Durability is not their most interesting selling point. There are more than that. Are you keen to know deeper than the visual? Try to read this Kyocera DuraXV Extreme review.
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme was released in 2020. Some people are attracted to the nice and sleek phone figures, and some of you also might be interested in the camera. But, some specific audiences are looking for a durable device for their extreme daily environments.
The rugged phone is known for its build that looks alienated to some people. Their bulky appearance looks strange and uncomfortable—which we agree with, but of course, for its specific purposes, it’s not made just for anybody.
Suppose you are those people who spend 24/7 in extreme and harmful conditions, rough tracks, extreme weather, and hazardous locations. Then, the rugged phone is giving you a lot of potential help. Find out your needs with this Kyocera DuraXV Extreme review.
Key Specs
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme key specifications:
| Weight | 193g |
| Dimensions | 110.8 x 56.4 x 27.3mm |
| OS | Proprietary based on AOSP |
| Screen size | 2.6-inch |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 |
| CPU | Quad-core (4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Battery | 1,770mAh, Removable |
| Camera | 5MP |
| Features | IP68-Rated Dust & Waterproof, MIL-STD-810G Military-Rated |
Design
As an extreme-purpose flip phone, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme consists of an ultra-rugged experience. The dimensions are 110.8 x 56.4 x 27.3mm. As a bulky phone, this gadget is heavy, with 193g as its weight. This phone has rubberized housing around it for extra durability in extreme conditions.
The phone’s figures at the front seem so robotic with its tiny screen in a diamond-kinda shape. Above the screen, you will find their one and only camera. A connector, two volume buttons, and an SOS button are on the phone’s side.
Inside the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone, you will see the main screen, tactile keypad, and buttons. These buttons are very clickable, even when you press them with a glove.
Display
A flip phone is supposed to not have a huge display. The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone has a 2.6-inch main screen to display the device’s information and navigation. This screen size is slightly smaller than most flip phones, with an average 2.8-inch screen.
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme’s main screen is aligned with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution. It means you will get a typical QVGA+ as the screen quality. Obviously, not the best quality since it still delivers pixelated icons and images. However, it might be unnoticeable for some of you since it has a small screen.
Besides the main screen, you will get an additional screen outside of the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme to add the mainstream look of a flip phone. Nonetheless, it is just a plain 1.08-inch screen with monochrome OLED quality. Those only give users basic information like incoming calls or messages, signal status, and date and time.
Camera
The camera is the least concern on every flip phone, especially the ultra-rugged one. The camera on the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is more like an additional feature for practical uses—no jaw-dropping output can be seen with this.
This is a rear camera that is placed in the front area. This is the one and only camera you can find on the gadget. However, the quality is quite mesmerizing for a ruggedized flip phone. It’s a 5MP camera that can survive in your job’s place.
The quality is quite good, but the feature inside is useful for quick-snapping a picture. It has an autofocus feature and the good news; it can also record a video.
Storage
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone gave its users 16GB of internal storage to store their files and install the apps they wanted. It’s a bare minimum for a flip phone. And, since there is not much you can do with the phone, we won’t put some comments about this.
If you are a heavy user, 16GB won’t be enough. That’s the challenge. To overcome this situation, you can start by buying a MicroSDXC card at the nearest phone store.
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme allows you to extend your memory space by installing a card of up to 512GB into the device. It is as easy as flipping the hand; only it costs more than that.
Read also: CAT S42 H+ (Hygiene Plus) Review
Performance
Processors are the most vital point on every phone to ensure the device can carry all users’ everyday activities most stably. The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is supported with a standard Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 as their processor.
It runs on an equally good power with a Quad-core 1.2GHz speed rate and a 64-bit CPU to enhance the performance’s quality. Those specs above are fitted well to deliver a stable performance yet still improve the battery saver’s consumption level.
All those are boosted with 2GB RAM (Random Access Memory). Before judging the size that seems small, this RAM capacity is a perfect pair for a flip phone. Considering you won’t do much activity with this gadget.
The RAM size ensures you get the balanced performance needed in a ruggedized flip phone. It stabilizes all of your phone’s activity without making it exhausting. Indeed, you can’t multitask with the device, but who does it with a flip phone, anyway?
An AOSP-based proprietary operating system works as the brain of the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone. Suppose you aren’t familiar with this system. In that case, it’s an operating system with a blueprint that can be used by all of the phone’s manufacturers. Their developers can design and adjust a little to suit their users.
The AOSP is very commonly used in flip phones. This operating system ensures every operation is smoother and has minimum effort for accessing any apps. That’s why–if you’re noticing – the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme digital’s look is simple but outdated and boring.
The last discussion concerns the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme’s real performance in rough and tough conditions. This phone is built just like its name; to handle extreme situations. It features an IP68-rated, so it’s dust and waterproof. It also has a MIL-STD-810G to protect the device from drops, shock, vibrations, and extreme weather conditions.
Added more, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme has already been rated with Haz-Loc: On-Incendive Class I, Division 2, Group A-D, T4 to protect the device in potentially hazardous locations. That doesn’t sound easy, but it can give you peace of mind.
Connectivity
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone is compatible with 4G LTE and older bands. Still, 4G LTE is the most reliable connection right now, and it’s accessible everywhere, even in remote areas. Since most users of ruggedized phones are working outdoors, this network is a good option.
With 4G LTE connectivity, users can enjoy crystal-clear voice calls. Even better, a dual-mic cancellation can give you louder hearing, especially in noisy environments.
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is supported by Wi-Fi connectivity and a mobile hotspot. You are allowed to let up to 10 devices connected with your data network. Other than that, this phone can also connect to Bluetooth 4.2.
Battery
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme flip phone has a 1,770mAh battery capacity. Not a huge capacity for today’s needs, but considering this flip phone is not a heavy device, we think practically the battery capacity will be enough.
If we see on their website the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme promises to have up to 9.5 hours of talk time and 18 days while on standby. It doesn’t even last a day, but it can be a plus point since the battery is removable.
You can carry one or two separate batteries outdoors with a removable battery. So, every time your phone turns off, and you need to use it quickly, you can install the battery on and off very easily.
Verdict
Wrapped the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme review, announcing that this device will cost $230. It’s kinda pricey for an outdoor flip phone, and some of you must leave a thought like, “With that price, I can buy a modern smartphone.”
However, as we mentioned earlier, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is built for different purposes; different conditions. Its durability has already been tested, and it got military-rated. If you are their target market and need those kinds of devices.
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Pros:
- Dust, drop, shock, and waterproof
- Built for extreme and hazardous conditions
- Military rated
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Cons:
- Kinda pricey
- Bulky and uncomfortable design
