Kyocera Aktiv K480
Updated Version of the KE414 Phantom
The Aktiv appears to be Kyocera's method of fixing the many, MANY problems that were occurring with the KE414 Phantom. The layout and feel are basically the same, with the most apparent change being the addition of a color screen and BREW.
Through my experience, the Aktiv has excellent signal strength (with CellularONE/Western Wireless in the Midwest), and greatly improved battery life over the previous Phantom (although there WAS a battery recall for certain batteries of those phones). The addition of BREW is of course a great thing, and it has a couple of neat features:
A bright LED flashlight (which comes in handy more than you think!)
A sturdy, rubberized design that helps the phone take a few more bumps than some might.
All in all, I believe the Aktiv to be a good phone, although the screen IS small and somewhat hard to see sometimes. It also doesn't fit aftermarket accessories for the KE414 - and as of the last time I checked, there were few made specifically for the Aktiv. The buttons can be a little stiff, too.
But - as an entry-level phone, it IS a great deal, and something I'd definitely recommend.
