Waterproof, or resistant, devices are becoming more of the norm this year than in the past and I am loving it. Another new device is headed towards both T-Mobile and MetroPCS that will easily target those that find themselves dropping their devices often. We all have one of those people in our lives that has gone through more phones than socks. Kyocera‘s new Hydro Life device could be the inexpensive device of choice for those that need a little bit more protection built-in to their device without breaking the bank to do so.
“The Hydro Life is a perfect option for someone who leads an active lifestyle, wants access to the latest technology and apps, but needs a smartphone that can withstand the elements,” said Jason Young, senior vice president of marketing at T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, we partnered with Kyocera to match a rugged smartphone with the only nationwide network built data strong.”
The Hydro Life is IP57 certified waterproof, shock-proof and drop-proof. It meets Military Standard 810G. The Hydro Life carries a 4.5-inch impact resistant IPS qHD display, 2000 mAh battery, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and Wi-Fi calling for the T-Mobile variant. Detailed specs of the device seem to be missing from the press release, however PhoneScoop has some more details that outline the Hydro Life with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8212 processor, 8GB on-board storage, 1.5GB of RAM and a Micro SD card slot. Along with Bluetooth 4.0+LE and the ANdroid version being 4.3.
The new Kyocera Hydro Life will be making an appearance in Wal-Mart for T-Mobile starting August 8 for just $124.99 + tax. MetroPCS will be putting the device, minus the Wi-Fi Calling, to market on August 29th for the same price tag.
Press release:
Kyocera Battles Fragiphoniphobia with the Everyday Durable Hydro Life at T-Mobile and MetroPCS
Newest 4G Android from the Industry Leaders in Waterproof, Shock-Proof, Drop-Proof Smartphones Can Handle the Demands of Daily Life
SAN DIEGO – August 4, 2014 – Many of us are suffering from “fragiphoniphobia” without even realizing it. The fear of fragile phones – and worries about drops and spills ruining our smartphones and disrupting our lives – prevents us from using them to their full potential. Enter Kyocera Hydro Life, a waterproof 4G Androidâ„¢ smartphone that’s also Military Standard 810G drop- and shock-proof.
The ideal smartphone for both active consumers and workers on the job, Hydro Life is available for T-Mobile customers at Wal-Mart starting August 8 for just $124.99 (+taxes & fees) with qualifying service. MetroPCS will also launch the Hydro Life on August 29.
“The Hydro Life is a perfect option for someone who leads an active lifestyle, wants access to the latest technology and apps, but needs a smartphone that can withstand the elements,” said Jason Young, senior vice president of marketing at T-Mobile. “At T-Mobile, we partnered with Kyocera to match a rugged smartphone with the only nationwide network built data strong.”
Hydro Life is IP57 certified for protection against dust and full immersion in water up to a meter (3.28 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes. It is also certified to meet Military Standard 810G for protection against drops and shock. Tested to withstand drops, dunks, and spills, Hydro Life can handle the everyday unexpected.
A recent survey from comScore revealed that 73 percent of consumers surveyed rated drop protection or scratch-proof/shatter-proof screens as the most desirable durability feature, while 62 percent said they expect waterproofing to be a standard feature on their next phones.*
“Many of us have let the fear of fragile phones constrain our lives while many other solutions are either budget busters, too bulky or lack the best Android smartphone experience,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. “Hydro Life delivers everyday durability with the right design and feature set; while remaining very economical for cost-conscious households. Combined with fast, affordable 4G from the un-carrier, it’s a big win for on-the-go consumers.”
Hydro Life has an inherently durable design, with a 4.5-inch impact-resistant IPS qHD touchscreen, reinforced housing and non-slip finish, which eliminates the need for bulky and expensive cases. A powerful 2,000 mAh lithium ion battery is assisted by Kyocera’s proprietary Eco Mode and MaxiMZR apps to manage and conserve every last bit of power. Wi-Fi calling support helps manage mobile-network usage. Hydro Life can act as a Wi-Fi Hotspot (additional fee may be required), giving high-speed connectivity to multiple other devices. The phone also features 5.0-megapixel rear-facing and 2-megapixel front-facing cameras.
Via Android Central | PhoneScoop
