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Questions Concerning Kyocera Hydro Vibe

MassPaul

Newbie
Aug 8, 2012
14
6
I am considering purchasing this to replace my LG F3 (Virign Mobile)

1 - is the FIRMWARE UPDATE that came out in July for Virgin Mobile Kyocera Hydro Vibe phones?

2 - I have read that the camera and video quality is poor. I have also read that the Firmware update solves this. Any opinions on this would be appreciated.

3 - Have heard call quality is an issue. I hardly use my phone as, you know, a phone, but want to be able to so in case of emergency.

4- Can this phone be rooted after the Firmware update? if so, is there a good guide? (Just to root, no custom ROMS desired).

Once again, any assistance/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
1. Yes, I believe so. I bought mine in October, and instantly was asked to upgrade from 4.3 to 4.4.2.

2. I haven't tried recording video, but the camera struggles with focus. I don't know if trying a different app would help or not.

3. Uh, I'm not sure, I've barely talked on the phone since I got mine. I don't think there have been any issues though.

4. No. :(
 
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1- Yep, sure is!
2- Camera quality isn't the best, but the built-in editing feature is quick and simple to use, and makes the pictures look awesome!
3- Never had a problem with call quality since I purchased my Vibe in August.
4- idk, sorry. I'm 2 scared to even try... Lol
Overall, I love this phone, and you can't beat the enormous amount of internal storage!!!
 
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1 - is the FIRMWARE UPDATE that came out in July for Virgin Mobile Kyocera Hydro Vibe phones?
A: Yes

2 - I have read that the camera and video quality is poor. I have also read that the Firmware update solves this. Any opinions on this would be appreciated.
A: Eh.... Lighting effects it greatly. on mine anyways. Really any camera on a phone I would just not depend on for regular video/photos. Just basic or simple things. anything important i would get a dedicated camera.

3 - Have heard call quality is an issue. I hardly use my phone as, you know, a phone, but want to be able to so in case of emergency.
A: Everyone's ears are different. This phone uses Sonic Receiver speaker technology. It sends vibrations into your ear. Some people just can't hear. Some do. There are EQ Apps you can get that may help with the in call sounds. Which may allow adjusting it to one's ear to sound and hear more clearly. I personally hear from the Sonic Receiver speaker just fine.


4- Can this phone be rooted after the Firmware update? if so, is there a good guide? (Just to root, no custom ROMS desired).
A: Currently.. No. The Latest OTA Update changes the kernel which blocks an exploit that did allow root before. Also while you say there no desire. even Custom ROMs are not possible at this time with the bootloader still locked. So when getting this phone, long as it has the older version of Android. if Root is importan. NEVER EVER apply the OTA update to it. If you root it and try to update it. it will brick. If you update it first. Root will not work, and there is no way current to downgrade it. but if you wish to root don't update. and look up my guide here, which far as i know is the only one at this time.

Anyone have a problem with the wifi shutting off? All of a sudden it started shutting off and when I turn it back on in settings it doesn't stay on. In fact goes back to off!?!?! :eek:

Make sure there no apps installed that have permission to change and affect this. Other whys while it may suck, Factory reset see if this still happens. If so, there maybe just something physically wrong with the phone. I had a phone that did that before. the button battery on the motherboard which so happens to sit next to the wifi chip blew and crossed some connections. It started to work after a cleaning. But for the hydro vibe. I haven't taken one apart to know where if such a thing could happen to it as well.
 
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