Home Fun StuffTechnology Kyocera Torque – A Smartphone Tougher Than Your Lifestyle!

Kyocera Torque – A Smartphone Tougher Than Your Lifestyle!

by TerriAnn
Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed, Underwater Photos

Kyocera Torque on Sprint Network Smartphone Review, Partnered Post…

What’s the first thing you do when you get a new phone? Get a case, right? After all, you have to protect your investment for the next two years that you’re under contract, right? What if you could get all the functionality of the fancy flagship smartphones but at a fraction of the cost and that could withstand the bumps, drops, spills, toilet dunks, and all other hazards that come with parenthood? The Kyocera Torque may be right up your alley!

Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed

You’ll notice that there are a couple of flecks on the back of the phone pictured above. That’s because I’ve been busy dropping it on concrete floors and throwing it around everywhere. Oh, it also traveled with me to beaches with super fine sand and in a couple of pools to catch some underwater fun. So far I haven’t put it in the washing machine and dryer yet but I’m sure it’d do fine.

Want to see what I mean? While I was recording the girls from outside the water, we also had the Kyocera Torque recording from under the water. I’d say it passed the ‘kid test’ quite well, wouldn’t you?

The Kyocera Torque (pronounced “Key-oh-sarah”) is only $99 with a 2-year Sprint contract and is especially ideal for both parents and their kids There’s no need to fork out extra for a good case since the phone itself is built to military specifications. What does that mean? This rugged little phone has an impact-resistant touchscreen and can withstand:

  • Water (fully immersed in up to 1 meter and for up to 30 minutes)
  • Drops (26 times from 4′ high)
  • Shock
  • Vibration (horizontal, vertical, sideways for 1 hour)
  • Blowing Rain
  • Low Pressure (15,000 feet for two hours)
  • Solar Radiation (exposure of 1120 W/m2 for 24 hours)
  • Salt Fog (complete 48-hour exposure cycle)
  • Humidity (95% for 10 days straight)
  • Sand
  • Dust (heavy, for six hours)
  • Temperature Extremes (-4°F to 122°F operating, -22°F to 140°F non-operating)

Just because the Kyocera Torque is durable doesn’t mean it’s clunky. No, not at all. Applications load fast, the touchscreen is responsive and bright, it runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and there’s a  5MP rear-facing camera and a 1.3MP front-facing camera. Call quality seemed sufficient. Battery life was comparable. The memory included is WAY too small (1GB) but you can insert a microSD card up to 32GB. Screenshots can be taken by holding the ‘volume down’ button and the power button for two seconds. Sprint 4G LTE is available on the Torque, which is great when you’re using it as a Hotspot for up to five devices simultaneously. This really came in handy when I was waiting at the airport between flight stopovers and was able to get some work on my laptop done.

Regarding the camera, photos above water are clear and the colors are true. However, the photos UNDER water are twenty times cooler! Video turns out great (as you saw) but make sure to hold onto to something so you don’t float up while filming. It was funny to see the kids’ expressions when I told them to throw the phone around and play with it in the pool 😛 I had to quickly remind them NOT to do the same with their mom’s or my phone…

Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed, Underwater Photos Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed, Underwater Photos

Through the course of my review, I often had people ask, “What kind of case is that?” After explaining about the phone and the price point, several expressed interest as this being their next phone. Sure, other smartphones might be prettier but they’re also bulkier. Since the Torque does not need an extra case, it’s slim enough to slip into any pocket or purse. There’s still a nice grip though. I think the design is sleek and functional without looking totally manly.

Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed Kyocera Torque Smartphone, No Case Needed

It was a pain trying to download the photos and videos I took. The Torque wouldn’t connect with my Mac equipment, refused to send via MMS, and was a non-recognizable file in DropBox. The only way to really get things off the device was to upload it to my Google+ account, which ended up being pretty fast. Just a hiccup but one that caused me a good amount of frustration.

There were a few features I didn’t really get to play with – the Direct Connect or NFC. That had to do with not having any other Sprint users nearby. I so wanted to ‘touch’ phones to transfer files! The included Smart Sonic Receiver technology is supposed to help you hear better, even in noisy surrounding, through vibrations. I didn’t really get this to work much for me though. There were also a few times that the processor hung and I had to restart the phone or the phone would restart on its own. I don’t know if that has to do with the Android platform or if it needs a software update.

The Kyocera Torque is a functional and durable smartphone to have and to use. For less than $100, you can call, text, browse, email, share photos, take video, play games, read, update your status, check-in, etc. – all without having to worry it will break if you accidentally drop it (a lot) or get it wet.

 
I was provided with a loaner product (which is to be returned) and was compensated for the work involved in crafting this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

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83 comments

Dianna @ oyveyaday June 6, 2013 - 4:38 am

That is awesome! I wonder if it would live up to my expectations as far as features and functionality – but, it would definitely would love having the case built in!

Lori W. June 6, 2013 - 5:34 am

I love that it can be used in and around water…If I had a dollar for every cell one of my kids dropped into a glass of pop I would be rich I tell you LOL…..

BBooAnn2009 June 6, 2013 - 6:05 am

I love love love this phone and the best feature for me is the built in case. I have a bad habit of dropping phones and end up going through them like candy!!! Going broke doing so!!

Tammy S June 6, 2013 - 6:14 am

I love that it has an impact-resistant touchscreen and that it is built to Military specs. That means it should hold up to my kids. 🙂

Steph June 6, 2013 - 7:33 am

I also like the impact-resistant touchscreen. It would be perfect for construction sites. No worries about it getting broken.

Tiff @ Babes and Kids June 6, 2013 - 8:57 am

I loved seeing this phone at Brandcation and was shocked when you told me to throw it on the ground. That is one durable phone and I love the pictures it takes!

Patricia Wojnar Crowley June 6, 2013 - 9:37 am

I LOVE that it can go in the water!

Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy June 6, 2013 - 10:45 am

I love that it is waterproof.

Courtnie June 6, 2013 - 10:55 am

My favorite feature is that it is waterproof of course!

Billie June 6, 2013 - 11:35 am

I love that it’s shock resistant, I’m always dropping my phone.

Thomas Murphy June 6, 2013 - 1:28 pm

I like that it is fully immersed in up to 1 meter of water and for up to 30 minutes

Amanda Sakovitz June 6, 2013 - 1:53 pm

I love that its waterproof, epic!

Sonya Morris June 6, 2013 - 6:02 pm

I love how rugged it is and that it is waterproof!

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Crissy D. June 7, 2013 - 4:48 am

I like that its durable, I drop everything!

Nicole Newby June 7, 2013 - 6:12 am

I love that it is waterproof.

Amy June 7, 2013 - 7:05 am

Finally, a phone that can withstand everyday living AND be waterproof!

Liza Glick June 7, 2013 - 7:54 am

That it’s waterproof!

Tamar June 7, 2013 - 8:05 am

I like that it helps with drops.

Colleen Boudreau June 7, 2013 - 8:10 am

I LOVE that it’s waterproof!

Christina June 7, 2013 - 9:12 am

With young children I love the fact that it is water resistent.

Bill McGovern June 7, 2013 - 2:18 pm

I like the drop protection. I don’t plan on throwing it around, but I’ve always treated my phone like it’s our best china terrified of cracking the glass or housing.

marian boll June 7, 2013 - 3:03 pm

The dropping ability is first, and water is the second.

Tricia Nightowlmama June 7, 2013 - 3:17 pm

wow very impressive under water photos that’s fabulous

shelly peterson June 7, 2013 - 3:32 pm

I like that it is water proof

K.Pugh June 7, 2013 - 4:01 pm

I like the waterproof feature best.
Thanks for the chance.

Wendy Owen June 7, 2013 - 4:37 pm

The built in case, every time my grand kids visit they have to play with my phone and it scares the beejevies out of me. This phone would ease that stress

Belinda Parker June 7, 2013 - 5:32 pm

That’s its wateproof!

Rachel @ following in my shoes June 7, 2013 - 9:44 pm

This phone SERIOUSLY amazes me — I can’t believe it can be under water for so long.

Ann Fantom June 8, 2013 - 3:30 am

I like that the Kyocera Torque can withstand drops (26 times from 4′ high)

Angela June 8, 2013 - 2:15 pm

I actually have this phone and it’s pretty amazing! I can’t get over how you were tossing it around in the pool. Impressive!

Katie Roch June 8, 2013 - 4:53 pm

I love that this phone has an impact resistant touchscreen. My phone usually experiences a lot of impacts.

jeannine s June 8, 2013 - 5:56 pm

I love it is shock proof. My teen has a bad habit of breaking phones from dropping them or falling out of pocket.

Kathy B June 8, 2013 - 6:38 pm

I love that it’s waterproof

carol roberts June 8, 2013 - 7:38 pm

i like its shock proof and water proof

Amanda Kinder June 8, 2013 - 8:29 pm

I like that it had drop protection. I tend to drop my phone quite a bit sometimes.

Charlene S June 8, 2013 - 9:46 pm

That it is waterproof.

Jenn June 8, 2013 - 11:33 pm

Impressive! This would be good for Hubs who works in a shop all day with lots of construction dust.

YVONNE L June 9, 2013 - 9:21 pm

OMG Fully immersible for up to half hour. OMG. My phone died after 30 seconds..

Lisa L June 9, 2013 - 10:55 pm

I love that it is waterproof 🙂

Sandy Cain June 10, 2013 - 6:32 am

I like that it is waterproof. Good to know it won’t end up getting flushed away!

Rae Nelson June 10, 2013 - 10:54 am

My favorite feature is that it is waterproof, and takes pictures under water! COOL!

Monique Rizzo June 10, 2013 - 11:44 am

I love that it is waterproof.
Thanks for the chance.

Katie K June 10, 2013 - 12:04 pm

love the ability to take underwater pics

wendy b June 10, 2013 - 1:30 pm

I love that it’s waterproof and can take a fall like a pro.

Scott Martin June 10, 2013 - 5:51 pm

It has to been that it is water resistant.

Sonia June 10, 2013 - 7:00 pm

What isn’t there to like? I like how durable and seemingly indestructible this phone is. I can drop it (accidentally) in the toilet and it will still work!

Cynthia Richardson June 10, 2013 - 8:47 pm

It can withstand drops

Stephanie Larison June 10, 2013 - 10:27 pm

Love that it’s waterproof! That is great.

Birdie Skolfield June 11, 2013 - 6:01 am

Under water camera capability perfect for summer & vacations

Susan Chester June 11, 2013 - 7:39 am

I love that it can survive a drop. Cell phones tend to slip out of my fingers.

Sissi Treadway June 11, 2013 - 11:54 am

Its hard to say …. its a close call between it be’n water resistant and be’n able to survive be’n dropped…. But really like the fact that it is water resistant, becuz my special needs son tends to get most cell phones(mine or any ones else that he can get) and dunks them in the toilet(Yeh,i know-gross!)then will bring it back (after its pretty much completely water logged). The Torque sure could possibly be the answer to this problem?… lol

Austin Baroudi June 12, 2013 - 8:40 pm

I love that it’s water resistant!

Eamus June 13, 2013 - 11:28 pm

I love everything about it being durable. 🙂

ferriz June 14, 2013 - 1:26 am

waterproof! i need this phone. need.

kim June 14, 2013 - 3:01 pm

The fact that it is waterproof is my favorite feature my husband has dropped his phone in the water so many times I can’t even keep count he fixes boats for a living and looses a phone about once a month

ellen casper June 14, 2013 - 5:25 pm

I like the impact-resistant touchscreen

ProudParrotx June 14, 2013 - 10:42 pm

I like how it is an affordable alternative to all those other smartphones out there!

ky2here June 15, 2013 - 1:32 pm

Screenshots can be taken by holding the ‘volume down’ button and the power button for two seconds. Now will someone write that down for me?

Daniel M June 15, 2013 - 2:26 pm

favorite feature it’s waterproof

Brutus Duffy June 15, 2013 - 10:00 pm

Love that it seems to withstand almost anything I could possibly do to it. Looks like if my dog got a hold of it, it would be ok too.

Danielle June 15, 2013 - 10:56 pm

I have to share a cell phone with my husband, so the best feature for me would be the ability to personalize the functions and apps. I also like the durability and that it is water proof, cause I am a clutz!!!

MargolisRose June 15, 2013 - 11:45 pm

I love that it is waterproof! Awesome 🙂

joseph gersch jr June 16, 2013 - 2:33 am

i like the impact resistant touchscreen

Debra Hall June 16, 2013 - 8:27 am

i like that its shock resistant,

Deb S June 16, 2013 - 9:03 am

I love that it is WATERPROOF

Richard Hicks June 16, 2013 - 9:17 am

Water proof is my fav. feature

Robin June 16, 2013 - 9:53 am

I love that it is waterproof!

Shirley Hicks June 16, 2013 - 10:53 am

I like the feature that its waterproof

Susan Smith June 16, 2013 - 12:25 pm

I like its shock proof and water proof

Teresa Thompson June 16, 2013 - 12:44 pm

Water (fully immersed in up to 1 meter and for up to 30 minutes

Erica C. June 16, 2013 - 2:07 pm

The impact resistant touch screen is great.

Karrie Millheim June 16, 2013 - 4:02 pm

I love that it is water proof..I lost a few phones because they were not

Brittney House June 16, 2013 - 8:12 pm

its wateproof

Breanne June 16, 2013 - 8:19 pm

I like that it’s water proof

Samii Meyer June 16, 2013 - 9:55 pm

I like the waterproof feature. I have broken so many phones due to water damage.

Sand June 16, 2013 - 10:02 pm

I really like that it’s waterproof!

Alexander Clark June 16, 2013 - 10:10 pm

After hearing this very detailed and cool review and seeing the Kyocera Torque Smartphone in action, I was and am very interested in this incredible smartphone. I would be the happiest person ever if I won this wonderful product! There are a lot of features that make this smartphone amazing. I would have to say my favorite feature about the Kyocera Torque Smartphone is the waterproof feature. From watching the video and looking at the pictures, this review shows that this smartphone can give you a whole new perspective by taking crystal clear pictures and video underwater, without a bulky case! Thank you so very much for this awesome giveaway! Good luck to everyone and I’ve got my fingers crossed!! 😀 Sorry for the long comment

dawn cook June 16, 2013 - 10:49 pm

i like its waterproof!

Donna kellogg June 16, 2013 - 11:16 pm

I love the waterproof feature

Laurie Emerson June 16, 2013 - 11:51 pm

I love that it can withstand humidity.

Alexander Clark June 23, 2013 - 4:38 pm

Darn, I would have loved this phone! ;( Oh well, congratulations Amanda S. and thank you so much Cookies & Clogs for this awesome giveaway!! 🙂

Byron thibeaux October 4, 2013 - 3:56 am

Thank you for this. I couldn’t have found better info on a sprint site, and truthfully, I don’t think anyone, other than a mother, could put this phone through life’s tests.

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