While big names like Samsung and LG are the headliners for the next generation of Android, there are numerous other phones being released for Google’s OS. One of the reasons Android has enjoyed such success against iOS and Apple is its wide distribution over many phones and carriers. Android is available on both high end and low end phones, and the latter are increasing in quality at a rapid pace, opening the smartphone market to a much wider audience.
The phone manufacturer Kyocera is increasingly working their way into the low-end Android market. They’ve recently contracted with BoostMobile to release the Kyocera Hydro. The Hydro has received mostly positive reviews and a couple key features make this budget phone unlike other touch screen Android phones you may have came across before. Probably the most unique feature of this phone is its water resistance (hence the name, Hydro).
Have you ever wanted to take a shower with your cell phone and not have to worry about missing a call? The Hydro is rated to withstand up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and can make phone calls while soaked. Reductions in material costs have allowed Kyocera to offer this feature, which has normally been available only on high-end smart phones like the Sony Xperia series.
The phone also sports Android 4.0 ice cream sandwich, expandable memory card slot, a 1 GHz processor, durable casing and excellent call quality. A built in Eco Mode app helps conserve power and can be turned on or off. Again, these features previously were only available on high-end phones.
The crisp and clean sound you’ll get from this phone makes listening to all your tunes and conversations a pleasure. However, below-average battery life can be a bummer if you like to play games or stream media. The Hydro lacks the speed of the newer generation of 4G phones as it still runs on a 3G network, but it still performs admirably, representing the end of the 3G generation very well.
The rise of budget smartphones can only be a good thing for consumers as it increases competition between manufacturers and delivers increased value for your dollar. As smartphones become more affordable, the marketplace will see a large drive of new consumers whose purchases may help revive manufacturers like Kyocera, Motorola and Sony.
Here are a few other budget Android phones that target the lower-end smartphone market:
- Motorola Defy XT
- Motorola Sprice XT300
- Sony Xperia Nero series
- Sony Xperia Mini Pro
- Pantech Discover (New for 2013)
