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Kyocera Hydro Elite

$180

Overview

Kyocera Hydro Elite is a budget Android smartphone released in 2020 with a 4.3-inch TFT LCD, Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, 8 main camera, and 2100 mAh battery.

Priced at $180, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Kyocera Hydro Elite

The display of Kyocera Hydro Elite measures 4.3 inches with TFT LCD technology. Peak brightness reaches 400 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 720x1280 pixels resolution.

Size
4.3 inches
Type
TFT LCD
Resolution
720x1280 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
400 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Kyocera Hydro Elite features 1 rear cameras: 8 main. Video recording supports up to 1080p.

Main Sensor
8
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
1080p

The battery of Kyocera Hydro Elite has 2100mAh capacity with 10.0 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 180 min minutes.

Capacity
2100mAh
Wired Charging
10.0
Full Charge Time
180 min minutes

The performance of Kyocera Hydro Elite is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset with Adreno 225 GPU. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 120000.

Chipset
Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
CPU
Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
GPU
Adreno 225
AnTuTu Score
120000

The memory of Kyocera Hydro Elite offers 5GB RAM with 16GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR3 technology. Storage is 16GB 1.5GB RAM.

RAM Options
5GB
Storage Options
16GB
RAM Type
LPDDR3
Storage Type
16GB 1.5GB RAM
Expandable
microSDXC

The connectivity of Kyocera Hydro Elite includes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
4.0
NFC
Yes

The build of Kyocera Hydro Elite weighs 128.0g with Plastic frame and Plastic back. Water and dust resistance is rated IP57. Dimensions measure 146 x 73.5 x 8.7 mm.

Dimensions
146 x 73.5 x 8.7 mm
Weight
128.0g
Frame
Plastic
Back
Plastic
IP Rating
IP57

The software of Kyocera Hydro Elite runs Android 8.1 (Oreo). Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Android 8.1 (Oreo)
Update Policy
2 years

Compare Kyocera Hydro Elite

Kyocera Hydro Elite vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Kyocera Hydro Elite offers competitive value at $180 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$180 price point
Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
4.3" display

Kyocera Hydro Elite vs Motorola Moto G Power

Kyocera Hydro Elite offers competitive value at $180 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$180 price point
Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
4.3" display

Kyocera Hydro Elite vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Kyocera Hydro Elite offers competitive value at $180 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$180 price point
Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
4.3" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyocera Hydro Elite

Kyocera Hydro Elite has a 8 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Kyocera Hydro Elite with Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.

Related: mobile gaming

Kyocera Hydro Elite receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Kyocera Hydro Elite has IP57 protection against dust and water.

Related: water resistance

Kyocera Hydro Elite has a 2100mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Kyocera Hydro Elite at $180 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Kyocera Hydro Elite supports 10.0 wired charging with full charge in approximately 180 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

Kyocera Hydro Elite is available in 16GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Kyocera Hydro Elite has a 4.3-inch TFT LCD with 60Hz refresh rate and 400 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Kyocera Hydro Elite ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Kyocera Hydro Elite delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

4.3"

Main Camera

8

Chipset

Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / HSPA
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
4G LTE BandsLTE
5G Sub-6 BandsN/A
5G mmWave BandsN/A
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM ModeSingle SIM
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA SupportN/A

Launch

Announced2020
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$350

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)146 x 73.5 x 8.7 mm
Weight (g)128.0
Build MaterialsPlastic
FramePlastic
Back FinishPlastic
Colors["Dark Grey", "Blue", "Gold"]
IP RatingIP57
Rugged CertificationsIPX7
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorCandybar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded DimensionsN/A
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeTFT LCD
Size (inches)4.3
Resolution (px)720x1280 pixels
Aspect Ratio240:427
Pixel Density (ppi)196
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)68.9
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)120
Peak Brightness (nits)400
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth16
PWM Dimming (Hz)N/A
Glass Protection
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 8.1 (Oreo)
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
CPUDual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 225
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesBasic
ModemQualcomm MDM9615M
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-CoreN/A
Geekbench Multi-CoreN/A
AnTuTu Score120000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM5GB
RAM TypeLPDDR3
Storage16GB
Storage Type16GB 1.5GB RAM
Storage SpeedeMMC 5.1
Expandable StoragemicroSDXC
Slot TypemicroSD
USB OTG
Filesystem Encryption

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor8
Main Sensor Size1/3.2"
Main Sensor ModelSony IMX219
Main Lensf/2.2, 28mm
OIS
AutofocusAF
Pixel Binning
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashLED
Video Resolution1080p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264
Slow Motion
Video StabilizationEIS
Night Mode Featuresbasic
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution5
Sensor Size1/4"
Aperturef/2.4
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video720p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face UnlockSoftware

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, MP3
DAC/AmpBasic

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth4.0
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBMicro-USB
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorN/A
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsN/A
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)2100
TypeLi-Ion
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging10.0
Wired StandardQualcomm Quick Charge 1.0
0-50% Time (mins)120 min
Full Charge Time180 min
Wireless ChargingN/A
Wireless StandardN/A
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box5W
Battery Health FeaturesBasic

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 8.1 (Oreo)
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherN/A
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesBasic
AccessibilityStandard
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsPhone, Charger, USB Cable, Quick Start Guide
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Kyocera Hydro Elite Review: Solid Performance for the Price

5.8/10
Average

Our comprehensive review of the Kyocera Hydro Elite covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(2.9 stars)
Pros
    Cons
    • - Display could be brighter or smoother
    • - Performance may struggle with demanding tasks

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