Although it takes advantage of Sprint's high-end 3G EV-DO network, the Sanyo MM-7500 borrows its design cues from the lower-end Sanyo RL7300 and the MM-7400. Integrating a rugged exterior with a standard flip-phone design, the MM-7500 includes access to Sprint's latest multimedia services, a 1.3-megapixel camera, video capture and playback, and a digital music player. Yet, when compared to Sprint's other 3G phones, the handset lacks such important elements as an expandable memory slot, external media buttons, a high-quality QVGA screen, and Bluetooth. As a result, it's a less desirable choice for those intending to use Sprint's live and downloadable services.

With a strong, masculine appearance, the Sanyo MM-7500 flip phone is definitely a guy's mobile. The textured rubber trim on the front and the side of the flip is eye-catching and should protect the handset from minor falls. It's no Nextel phone, but it's rugged and durable nonetheless. You get a choice of changeable faceplates that contrast nicely with the gray exterior. We like blue the best, but you also get silver and red. The MM-7500 measures a thick 3.4 by 1.9 by 1.1 inches, but it's surprisingly light, weighing only 4 ounces, so it's comfortable to hold while talking. The size of the phone, however, makes it difficult to fit into a pocket, and it's a tad large for a belt clip. The antenna is external and extendable, but it's flimsy when pulled out.