Kyocera DuraScout (2014) review

Kyocera announced the launch of the DuraScout smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering the Kyocera DuraScout phone with 4.5 inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8928 chipset, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage.

The Kyocera DuraScout series was launched with Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable to newer versions of OS as they become available. The 4.5 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (720 x 1280 px). This screen can reproduce accurate and vibrant colors. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus). The single camera setup can be sufficient for many smartphone users, depending on their photography needs and preferences. The DuraScout also features a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Kyocera DuraScout specifications

Body

The weight of Kyocera DuraScout is about 6.6 oz with battery, which is average compared to most of the smartphones with same size. The dimensions of this Kyocera smartphone are average (5.37 x 2.69 x 0.52 inch). Smaller smartphones are more compact and easier to carry around, but they may have smaller displays that can be harder to read and interact with. A Nano SIM is a small (12.3 x 8.8 x 0.67 mm) chipcard that is used in smartphones as a subscriber identity module (SIM) for connecting to a cellular network.

System

The Kyocera DuraScout comes with Android OS v4.4.2 (KitKat) out of the box, but it is upgradable to the next OS. Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. The DuraScout has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8928 CPU. This mid-range, quad-core CPU is capable of delivering fast and efficient performance for a wide range of tasks.

The DuraScout utilizes Adreno 305 GPU. A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized chip that is primarily designed to handle and accelerate the processing of graphics and visual data. It is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on a smartphone screen. Adreno GPUs are designed to work in conjunction with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. The latest Adreno GPUs support advanced graphics features such as high dynamic range (HDR) rendering, virtual reality, and augmented reality applications.

Display

The 4.5 inch phone comes with IPS display. The IPS display provides enhanced features, such as optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, invariable color reproduction and better power consumption. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner. A larger screen typically requires more power to illuminate, which can impact battery life. The display of Kyocera DuraScout is multitouch capable. Multitouch technology enables the device's touchscreen to detect and interpret multiple touch points on the screen simultaneously.

Memory

With 2 GB of RAM, a smartphone can run multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing any significant lag or slow performance. Having more RAM in a smartphone can provide benefits in terms of performance and multitasking. When you have more RAM, you can keep more apps and processes open in the background without slowing down the device. 32 GB of internal storage is generally considered to be the minimum amount of storage you would want in a smartphone. The DuraScout has only 16 GB of internal storage. The memory of Kyocera DuraScout (2 GB) cannot be expanded, but the internal storage (16 GB) can be expanded with a compatible microSD card. A microSD card is a type of small, removable flash memory card used to store digital information.

Camera

The DuraScout offers only a single-camera setup. The single camera can still be sufficient for many smartphone users, depending on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of the DuraScout is equipped with autofocus. An autofocus (or AF) optical system uses a sensor, a control system and a motor to focus on an automatically or manually selected point or area. Very few Android cameras come without autofocus. The main camera of DuraScout smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones, particularly for those who frequently use their phones to take photos and videos.

Connectivity

The Kyocera DuraScout supports 4G/LTE networks. 4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology. 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. It offers peak download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the specific network and implementation. The Kyocera DuraScout like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi networks offer several advantages over wired networks, including greater mobility, flexibility, and convenience.

The DuraScout smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect and communicate with each other over short distances. The DuraScout has a GPS receiver. GPS allows smartphones to determine their precise location and provide accurate navigation and mapping services. This includes turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, points of interest, and alternative routes.

The DuraScout comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that makes life easier and more convenient for consumers around the world by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch. The DuraScout phone doesn't have built-in FM radio receiver. The DuraScout has a microUSB port. MicroUSB is a type of USB connector that was commonly used on older smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The DuraScout smartphone has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is a small round port, that allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery

The Li-Ion 3100 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery which offers high energy, is lightweight and does not require periodic full discharge. The battery of DuraScout isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features

Smartphones today come with a wealth of sensors to facilitate a better user experience. The accelerometer is a sensor that measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. This Kyocera phones come with proximity sensor. This proximity sensor detects how close the phone is to an outside object, such as your ear. The DuraScout phone comes with a compass sensor. A compass sensor is a device that provides accurate directions in relation to the earth's North and South magnetic poles. The DuraScout is a safe and durable IP68 dustproof and waterproof smartphone built for outdoor usage.

The specifications above are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Kyocera DuraScout, then don’t hesitate and signal the problem to us.

Kyocera DuraScout pictures

Latest Kyocera smartphones

Please take a look at the following compilation of the most recent Kyocera phones. This list showcases the latest offerings from Kyocera in the realm of mobile devices. Feel free to explore and check out these cutting-edge smartphones.

Kyocera Digno SX3
Kyocera Android One S10
Kyocera Android One S9
Kyocera Torque 5G
Kyocera DuraForce Ultra 5G
Kyocera S8
Kyocera Gratina
Kyocera Torque G04

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working, or if you have a suggestion for improvement. Our e-mail address is webmaster@phone42.com.