Water Proof Kyocera Hydro ICS: You Can Drop in a Bucket

Smartphone prices are not a drop in the bucket.  In fact, dropping your smartphone in a bucket of water can be very costly and void the warranty. If you are near water frequently it may be an advantage to get a water-safe smartphone such as the Kyocera Hydro.

TNS Global Research found that more than 82.5 million handsets in the U.S. have been destroyed by water or moisture. A Wireless Lounge survey 70 percent of consumers indicated they consider water resistance an important feature in their next phones.

Water is of concern for Olympic swimmers, sailor, outdoor workers and even hot tub enthusiasts.

Kyocera Hydro offers IPx5- and IPx7-level water resistance. Whether caught in a rainstorm or dropped in a sink, Hydro is certified as waterproof against sprayed water such as rain and immersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

Kyocera Hydro features a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive 480x320 IPS LCD touchscreen, Android 4.0 ICS,  a MSM8655 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 2GB ROM, 512MB RAM memory, microSD,  3.2 MP, EV-DO network, Wi-Fi,  Stereo Bluetooth, digital compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and Kyocera's "Eco Mode" software to monitor and conserve battery power.

The Hydro is a 4.53 x 2.44 x 0.50 in. and weighs 4.16 ounces. It will be available nationally in the second half of 2012.