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Indestructible Kyocera Hydro Life phone comes to T-Mobile

kyocera hydro life phone comes to t mobile
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Some people are just naturally clumsy — especially when it comes to their smartphones. Protecting your phone with drop-proof cases, waterproof films, or coatings can be rather expensive. Hardy waterproof handsets from Sony and Samsung cost a pretty penny, too. Now, Kyocera has announced a new budget smartphone called the Hydro Life, which can withstand drops onto concrete, into deep water, and into a pile of dust (or sand).

The Kyocera Hydro Life budget smartphone will arrive at Wal-Mart first for T-Mobile customers and come later to Metro PCS users. The device has a 4.5-inch IPS QHD screen, a 2,000mAh battery, and Wi-Fi calling capabilities. Kyocera also added a 5-megapixel back camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. While these may not be the most impressive specs ever, the HydroLife does boast some pretty incredible protection from the elements.

Related: Our 8 favorite waterproof Android phones

The Hydro Life smartphone comes with a IP57 rating, which means that it can be fully immersed in water up to 3.28 feet (1 meter) deep for 30 minutes without being destroyed. It can also handle a whole lot of dust, so you should be able to take this smartphone to the beach without fear.

Kyocera also says that the Hydro Life comes with Military Standard 810G protection against drops and crashes. The phone is even supposedly shock-proof, so if you drop it onto concrete, it shouldn’t disintegrate into a million little pieces.

Kyocera is well known for its durable smartphones and protective technology. Earlier this year, it launched a similar device called the Hydro Vibe at Sprint and Virgin Mobile.

The Kyocera Hydro Life will arrive at Wal-Mart on August 8 for $125. Any T-Mobile customer can buy the phone along with one of T-Mobile’s plans. The Hydro Life will arrive at Metro PCS on August 29.

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Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
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