Kyocera Loft S2300 (Virgin Mobile) Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
Kyocera Loft S2300 (Virgin Mobile)
Created: 06/17/2010
Video description: If you don't mind the keyboard and the occasional static during calls, the Kyocera Loft is an accessible and functional messaging phone for Virgin Mobile.

Kyocera Loft S2300 (Virgin Mobile) Video Transcript

[ Music ] ^M00:00:03

>> Hi. I'm Kent Sherman, senior editor for CNET.com. Today we're going to take a first look at the Kyocera Loft. This is also called the S2300. This is a new phone from Virgin Mobile. This actually has its keyboard right out in front. You know it's a messaging phone from the start. I think it almost looks like a BlackBerry. I wouldn't say it's unattractive, but it's, you know, pretty simple and it really just means business. Does have multimedia features on the phone. You have to dig around for them though. There's a camera, but music downloads, you really have to find it. There's really no dedicated music player, and a lot of the chat and social media stuff is just not up front. It is there, but it's not really a typical version mobile phone in that sense. Over on the front, it's a pretty good size. It is wide. It's pretty stocky, so I thought it almost looked square. They need to shorten it just a little bit. On the back there's a soft touch material, so the phone feels nice in the hand. You've got a camera lens in the back along with a speaker. The display is pretty good. It's sizeable. It's colorful, shows everything you need. Also the menu structure's pretty simple. Navigation array is pretty spacious. The keys on the keyboard are raised above the surface of the phone, but I found it a little bit cramped. You may not find it that way especially if you have smaller hands. I got used to it after awhile, but it did take a long while for me. You do nave messaging, of course, on the phone. [Inaudible] multimedia. You can get POP3 email and instant messaging. Those do require a web-based interface, so you have to go online to use those. Basic organizer features, web browser, Virtual Mobile Connect for downloading apps and things like that. Does have access to Virtual Mobile's GPS service, 1.3 megapixel camera. Audio quality was ok. Remember Virtual Mobile is a MVNO, so that means it's going to run on Sprint's network. I thought the calls were loud, and the signal was fine, but I heard a bit of little static now and then. It wasn't all the time, but it was enough just to know it was there, and you sort of expected it. So I think if you're looking for a [inaudible] from Virtual Mobile, you don't need style, and you can use this keyboard, it's not uncomfortable for you, perfectly functional phone with decent performance. I'm Ken Sherman, and this is the Kyocera Loft. ^M00:01:58 [ Music ]

Related Videos

Kyocera Wild Card M1000

It may not be super stylish, but the Kyocera Wild Card M1000 is a solid messaging cell phone for Virgin Mobile customers. Just don't depend on the speakerphone.

Kyocera X-tc (Virgin Mobile)

The Kyocera X-tc brings a fresh update to Virgin Mobile's line of basic messaging cell phones, but there are some minor design and navigation issues.

Kyocera Marbl (K127)

The Kyocera Marbl for Virgin Mobile is a new, simple cell phone with a flip-phone design but no external display.

Kyocera Slider Sonic

Virgin Mobile puts a multimedia spin on its phone lineup with the sleek but ultimately disappointing Kyocera Slider Sonic.

Kyocera K325 Cyclops (Virgin Mobile)

Though it's not perfect, the Kyocera K325 Cyclops is one of the better Virgin Mobile phones we've seen.

Kyocera K325 Cyclops (Virgin Mobile)

Though it's not perfect, the Kyocera K325 Cyclops is one of the better Virgin Mobile phones we've seen.

Nokia 2115i Shorty

A throwback cell phone with few bells and whistles, the Nokia 2115i for Virgin Mobile is designed almost purely for making and receiving occasional calls.

LG Aloha - LX140 (Virgin Mobile)

The Virgin Mobile Aloha is a functional, basic phone, but there are better handsets that are comparable in Virgin Mobile's lineup.

Kyocera Brio (Sprint)

If your dream phone is a free handset with a QWERTY keyboard and good call quality, the Kyocera Brio is right up your alley.

Sanyo VI-2300

The Sanyo VI-2300 is a functional but unremarkable Sprint phone.

Kyocera Loft S2300 - black (Virgin Mobile) Review

The good: The Kyocera Loft offers a fair number of messaging options and a user-friendly interface. You also get Bluetooth and voice dialing.

The bad: The Kyocera Loft's phone book only offers caller ID for groups and call quality had some static. Its headset jack is 2.5mm, and its keyboard feels cramped.

The bottom line: If you don't mind the keyboard and the occasional static during calls the Kyocera Loft is an accessible and functional messaging phone for Virgin Mobile.

Read full review

Kyocera Loft S2300 - black (Virgin Mobile) Specs

Manufacturer: Kyocera
Part number: VMULOFT

Product Basic Spec
  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs