Kyocera

Kyocera Hydro XTRM: Pros and Cons

Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960
Adreno 225
1 GB / 4 GB
4 inch (480 x 800 px)
5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus

Kyocera announced the launch of the Hydro XTRM smartphone in 2013. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The Hydro XTRM comes with Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's see what makes this device stand out.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Kyocera Hydro XTRM 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 XTRM / 1

Kyocera Hydro XTRM specifications

BrandKyocera
NameHydro XTRM
ModelC6522
Release date2013

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.9 oz
Dimensions4.88 x 2.52 x 0.42 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Kyocera Hydro XTRM 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.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 225

The Kyocera Hydro XTRM comes with Android OS v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Kyocera Hydro XTRM / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4 inch
Resolution480 x 800 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.

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage4 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 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 XTRM (4 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Kyocera Hydro XTRM / 2

Cameras, flash

Main camera5 MP, 2592 х 1944 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera1.3 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 Hydro XTRM comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

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
NFCno
FM radiono
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The Hydro XTRM supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Hydro XTRM smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Hydro XTRM has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. 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

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, proximity
SpecialsIP57 waterproof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Hydro XTRM smartphone has an accelerometer.

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 fingerprint reader
Add Kyocera Hydro XTRM to your comparison

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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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