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Kyocera Hydro Icon
Kyocera Hydro Icon
Kyocera Hydro Icon
Kyocera Hydro Icon
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3/10
Informr score
The Kyocera Hydro Icon currently has an Informr score of 3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 2 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Smooth processor performance
  • Certified waterproof and shock resistant
  • Good screen angles and decent sharpness

What's bad

  • Scratchy and static-y call quality
  • Very poor video recording quality
  • Small amount of onboard storage

Once again Kyocera offers a budget waterproof phone, but as part of the Hydro line, the Icon also features military grade shock protection. While it is a certified rugged phone, it is fairly slim at 0.43-inches and weighs only 144 grams. If this were a normal smartphone, the weight and thickness might make the phone a bit chunky, but reviewers consider it quite svelte for a rugged device.

At the forefront of the device is a 4.5-inch IPS display that has a resolution of 540 pixels. While not full HD, experts were relatively happy with the overall crispness of the screen and viewing angles. They did have some problems with glare under bright lighting and direct sunlight, but also note that in other circumstances the screen was generally legible.

Behind the display sites the 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM. The combination of the two gave critics a relatively smooth performance throughout usage, although it isn't as fast as true flagship phones. It is good enough to get through basic tasks and even some hardware-intensive games without a hitch. It also comes equipped with only 8GB of internal storage, though due to the OS and Kyocera apps the actual available storage is more like 4GB. Luckily the Icon does support up to 32GB microSD cards. The slow is located behind the 2,000mAh battery. According to expert tests, the battery lasted a full day of lighter usage and comes with the perk of wireless charging.

One of the biggest downfalls of the Icon is call quality. On the calling and receiving end, experts noticed that the voices often sounded very distant and ran into instances of static and scratchiness. The other downfall is its 8MP rear camera. It wasn't camera mode that turned experts off as they were able to produce decent shots when the lighting was good. It was the video mode. While not all consumers will use their phones to capture video, a large majority do. Unfortunately, reviewers call the video on the Icon a "lost cause" as it produces slow and juddery videos when recording 1080p. Although they note that it does get better at lower resolutions they still consider it a rather disappointing experience.

Overall, reviewers were not impressed with the Hydro Icon despite its rugged rating. CNet states, "Unless tumbling into approximately 3 feet of water is a recurring ordeal for you, there actually isn't that much to recommend."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

The Kyocera Hydro Icon might be inexpensive and waterproof, but a general lack of noteworthy features and a rather poor camera make this one tough to recommend.

- Nate Ralph, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


The Hydro Icon price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Kyocera Hydro Icon prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Kyocera Hydro Icon user manual here.


Kyocera backs up the Hydro Icon with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Hydro Icon has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Kyocera support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Kyocera's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.5"

The Kyocera Hydro Icon's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8926 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2000 mAh battery. Kyocera's performance ratings are 8 days standby time.

Hydro Icon Specs

Overview
Release Date June 17, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8926 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1536 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.29 W/kg
Body: 0.95 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, OPP/FTP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Smile detection, HDR
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 245 pixels
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 8 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.2 x 6.5 x 1.1 cm (5.2 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 144 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design Yes
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Kyocera Hydro Icon Reviews
Where to buy Kyocera Hydro Icon
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