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Kyocera Brigadier
Kyocera Brigadier
Kyocera Brigadier
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6.3/10
Informr score
The Kyocera Brigadier currently has an Informr score of 6.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 12 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Water, dust, temperature, solar radiation, shock and vibration proof
  • Sapphire screen protector makes display virtually scratch proof
  • Touchscreen usable with gloves and when wet
  • Good battery life

What's bad

  • Mediocre camera life
  • Performance issues playing graphics-intensive games
  • Chunky and heavy

The Kyocera Brigadier takes the term rugged seriously. Like other devices in this category, the Brigadier is IP68 certified, which means it is dust proof and can waterproof for up to 30 minutes in up to 6 feet of water. It ups the ante, however, as it also meets the US Department of Defense Military Standard 810G to protect against shock, vibration, temperature and weather extremes and solar radiation. Phone Scoop describes the Brigadier as, "One tough mother of a phone…that kicks butt and takes names…" As a rugged phone, the Brigadier is not dainty by any means. It measures 5.37 x 2.69 x 0.52 inches and weighs a hefty 187 grams. While on the thicker side, experts point out that the variety of textures and materials making up the chassis create a very nice phone to grip, even with wet hands.

If that doesn't impress you then perhaps the sapphire coating on the display will. Kyocera touts the Sapphire Shield screen as virtually scratchproof and reviewers fully back this claim after failed attempts to scratch the display with rocks. Behind the sapphire is a less than awe-inspiring 4.5-inch, 720p LCD display. Although experts weren't wowed by the screen quality, they didn't find any issues with it. They note that it is relatively sharp thanks to the 326ppi pixel density, offers good viewing angles and decent bright light legibility. What really won critics over was its Glove and Wet Touchscreen Operation feature. As the name suggests, users can operate the phone even if they are wearing gloves (up to 3mm thick) or the screen or their hands are wet.

Although the phone's 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM can't compete with iPhone 5S, it performed well enough for reviewers that they could have perform day-to-day tasks without any lag issues though there was stuttering during graphically intensive games. In order to keep all the components damage and weather proof, there are no removable parts including the battery. Still, critics found the 3,100mAh battery perfectly adequate as it lasted a full day of moderate use. The Brigadier also comes with 16GB of internal storage and a microSD expansion slot. The 8MP rear camera failed to impress critics due to its grainy low-light images and inaccurate colors. Gotta Be Mobile notes, "…the cameras are not the best you'll find on a smartphone, but they may be the best you'll get on a rugged smartphone."

Despite a less than stellar rear-camera and average hardware, reviewers still approve of the Kyocera Brigadier. PC Mag gave it the Editor's Choice award for rugged smartphones due to its "impregnable durability, high-quality display and solid midrange performance for the price…"


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.4 GHz
4.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
3100 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Brighthand
Brighthand

It’s neither the slimmest nor the sexiest device out there, but the Kyocera Brigadier offers lots of extra value for its relatively moderate bulk. It’s not that much larger or heavier than a slightly older phone like the Motorola Droid MAXX, which offers similar battery capacity isn&rsqu...

- Adama D. Brown, Brighthand
iTechTriad
iTechTriad

Overall the Brigadier is a pretty decent option, if you fit the target demographic. The phone is aimed at those who need a phone that can handle some tough conditions without damage and for that it certainly fits the bill. For the average person, I probably wouldn’t recommend this phone simply...

- Ben Schoon, iTechTriad
Phandroid
Phandroid

The question I always ask myself when rating a device is “would I recommend this phone to someone?” The answer to that question is tricky for the Kyocera Brigadier. On one hand it’s an excellent device for people who need something durable. But on the other hand it’s nothing...

- Joe Fedewa, Phandroid
GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

If you lust after the new iPhone or Galaxy S5 but you want a rugged smartphone you’re better off getting a rugged case, but if you absolutely need a rugged smartphone that can withstand drops, water and more the Brigadier is a good choice.You’ll need to live with a 720P display and camer...

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
PCWorld
PCWorld

Like most heavily ruggedized phones, the Brigadier is a hyper-specific smartphone that caters to a small subset of users. Nonetheless, the mid-range phone performs well, has a battery that will easily last you all day, and is very affordable. Plus, you'll get a Sapphire Shield display and Qi-Wireles...

- Blake Stimac, PCWorld


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Kyocera Brigadier user manual here.


Kyocera backs up the Brigadier with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Brigadier has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Kyocera support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Kyocera's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.5"

The Kyocera Brigadier's screen size is 4.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad core 1.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3100mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3100 mAh battery. Kyocera's performance ratings are 15.2 days standby time.

Kyocera Brigadier Specs

Overview
Release Date July 31, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad core 1.4 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.79 W/kg
Body: 0.72 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual, USB Power Adapter
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev. A, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Image stabilization, HDR, Scene mode, Blink detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Unknown
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 326 pixels
Size 4.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Glove touch, Sapphire Shield
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3100 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 15.2 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.6 x 6.8 x 1.3 cm (5.4 x 2.7 x 0.5 in)
Weight 187 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design Yes
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Kyocera Brigadier Reviews
Where to buy Kyocera Brigadier
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