Getting wet doesn't seem like something most robots would care for, but Boost Mobile today announced that it will launch the Kyocera Hydro, a waterproof Android phone. Initially announced by Kyocera back in May, the Hydro is IPX5 and IPX7-certified, meaning that it can withstand sprayed water (like rain) and can also be submerged in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The Hydro's spec sheet also includes a 3.5-inch display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 3.2-megapixel camera and Android 4.0. Expect the Hydro to be available online and in Boost Mobile stores starting August 3 for $129.99. Expanded availability in select national retailers is planned for later in August.
While the Kyocera Hydro isn't exactly meant to be taken into the pool with you all day, its water resistance is a nice feature for folks that are concerned about their handset getting wet, especially during the summer months. If you're interested in reading even more about the Kyocera Hydro while waiting for it to hit shelves next month, you can find Boost's full announcement down below.
Get Wet and Be Worry-Free This Summer with the Waterproof Kyocera Hydro Android Smartphone from Boost Mobile
IRVINE, Calif. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), July 17, 2012 - Boost Mobile, a leader in the no-contract wireless industry, makes a splash this summer by unveiling the Kyocera Hydro, the first IPX5- and IPX7-level water-proof Android™-powered smartphone that doesn’t require a contract. Kyocera Hydro is “oops proof,” with innovative technology built to withstand sprayed water like rain (IPX5) or even being submerged in three (3) feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes* (IPX7).
Boost Mobile and Kyocera recognize that mobile phone accidents happen, but unlike cracked screens or broken keypads that can be replaced, water damage is usually irreversible. In almost all cases, water damage results in nothing more than a good-looking paperweight. According to industry statistics, more than 82.5 million mobile phones nationwide have been destroyed by water or moisture. Water damage also drives more than 20 percent of handset insurance claims during the summer months as consumers look to stay cool and connected by the pool.
Kyocera Hydro will be available starting Aug. 3 for $129.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations nationwide and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping. The lightweight 3G smartphone, weighing only 4.16 ounces, will be available in select national retail locations later next month.
“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,” said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. “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.”
Kyocera Hydro is paired with Boost Mobile’s no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinking Payments. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.
“Kyocera Hydro offers a great value for a sleek, fully featured smartphone – and being waterproof is really the icing on the cake,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications, Inc. “Wireless devices and water generally are not a good combination, but with Hydro you finally get the peace of mind to know that they can peacefully coexist.”
Features of the Kyocera Hydro include:
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system
1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon® processor
Access to more than 600,000 Android Apps as well as music and movies on Google Play™
3.5-inch touchscreen display
Wi-Fi® and GPS enabled
3.2MP camera with flash and video camera
Eco Mode for better battery management
