Review: Kyocera Event for Virgin Mobile USA
Apr 2, 2013, 2:21 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Bargain hunters take note: the Kyocera Event costs just $80 and offers a stock Android 4.0 experience. See if the Event is the phone for you in Phone Scoop's full report.
Is It Your Type
Not everyone wants or needs the latest and greatest device along with that expensive monthly service plan. If prepaid is more your speed, and you're looking for a deal on a device, the Kyocera Event offers a cheaper Android alternative.
Body
The Kyocera Event is a small and simple smartphone for Virgin Mobile USA. It's no flagship, and doesn't pretend to be. It's also a clear-cut case of "you get what you pay for."
The Event is a black slab that has several different materials and textures defining its shape. The front has glossy glass surrounded by glossy plastics that also cover portions of the left and right edges. The back surface has a matte, textured pattern that is also made of plastic. The overall look is plain. There are no fancy lines, nor any high-class materials to belie the base aspirations of the Event.
The small footprint makes the event comfortable to grip. I was easily able to get my hand all the way around it. The smaller display means the width is quite manageable, and Kyocera kept the other dimensions in check. The weight is minimal; it is a really light cell phone. The dimensions and weight together make the Event easy to carry. It practically disappears into pockets. You'll hardly remember it's there. Materials and build quality are OK, but definitely not great. The battery cover, for instance, is thin, pliable, and cheap feeling. The seams all line up, though.
The front has a 3.5-inch display that's swimming in far too much bezel. The black framing above, below, and to either side of the Event's screen makes it look a little unappealing. There are three capacitive buttons below the display, which all worked without problem.
Other controls are kept to a minimum. The volume toggle is placed on the left edge. It protrudes nicely from the side, but it is too loose. It can be mushed all over the place, and the "clack" sound it makes when pressed is not satisfying at all. Most of these attributes can also be applied to the screen lock button on the right edge of the phone, though it doesn't protrude nearly enough to be found easily.
Both the microUSB port and headphone jack are found on the top edge of the Event. I don't care to have the microUSB port on top, because it makes the device awkward to use while it is charging. The port and headphone jack do their jobs, though.
The flimsy battery covery peels off with minimal effort. The battery can be removed if you wish, and in fact must be taken out if you want to install or remove a microSD memory card. The slot for memory cards is tucked underneath the power supply.
About the author, Eric M. Zeman:Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.
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Kyocera Event
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