We got our hands on a few new Kyocera handsets today at CTIA 2013 in Las Vegas, one of them being the ruggedized and waterproof Kyocera Hydro Edge. It’s predecessor, the Kyocera Hydro was announced last year at CTIA 2012 in New Orleans. The Hydro Edge continues Kyocera’s ruggedized, waterproof mid-range smartphone model, and brings it up to 2013 with more powerful specs and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.
The specs of the device are not super impressive by today’s standards, but are functional nonetheless. The Kyocera Hydro Edge packs a dual-core 1 GHz processor, a 5 MP rear facing camera, 4-inch WVGA display and tempered glass. The device also touts Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver, which utilizes bone conduction technology to transmit sound in the noisiest of environments.
Even with the mid-range spec sheet, the Hydro Edge was snappy and responsive, and it’s rubberized back was non-obtrusive and felt comfortable to hold in the hand. I wasn’t able to connect the device to Wi-Fi however, but scrolling through the homescreen and opening apps showed no signs of lag. It’s a snappy little device for sure, and will be great for those who are often in extreme conditions, or have little ones running around anxious to play Angry Birds.
The Kyocera Hydro Edge will be launching on Boost Mobile and Sprint this summer. Pricing was not available, but will be aimed at the lower echelon for certain. If you’re looking for a rugged device at an affordable price point, this could be the smartphone for you.
