Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE Pro Reviews

The Casio Commando 4G LTE means well. It's a rare option for active types that are looking for a rough-and-tumble device (with 4G LTE, no less) that can withstand more abuse than your average smartphone. And while it does succeed in that sense, bear in mind that being tougher than most of today's delicate smartphones is an easy task. During our testing, we found that the Commando is unfortunately not as tough as it looks, meaning that in exchange for a bulky, unattractive exterior, you don't get as much protection as you would hope. And given all the other compromises -- the dated software, the mediocre battery, the low-quality camera -- the small amount of toughness you receive just may not be worth it.

I may have a few quibbles with the hardware, but the Casio G’zOne Commando LTE 4G is a definite improvement over the original. The hardware looks good and mostly functions well. It has a nice screen, excellent signal and voice performance, and decent battery life. The user interface is based on stock Android, but has its own, unique look that should appeal to weekend warriors. The larger screen and faster network performance go a long way to making the Commando a great day-to-day device. The G'zGear tools, all housed in the rugged Commando shell, are a perfect match for outdoor enthusiasts who'd rather spend the weekend outside tearing up the countryside than providing armchair commentary on whatever sports matches are on TV. The camera does a decent job, as does the video camera, and the multimedia options are just as rich as any other Android device in Verizon's roster. If you need a rugged device and don't mind sacrificing screen size/resolution for a more hardened piece of hardware, the Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE is a solid pick.

If you're not tied to Verizon and you want a rugged handset with better camera quality, consider the Kyocera Torque from Sprint. It also costs $99.99 under contract, and its 5-megapixel camera takes far clearer photos than the Commando 4G LTE. However, if you don't mind mediocre photos, consider the Commando. Not only is Verizon's 4G LTE network faster and available in more cities than Sprint's, it also has clear call quality, and a slightly faster processor than the Torque. True, aside from its predecessor, the device is the only rugged handset on Verizon. But even if it's your default choice, it's a solid choice to have nonetheless.

If you are looking for a rugged and outdoor durable Android smartphone for Verizon Wireless, your best and only choice is the Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE, as it meets MIL 810G certification for being able to withstand the elements, and it comes with an attractive $99 contract price. Even though we like the overall design of the phone, it is lacking in some features found on other devices at this price-point, such as a larger and higher resolution display, faster processor, and better quality camera. Despite this, the Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE should work well for its target audience.