Kyocera Hydro Vibe / Icon
Phone Scoop Review
May 20, 2014 by Eric M. Zeman
Kyocera is back with another waterproof, entry-level Android smartphone for Sprint's network. The Vibe offers a good mix of features and performance for the price. read review ›
User Reviews
Average Ratings
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A great phone with a flaw
Carrier: Sprint
I'm using this phone on a Freedompop VOIP service. Although it's a refurbished, it looked quite new when I received it. The 4.5" screen is big and bright enough and I don't have any problem using it outdoor under a bright sunlight. The 'Auto-brightness' seems to have not turn the brightness down all the way so I have to disable it and manually turn it down to use the phone in the dark so my eyes are not strained by the bright screen. The 'Speaker Less handset' feature works as well as a regular handset. It produces crisp and clear sound.
The only gripe I have about this phone is with it's Google Play Service crashing constantly. I have to uninstall and reinstall the 'Google Play Service' constantly to make Gmail and others Apps work.
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Surprisingly solid
Carrier: Sprint
I have to say I am impressed with the device overall. There are sacrifices in the phone, but to be honest, they aren't enough to bother any but the power user, gadget addict or a person needing a huge screen.
Pros
Size: Perfect for a kid or a grandmother. Not super slim, but I don't always find that to be a major selling point. It fits the hand so naturally and is very easy to hold without fear of it slipping out of your hand.
Build quality: The materials aren't the best, but it feels solid. More than my GS3 I would say.
Screen: I am not a ppi snob so I think it is great. The resolution may be a bit of a compromise but it really looks nice. Viewing angles are solid and colors are vivid.
Battery life: Very solid. My daughter's school is in a coverage purgatory. My GS3 will lose 15% battery waiting in line for 30 minutes to pick her up. The Vibe gets through the whole day there just fine with plenty of battery to spare.
Power: Have not found anything that the phone has not been able to run just fine. Simple operation is smooth as silk.
Features: The water resistance gives peace of mind that it will survive most things she can throw at it. The wireless charging is nice because it is easier for her to remember to charge her phone now that she only has to put it on a pad.
Price: $230....
Cons
Wireless charging: Uses the PMA standard, makes it harder to find charging pads. Compatibility issue if you have multiple wireless charging phones in your family. Would not charge through the case, not sure if that is due to the phone, the case or the powermat.
Summary
Solid value. I would take this phone over any of the new $130 phones out there and some of the more expensive options. My daughter LOVES it.
Final note
The cameras. They work fine. They aren't great, but they aren't bad either. They are probably a little better than you would expect in a budget phone and unfortunately on par with what you too often find a $500+ phone.
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Nice Phone!
Carrier: Sprint
I got this phone as an upgrade for my Sprint account. I upgraded from a Samsung Galaxy S2.
Out of the box, it's smaller than the S2 which is fine by me. I've been playing with it for a couple days now and I really enjoy it. The battery life is so much better than the S2. Talk time is a lot longer as well. At work I usually would have to keep my S2 plugged in because, well it just sucks.
The Hydro Vibe runs a lot smoother than the Samsung. Sliding from one page to the next isn't choppy. It's pretty smooth. I'm very satisfied with the connectivity as well. I haven't gotten any dropped calls yet which is good. 4G/LTE is awesome! It's a good solid phone for a descent price for anybody. If you're looking for the best of the best go ahead and spend the money on something else. I think this phone is a keeper!
I'm glad I took the risk!
