and government/public-safety buyers operating in hazardous or demanding environments. Core technology centers on a ruggedized hardware platform: MIL-STD-810H drop and environmental certification, IP68 ingress protection, HazLoc Class I Div 2 intrinsic safety, FIPS 140-2 validated encryption, and a proprietary X-frame chassis reinforcement. Production is concentrated in Japan, supporting a two-year warranty and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance.
Product portfolio is led by the DuraForce family of Android smartphones (DuraForce PRO 3 flagship, DuraForce Ultra 5G, DuraSport 5G), supplemented by legacy flip and bar-style feature phones (DuraXV Extreme+, DuraXA Equip) for low-bandwidth field use, and the DuraSlate Wi-Fi tablet for larger-screen field-computing workflows. The 2025 DuraForce PRO 3 integrates Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 silicon, 5G SA, Private 5G support, Android 15, and native Microsoft Teams push-to-talk, with a flagship MSRP of approximately $899.99.
The business model is hardware unit sales distributed primarily through US carrier channels (Verizon as the flagship partner, UScellular for DuraSport, and AT&T for legacy SKUs), with secondary direct-to-customer e-commerce via the Solutions Store and enterprise contract motion through the Business Select program. The company positions its value proposition on rugged durability and a claimed 53% lower three-year total cost of ownership versus alternatives, leveraging longer hardware lifecycles and reduced device failure in field deployments rather than software or services monetization.
Kyocera Communications firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kyocera Communications
- Legal name
- Kyocera Mobile
- Website
- https://kyoceramobile.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Kyocera Communications is the US mobile devices business unit of Kyocera Corporation, designing and selling rugged Android smartphones, feature phones, and tablets for enterprise, government, construction, utilities, logistics, and field-service buyers distributed through Verizon, UScellular, AT&T, and direct enterprise channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Kyocera Communications is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kyocera Communications business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Rugged Mobile Device Sales: Sale of ultra-rugged mobile phones and tablets including DuraForce PRO 3, DuraXV Extreme+, DuraXA Equip, DuraSport 5G, DuraForce Ultra 5G, and Duraslate Wi-Fi Tablet. Revenue from both consumer and enterprise/business customer channels.
- Accessories and Consumables: Sale of device accessories including batteries, chargers (SCP-49ADT AC Adapter), USB cables, cases, and other peripherals through Kyocera Solutions Store.
- Enterprise Solutions and Services: Enterprise mobility solutions, device control, and handheld barcode scanner solutions for business customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | DuraForce PRO 3 MSRP |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Kyocera Communications product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kyocera Communications (dba Kyocera Mobile) designs, manufactures, and sells ultra-rugged mobile devices — smartphones, rugged feature phones, and rugged tablets — engineered for harsh work environments with MIL-STD-810H durability, IP68 waterproofing, and HazLoc certifications. The portfolio is sold primarily through major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, UScellular), the Kyocera Solutions Store direct e-commerce channel, authorized dealers, and the Business Select enterprise sales program, complemented by accessories, enterprise mobility solutions, and handheld barcode scanner offerings.
Product overview
Kyocera Mobile offers a portfolio of ultra-rugged mobile devices including smartphones (DuraForce PRO 3, DuraForce Ultra 5G, DuraSport 5G), feature phones (DuraXV Extreme+, DuraXA Equip), and tablets (Duraslate Wi-Fi Tablet). All devices are Japan Made with a Standard 2-Year Manufacturer's Warranty. The portfolio is complemented by enterprise mobility solutions, handheld barcode scanners, and Business Select services that offer 53% lower Total Cost of Ownership. The devices target tough jobs and hard workers across enterprise, field, and government segments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DuraForce: Line of ultra-rugged smartphones including DuraForce PRO 3, DuraForce Ultra 5G, and DuraForce PRO 2
- DuraSport
- DuraXV
- DuraXA
- DuraSlate
- Business Select
Products and services
- DuraForce PRO 3 Ultra-rugged 5G smartphone with MIL-STD-810H and IP68 certifications, HazLoc Non-Incendive Class I Div 2 certification for hazardous environments, 5G Standalone support, Android 15 OS, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, 64MP camera, 100dB+ front-facing stereo speakers with AI noise cancellation, and Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie push-to-talk integration. Designed for enterprise field workers, first responders, and hazardous-environment operators.
- DuraXV Extreme+ Rugged flip-style feature phone designed for reliability and durability in demanding work environments, distributed through Verizon. Targets field workers and industrial users who prefer a tactile, simplified device for voice communication and basic messaging rather than full smartphone functionality.
- DuraXA Equip Rugged feature phone sold unlocked and free of carrier binding, designed for tough jobs and hard workers who need a durable, no-frills communication device for harsh work environments.
- DuraSport 5G Rugged 5G smartphone in the Dura series lineup, positioned for active users and outdoor/rugged lifestyles, distributed through UScellular and supported legacy devices also available through Verizon. Combines durability with 5G connectivity for sport and outdoor use cases.
- DuraForce Ultra 5G Ultra-rugged 5G smartphone in the DuraForce series, designed for demanding work environments. Distributed through Verizon. Positioned as a predecessor/companion to the DuraForce PRO 3 for users needing enterprise-grade rugged 5G capability.
- DuraSlate Wi-Fi Tablet TAA-compliant rugged Wi-Fi tablet designed for government and enterprise use, providing a larger rugged form factor for field data collection, inspections, and government deployments requiring TAA-compliant procurement.
- Enterprise Mobility Solutions Comprehensive enterprise mobility solutions including device management, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi support, and the Business Select program with dedicated support and claimed 53% lower Total Cost of Ownership. Targets enterprises deploying rugged mobile devices at scale for field operations.
- Handheld Barcode Scanner Solutions Enterprise scanning solutions including handheld barcode scanners for business operations such as inventory management, asset tracking, logistics, and field service workflows requiring rugged mobile scanning capability.
Quantifiable outcome
- 53% lower Total Cost of Ownership
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Kyocera Communications
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Kyocera Communications technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature9 records
Kyocera Communications partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- VerizoncoreVerizon is the primary carrier partner for DuraForce PRO 3, offering the device in Verizon stores and through Verizon.com. DuraForce PRO 3 is engineered to comply with Verizon Private 5G requirements and supports 5G Ultra Wideband and 5G Nationwide networks. Verizon conducts device testing including 5G mmW usage time testing showing up to 27 hours battery life.
- MicrosoftcoreDuraForce PRO 3 integrates Walkie Talkie functionality in Microsoft Teams, enabling push-to-talk applications over cellular or Wi-Fi. This digital push-to-talk solution provides clear, instant, and secure voice communication over the cloud using Microsoft Teams platform.
- UScellularminorUScellular carries DuraSport 5G devices for their customer base in cellular distribution.
- AT&TminorAT&T carries DuraXE Epic devices for their customer base in cellular distribution.
- QualcommcoreDuraForce PRO 3 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mobile platform (SM7450, 5nm) with X62 modem for 5G connectivity. Snapdragon is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Kyocera Communications competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Motorola (Defy / ThinkPhone): Motorola offers rugged smartphone lines (Defy, ThinkPhone) targeted at enterprise and frontline workers alongside its mainstream smartphone portfolio. Comparable to Kyocera Mobile in rugged enterprise smartphones but with broader consumer scale and brand reach.
- Samsung Galaxy XCover: Samsung's Galaxy XCover series is a broad-incumbent rugged smartphone line from the global smartphone leader, sold through major carriers. Comparable to Kyocera's DuraForce line on enterprise features but backed by Samsung's scale, component sourcing, and brand.
- Zebra Technologies: Zebra Technologies is a leading enterprise rugged mobile device, barcode scanner, and computing solutions provider serving logistics, retail, and healthcare. Overlaps with Kyocera Mobile's handheld barcode scanner and enterprise mobility offerings for field and warehouse operations.
- Honeywell Mobility: Honeywell provides rugged mobile computers, scanners, and enterprise mobility solutions for warehouse, logistics, and field service workers. Comparable to Kyocera Mobile on rugged enterprise handheld devices and barcode scanning use cases.
Direct peers
- Sonim Technologies: Sonim Technologies is a US-listed (NASDAQ: SONM) specialist in ultra-rugged smartphones and feature phones for enterprise and public-safety customers. It is the most direct head-to-head peer to Kyocera Mobile, competing on MIL-STD durability, carrier distribution, and frontline-worker use cases.
- AGM Mobile: AGM Mobile is a Chinese rugged smartphone specialist selling IP68/MIL-STD devices globally through online channels. Direct peer to Kyocera Mobile in rugged specifications, though typically distributed via different channels and without the same enterprise certifications.
- Bullitt Group (CAT phones): Bullitt Group designs and manufactures rugged smartphones under the CAT (Caterpillar) brand, one of the most recognized names in rugged phones globally. Direct peer to Kyocera Mobile in ultra-rugged smartphones for construction, industrial, and outdoor enterprise users.
- Ulefone: Ulefone is a Chinese rugged smartphone brand (Armor series) competing on MIL-STD durability and IP ratings at aggressive price points. Direct peer to Kyocera Mobile in the rugged smartphone category with overlapping enterprise and outdoor use cases.
- Panasonic Connect (Toughbook / Toughpad): Panasonic's Toughbook and Toughpad lines are flagship rugged laptops, tablets, and handheld devices for enterprise, government, and field workers. Comparable to Kyocera Mobile in rugged enterprise mobility, with broader form factors but overlapping end customers.
Emerging players
- Unitech Electronics: Unitech manufactures rugged handheld computers, mobile terminals, and barcode scanners for industrial and enterprise customers. Comparable to Kyocera Mobile's enterprise mobility and scanning solutions on rugged handheld form factors for field operations.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kyocera Communications social profiles
Digital presenceKyocera Communications compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Kyocera Communications financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kyocera Communications leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Kyocera Communications subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Kyocera Communications funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kyocera Communications M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kyocera Communications
What does Kyocera Communications do?
Kyocera Communications (dba Kyocera Mobile) designs, manufactures, and sells ultra-rugged mobile devices — smartphones, rugged feature phones, and rugged tablets — engineered for harsh work environments with MIL-STD-810H durability, IP68 waterproofing, and HazLoc certifications. The portfolio is sold primarily through major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, UScellular), the Kyocera Solutions Store direct e-commerce channel, authorized dealers, and the Business Select enterprise sales program, complemented by accessories, enterprise mobility solutions, and handheld barcode scanner offerings.
Is Kyocera Communications a public or private company?
Kyocera Communications is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Kyocera Communications founded?
Kyocera Communications was founded in 1999. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Kyocera Communications based?
Kyocera Communications is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kyocera Communications make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Rugged Mobile Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Consumables and enterprise Solutions and Services.
Who are Kyocera Communications's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Motorola (Defy / ThinkPhone), Samsung Galaxy XCover, Zebra Technologies and Honeywell Mobility. Direct peers are Sonim Technologies, AGM Mobile, Bullitt Group (CAT phones), Ulefone and Panasonic Connect (Toughbook / Toughpad). Unitech Electronics is listed as an emerging player.
Does Kyocera Communications have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kyocera Communications.