Kyocera Hydro View: Pros and Cons
Kyocera announced the launch of the Hydro View smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Hydro View series was launched with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 5 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (540 x 960 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.
Table of Contents
- Kyocera Hydro View specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Kyocera Hydro View 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.
Kyocera Hydro View specifications
Brand | Kyocera |
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Name | Hydro View |
Model | C6742 |
Release date | 2016 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 4.97 oz |
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Dimensions | 5.47 x 2.84 x 0.39 inch |
Colors | black |
SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of Kyocera Hydro View is about 4.97 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) |
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SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 |
CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
GPU | Adreno 304 |
The Kyocera Hydro View comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | IPS |
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Screen size | 5 inch |
Resolution | 540 x 960 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
The 5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
RAM | 1 GB |
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Internal storage | 8 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
1 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. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Hydro View has only 8 GB. You can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus |
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Flash | LED |
Selfie camera | 2 MP |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Hydro View smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.
Connectivity, network, wireless
GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS |
NFC | no |
FM radio | yes |
USB | microUSB 2.0 |
Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Hydro View smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
Type | Li-Ion 2160 mAh, non-removable |
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The Li-Ion 2160 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of Hydro View isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
Sensors | accelerometer, light, proximity |
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Specials | IP57 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 detects the level of light in the environment.
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 NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.