Kyocera Hydro XTRM and EDGE hands-on

Kyocera has been showing a pair of smartphones during CTIA, both of which will be coming available for those in the US market. These are both rugged devices and will be arriving as the Hydro XTRM and the Hydro EDGE. We spent some time with each of these handsets during the show and even managed to get them in some water. Of course, we also played with the Kyocera Torque not that long ago and did the same.

While dunking a smartphone in water is strangely satisfying, there is more to the devices than water-resistance. Beginning first with the Hydro XTRM, this handset will be available with US Cellular. The device will launch on May 24th and with a price tag of just $29.99. That of course, comes along with a two-year agreement.

The specs for the Hydro XTRM are decent, but certainly not what one would call high-end. The handset will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with specs to include a 4-inch (800 x 480) display, 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 2000 mAh battery and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. Again though, where this phone will likely shine is with the outdoor crowd.

The handset will be dust- and water-resistant, however it will not be carrying the regular rugged looks. The Hydro XTRM will have a brushed aluminum bezel and will appear to be missing the protection for the openings. Instead of having rubber plugs and flaps, Kyocera has opted to use a special coating that offers the same protection against water.

The Hydro EDGE will be a heading to Boost Mobile, however we have yet to see a price or a release date. The EDGE will be similar to the XTRM in terms of being rugged with protection against dust and water, but the specs will be a bit lower. The handset will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a 4-inch (800 x 480) display, dual-core 1.0GHz processor, 1600 mAh battery and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera.

Anyway, while both seem like viable options for those looking for something with Jelly Bean and a rugged design, the Hydro EDGE should be good for those who are looking to avoid the long term carrier commitment. With that, make sure to check the gallery below for plenty more images.