The Boost Mobile Kyocera Hydro is a durable smartphone that withstands not only rain, but also damage when submerged in fresh water. Based on the Android platform, this IPX5- and IPX7-level waterproof phone is slated to hit store shelves next month.
Besides withstanding splashes, it can offer resistance against fresh water up to a depth of 3 feet, for close to 30 minutes. The 3G-based smartphone tips the scale at a little more than 4 ounces. It acquires multitasking properties from a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset that clocks in a speed of 1GHz and can even run on the Eco Mode to save up on battery life.
“With other water-soaked smartphones, consumers instantly move into MacGyver mode attempting to beat the odds with dry rice, Ziploc bags and other home remedies that rarely work. With the Kyocera Hydro, consumers can eliminate the panic of water damage and just enjoy their affordable Android-powered smartphone paired with Boost’s award-winning no-contract service with payments that shrink over time,” stated Andre Smith, vice president of Boost Mobile.
The sturdy device from Kyocera does not compromise on essential features to cram in water-resisting technology. It brings a generous scoop of Ice Cream Sandwich to the platter and naturally allows users to access applications in the Google Play store. The front panel of this GPS and Wi-Fi-enabled handset is dominated by a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, while the flip side is graced by a 3.2MP camera with flash.
The Boost Mobile Kyocera Hydro price and release date are $129.99 and August 3, respectively. It will be made available via company-owned retail stores and other authorized resellers. This smartphone requires a $55 monthly unlimited plan with shrinking payments, without a contract.