Kyocera

Kyocera Hydro Vibe: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926
Adreno 305
1.5 GB / 8 GB
4.5 inch (540 x 960 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

Kyocera announced the launch of the Hydro Vibe smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926 SoC, and 1.5 GB of RAM. The Hydro Vibe comes with Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Kyocera Hydro Vibe smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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Kyocera Hydro Vibe specifications

BrandKyocera
NameHydro Vibe
ModelC6725
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.9 oz
Dimensions5.02 x 2.5 x 0.43 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Kyocera Hydro Vibe is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

Kyocera Hydro Vibe / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8926
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 305

The Kyocera Hydro Vibe comes with Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.5 inch
Resolution540 x 960 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM1.5 GB
Internal storage8 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1.5 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Hydro Vibe (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Hydro Vibe smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSA-GPS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Hydro Vibe supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Hydro Vibe smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Hydro Vibe has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Hydro Vibe comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh

The Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, light, proximity
SpecialsIP57 waterproof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Kyocera phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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