Kyocera Hydro: the Submersible Smartphone

Category: Mobile
Posted: May 8, 2012 07:41AM
Author: edwardquilo

With only two underwhelming smartphones released in recent memory, Kyocera isn't exactly a brand name you'd normally associate with mobile phones. The company is hoping to improve on that with its Hydro waterproof handset, an Ice Cream Sandwich-equipped device that can be submerged underwater at a depth of up to one meter and a span of 30 minutes.

While its 3.2 MP camera, 1GHz CPU and 3.5-inch 480 x 320 display aren't cutting edge, the Kyocera Hydro tries to make up for these shortcomings with its IPS LCD, a relatively unchanged Android 4.0 OS, and a dearth of connectivity options such as EV-DO Rev. A, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and of course, 802.11n (WiFi). The generally comfortable plastic exterior design should also appeal to Kyocera's target market: budget-minded mobile phone users who'd prefer a smartphone that doesn't mind getting wet every now and then.