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Review: Kyocera Koi KX2

Form Function - Basics Function - Extras Wrap-up

Apr 6, 2005, 10:33 PM by Eric Lin

In-depth review of the Kyocera Koi swivel megapixel camera phone for Verizon and other CDMA carriers.

Form Factor

Being a spinner-style phone, the Koi is a bit thick. However it does not feel too big in the hand nor in the pocket. It is also very light, at least for as large as it is. The curved form and antenna location are well designed for holding the phone comfortably while talking. The same cannot be said of holding the phone while taking pictures, which is awkward at best.

The hinge design allows the screen to swivel, but also has to allow the screen to lock into a tilted position when the phone is open. Because of this design there is some play in the hinge and the screen does not rest flush against the keypad when closed. This extra play makes construction seem a bit flimsy, even though the phone stood up to normal wear and abuse without a problem.

Another annoying aspect of the spinner is that it only opens in one direction - counter clockwise, and then closes clockwise. However since all the buttons are only on the bottom piece of the spinner (except for the shutter / back button), you don't need to change the position of the phone in your hand to open it, like with other spinners. You can just hold the phone in one hand and flip the screen around.

Keypad

Other than the D-Pad select and a bump on the 5 key, the keys are totally flush with the surface of the phone. Kyocera has added a few ridges to the phone body by the Send and End keys to help you feel for them, but otherwise it is difficult to navigate to anything without looking. Each key is fairly large and is surrounded by a decent amount of space, making it easy to hit the right one.

Since the navigation keys as well as the keypad are covered when the phone is closed, Kyocera has added a 3 way jog switch (up / down / select) with a back button to the side of the phone. These buttons are also used to operate the camera interface. The jog switch is easy to manipulate, but the back button is in awkward position, making it hard to use, especially as a shutter button.

phone face, screen closed

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Kyocera Koi KX2

Display: 132 x 176 pixels
900 mAh battery

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