Kyocera Loft S2300 - black (Virgin Mobile)
Manufacturer: Kyocera Part number: VMULOFT
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- 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.
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CNET editors' review
Kyocera Loft S2300 - black (Virgin Mobile) price range: $46.13
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 06/16/2010
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.
With its Loft S2300, Kyocera once again offers Virgin Mobile customers a messaging-centric phone with a full keyboard. Sporting a simple, BlackBerry-like design, the Loft is a departure from the earlier Kyocera X-tc and Wild Card, but it manages to pack a decent number of messaging features in the minimalist body. Call quality is fine, but the cramped keyboard wasn't the most user-friendly. The Loft is $69 for Virgin Mobile's no-contract service.
Design
At 4.06 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by 0.59 inches deep, the Kyocera Loft is so stocky that it's almost square. Make no mistake that this is a phone built for messaging; it doesn't try to hide its keyboard behind a sliding face or distract you with a curvaceous design. Honestly, it looks a bit out of place in Virgin's style-conscious lineup, but we wouldn't call it unattractive. The soft-touch material on the rear cover gives the phone a comfortable feel in the hand, and the lightweight build (3.49 ounces) won't slow you down.
The 2.2-inch TFT display supports 262,000 colors. Compared with previous phones from the carrier, it has a bright resolution with decent graphics. We also like the user-friendly menu interface. You can choose from grid or list formats; you can adjust the backlight time and brightness; and you can change the wallpaper, screensaver, greeting message, and color theme.
The navigation array is spacious and we appreciate the raised buttons. You'll find a four-way toggle with a central OK button, two soft keys, Talk and End/power buttons, a speakerphone control and a Back key. We weren't so impressed with the keyboard, unfortunately. Though the keys are raised, they felt cramped and there are few shortcuts beyond a messaging control. We got used to it eventually, but we felt like we were plunking away slowly when typing messages or dialing numbers. Users with smaller hands may have a different experience, however.
Completing the phone's exterior are the camera lens and speaker on the rear face and the volume rocker and camera shutter on the left spine. The shutter is thin, but you can find it easily when you're on a call. On the top of the phone are a 2.5mm headset jack (we prefer 3.5mm) and a standard micro-USB charger port.
Features
The Loft has a 500-contact phone book with six phone numbers, two e-mail addresses, two instant message handles, two URLS, two street addresses and notes for each contact. You can save contacts to groups, but only groups can be paired with a photos and one of the five polyphonic ringtones. We'd prefer to see more options on a Virgin Mobile handset, particularly one that has a camera. You can back up your contacts with the carrier's Contact Vault for $1 per month.
Messaging, of course, is the Loft's main focus. In addition to the standard text and multimedia messaging, the Loft offers access to POP3 e-mail services like Yahoo, AOL, Gmail and Hotmail, and instant messaging services from AOL, Google Talk, and Windows Live. Though the e-mail instant messaging services require a Web-based interface, all services are combined into a convenient "Ultimate Inbox."
Organizer options include a voice memo recorder, a calendar, an alarm clock, a tip calculator, a world clock, a calculator, a timer, a stopwatch, and a memo pad. You'll also find Bluetooth, an airplane mode, a contacts search, auto-answer, USB support, and speaker-independent voice dialing. The Loft also offers GPS support through Google Maps or Virgin Navigator. The latter is $9.99 per month or $2.99 for 24 hours.
With few features the Loft's 1.3-magpixel camera seems almost like an afterthought. It takes pictures in three resolutions and you can choose from two quality settings. Other options include a self-timer, brightness and white balance settings, 10 frames, a multishot mode, three color tones, and eight shutter sounds (there's no silent option). Photo quality is quite good, with sharp clarity, accurate color, and little image noise. The Loft does not shoot video.
Unlike other Virgin Mobile phones, the Loft doesn't push its media or social networking features. They exist, to be sure, but you have to dig around to find them. You can get online with the Opera Mini browser, and the VM Connect service offers access to an RSS reader and services like Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. The Loft also lets you download music tracks and other apps, but it lacks a dedicated music player. Gamers get demo versions of three titles: Brain Exercise, Pac-Man/Ms. Pac-Man and Tetris.
Performance
We tested the dual-band (CDMA 800/1900) in San Francisco using T-Mobile service. Call quality was decent, though not without problems. We had no issues with the volume or signal strength, though occasionally we heard static during calls. It wasn't consistent, nor was it very loud, but it was still there nonetheless. We recommend testing the phone before purchasing.
On their end, callers reported few problems. They could tell that we were using a cell phone, which isn't unusual. They didn't hear static, but a few friends reported that the Loft picks up a lot of background noise. Speakerphone calls were clear even if the volume doesn't get very loud. Bluetooth headset calls were fine.
The Loft has a rated battery life of 5.5 hours talk time and 12.5 days standby time. Our tests revealed a talk time of 5 hours and 2 minutes. According to FCC radiation tests, the Loft has a digital SAR of 1.16 watts per kilogram.
User reviews
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If you like texting and email this is for you!
by metalsiren00 on May 20, 2010
Pros: Talking on it was great as well with or without a bluetooth. I liked the Opera mini app and websurfing while not the fastest its still pretty good for a phone of this price. The screen is not to big but also not very small.
Cons: low quality camera which is a problem with virgin mobile phones. I am having lots of problems installing the Email+IM software I keep getting errors. I am not sure if the problem is isolated to only me though. You may have to get used to the keypad.
Summary: I was surprised to see this phone for only $69.99. I have seen other phones with the same features cost around $99. I would suggest this phone for people ...
Summary: I was surprised to see this phone for only $69.99. I have seen other phones with the same features cost around $99. I would suggest this phone for people who love to text, check email, IM alot. Dont use it to take pictures though!
As much as I love this phone for its texting and Opera mini, I cannot recommend this phone until Virgin Mobile fix there network. I cannot download any of their applications. I have talking to them several times and they have said they have sent the problem to their HQ.
Updated on May 21, 2010
Updated on May 24, 2010After going back and forth with Virgin Mobile they at last fixed the problem with downloading the applications. Now that everything is working I can recommend this phone. The email/IM software is excellent. You can sign into your yahoom aol, windows live, and Gmail all at the same time as well as IM.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The loft is okay nice.
by onlyway11 on July 5, 2010
Pros: It has the qwerty keyboard and feels nice to hold it.
Cons: the keys are hard to push, virgin mobile is too restricted to many uses you'll find out later in my review.
Summary: Okay I've had this phone almost a month , its okay...somewhat like a blackberry. you can text, surf the web, and make calls. but there are some restrictions from ...
Summary: Okay I've had this phone almost a month , its okay...somewhat like a blackberry. you can text, surf the web, and make calls. but there are some restrictions from virgin mobile ...they do not allow you to go to websites to check your email, aol, hotmail, yahoo, you HAVE to use thier built in mail client. But the client is like having push email...it will notify you of your email whether you or not signed in on aim on the phone. You can get notified for up to three emails, like aol, hotmail, yahoo,...for forth..! You cannot go to like Craigslist.com and reply to any of the ads, theres no way to. You cannot do any copy and past what so ever. (if you know a way please let me know) so manly all I can do is just surf...thats it. You cannot download any music, and wallpaper or images, from any website, you have to use thier virgin mobile website to pay for them. You cannot send any pictures in email to view muchless to save them, it is blocked from virgin mobile. which sucks, and if you want to change the wallpaper, you have to bring up a picture you like on your computer screen and take a pic of it to use as wallpaper. yeah this sucks... Virgin Mobile really doesn't give you much options to do. But if you like to do text and surf the phone is okay for that, and talk. just don't expect lots of bells and whistles. The navigator is $9.95 a month..that he showed on the mini video up there. When you reply to a text you have to select Picture or text...which is kinda annoy...there is no slot for memory card, no mp3 player, but I guess thats what you get going cheaper. They just really need to redesign the keypad its a little hard to use...to push. I thought they would loosen up after using it but so far it has not. But it's a decent lil phone better than if you cannot not afford a blackberry! They have sneaky ways to charge you...ok thier plan is Beyond talk for $25.00 ..there was no $25.00 card I could buy so I had to get the $30 one,,,which it left me a balance of $5.00 in my virgin mobile account....I found if you check you balance on your phone they charge 5 cent for each of those calls, if you call 411, you get charged $1.75 for each 411 calls. They did do not inform you of theses charges. So if any these are good or bad what I have put down...on this review its up to you. But I am using it and it seems to do my purpose.
Oh and I despise Virgin Mobile for making you have to pay for those wallpaper and ring tone, because what they have sucks, and they will not let you get you own. You can't personalized your phone...they have three preset color themes...they are not all so great. Why three? another disappointment
Updated on Jul 5, 2010
Updated on Jul 15, 2010Okay now I see why you cannot access aol , yahoo, or gmail emails from a website on the loft...because if you pay by single texting like 15 cents and do not have the Beyond Talk plan they lock you out you cannot get emails from the website you have to use thier email client,,,this way they can block you from accessing your aol mail and IM, unless you top of if you are low in funds. which people who has the beyond talk plan will not have this issue. but that is so lame...we should be able to access our aol mail from a website and not be forced to use thier mail client. Just another way they are making you pay. I'm thinking Virgin Mobile is a money sucker.
Updated on Jul 15, 2010I topped up two days ago... to top up my beyond talk plan for $25.00... now they say I did not top up..and have put me on the 15 cent texting, and I cannot access my emails, or IM with thier client. I have talked to them over and over they are so stupid...they cannot understnas I have topped it up on the beyond talk plan. now they say it will be 24 to 72 hours to investigate this...its been 72 hours still nothing they took my $25.00 and charging me for texting and talk, and the web..this is so horrible what they are doing...I really thought at first they were a legimate company..but you have to talk to Chinese speaking people...I talk english not chinese...I can barely undertand what they are saying...omg..I just am *****d. I'll see how long they get this straigten out how hard is it for them to see O piad $25.00..I know its a simple fix but they are making this an outrage situation. So right now I cannot text or IM , or talk on my phone until they fix this
Updated on Aug 17, 2010Okay...I've been using the loft npw for about 2 months now...I am still really not happy with the phone, since I cannot download any pictures in my email client...that really sucks..Virgin Mobile will not allow you too...I don;t like the way I cannot do any copy and paste...and I do not like the fact you cannot even log onto any other emails using Mini browser. I do not like it that when I am on craigslist I cannot reply to any of the ads, whats the point being able to veiw the ads but cannot reply to any of it. Thats really lame.....and I do NOT like the way Virgin Mobile turns off your phone service on the day the bill is due the day wasnt even over yet and they turned it off ..they did not give me a chance to pay it..***..I was pissed. I am stuck at home with no car this day and was planning to top up the next day...they are the most rude company...you don't wanna mess with these Virgin Mobile people..they don't care. I had 70 min left it depleted it does not rollover. sucks.
Updated on Jan 30, 2011Okay my update on the Loft Phone, I have had this phone a quite a while, the cosmetic of this phoe has held up very well, its been shifted around, tucked in, loose in my purse, still hold up no scratches what so ever, but I will tell you its kinda slow when it gets filled up with text messgages, they keypad is kinda crampy...it stays on speaker every time I get a call I have to fumble with it to turn the speaker off. the two button on each side obove the speaker key and the left arrow is hard to press...without not touching the lower buttons, when I am at texting or a website you cannot view what time it is.
Updated on Jan 30, 2011I dont like that you cannot zoom up when taking pictures, and the camera goes off too quicly like when I am getting ready to snap a shot it goes off I have to press and hold and wait for the camera to come back on...really horrible. Over half of the time it cannot connect to the web...You cannot veiw craigslist and reply to any of the ads...they have you blocked from doing..that..so lame..! you cannot do any copy and paste what so ever on any part of the phone on email, or websites.
You cannot go to aol website and read emails or hotmail you have to use thier client program. But you do get pushed emails, it checks it for you and notifies you, it will check aol, hotmail.gmail, yahoo is all I ever use anyways. But the phone is a good solid phone that does not get marred up. looks just like it did when I first got it over 6 mos ago.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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There are phones better than this!
by gjericho01 on August 28, 2010
Pros: Keep in mind I am very optimistic especially to cell phones however the pros are as follows:
25.00 a month plan very convienient, Phone is very easy to use, LONG battery life (2 days wit minimal texting and calling), nice sleek and affordable.Cons: Where to begin...... The internet even with good reception is mediocre, the keys are cramped and inaccurate at times, The phone can be EXTREMELY LAGGY at times so beware if patience is not one of your strong suites!!!!
Summary: Altho this phone is cheap and affordable I do NOT think its worth the 60 dollars i paid for it! dont get me wrong Virgin Mobile has really good service ...
Summary: Altho this phone is cheap and affordable I do NOT think its worth the 60 dollars i paid for it! dont get me wrong Virgin Mobile has really good service even in the boonies but this phone isn't one of their best, In fact the lagging has became such an issue that I have lost the desire to text because of how long it takes when it starts lagging. It usually lags when you are starting to reach maximum characters in a text or when multiple texts are sent to you at one time! there are way better phones out there so use caution when looking at this phone.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Inexpensive messaging, like a fake blackberry
by johnnieutah on August 17, 2010
Pros: For the fervent text-messager, it's a great phone. It's SUPER cheap.
Cons: The keyboard is a little awkward. I used to have one of the old purple blackberrys and that was way easier to use.
Summary: The camera is lo-res but I actually enjoy using it for picture messages. Email client is easy to configure. Map function is slow but efficient. Call quality decent. It's ...
Summary: The camera is lo-res but I actually enjoy using it for picture messages. Email client is easy to configure. Map function is slow but efficient. Call quality decent. It's not the fastest phone. Navigation is a little clunky and takes some getting used to. Overall, I'm a person who loses and abuses phones, so virtual disposability is important to me. You can pay $1 a month to have Virgin save all your contacts in their system. The accompanying plan is $25 for unlimited txt and data - overall this phone is a ridiculous bargain for those who can't afford a pricey blackberry and plan.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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it feels much like the blackberry in your hands.
by pixie1111 on June 15, 2010
Pros: well its good you can surf, do email, use aim, and does almost everything a blackberry does..without having to pay upfront a lot of money, has lots of great features, as good as a blackberry does, went from Verizon to Virgin Mobile. I am happy. :)
Cons: nothing really...theres a couple but not worth mentioning it.
Summary: I like the price of the phone, the shape of the phone and how it feels, I like the service I get with it, the $25.00 beyond talk is ...
Summary: I like the price of the phone, the shape of the phone and how it feels, I like the service I get with it, the $25.00 beyond talk is great. so its all okay for me. I went from Sprint to Virgin mobile made the right choice. Saving money is a plus. Finally can enjoy a phone and phone plan and not the ridiculas price of verizon.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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i hate this phone lots wrong with it.it a yr old.
by seaaja44 on November 25, 2011
Pros: the screen size is good battery life is good it stays charged for a long time. the camera is good it is good if all you want to do is make quick calls or text.
Cons: there are lots of cons you dont get good signal you lose phone calls it cuts in and out the buttons are too small the internet connection is real lousy it takes a long time to get on the web the key lock doesnt work good it turns on by its self.
Summary: it is not a good phone going to get another phone from vm that has a good three g.vm has good customer support if you can get someone to ...
Summary: it is not a good phone going to get another phone from vm that has a good three g.vm has good customer support if you can get someone to talk to you and that you can understand.there service is all automated it take a while to get through to live advisor.the paln was good 25 dollars for 300 min of talk unlimited texting and web snd pics.45 dollars get you unlimited everything. thats for a whole month.i have had the phone for a yr now.the signal is very weak when you call someone it is fuzy.the key lock doesnt work good it comes on by itself.its good for short conversations and texting cant get the web to browse right real slow on the web part.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT! What do people expect for $69 & no contract?
by Mark_Alan on August 8, 2010
Pros: I'm a first time texter and I have large hands! The keyboard isn't a problem! The back button makes it easy to correct typos. Navigation is a breeze! The camera is easier to access and use than my old Nokia. Soft non-slip back... what's not to like?
Cons: Customer service is hit and miss. Be patient and ask to speak to a supervisor. They have always been courteous! Phone accessories are expensive in my opinion. They wanted $30 for a car charger. Picked one up on ebay for $4.95!
Summary: HELLO... $69 AND NO CONTRACT? PLANS START AT $25/MO! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This phone suits all my needs! It is easy to use and very affordable! It uses ...
Summary: HELLO... $69 AND NO CONTRACT? PLANS START AT $25/MO! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This phone suits all my needs! It is easy to use and very affordable! It uses Sprint network... so, check your coverage area before you buy. I am very happy with this phone and I would recommend it to anyone.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It does everything I need
by IrishChik on July 12, 2010
Pros: Social networking, text, mobile uploads to sites, photos, good call quality, easy to use and set up.
Cons: No music player, no place for micro sd card to upgrade storage
Summary: I have done my time with contract phones and quite frankly get sick of them. I do not need some top of the line fancy driod or iPhone (I have ...
Summary: I have done my time with contract phones and quite frankly get sick of them. I do not need some top of the line fancy driod or iPhone (I have a touch) so when I my contract ended I went back to prepaid and never looked back. I enjoy the ease of VM, the price, and their customer service. I had the Kyocera XTC, which is a great little phone but I was tired of the slider and I did not like how I had to slide it out to dial. I really wanted to get the Blackberry, but like many can not afford the large amount upfront. Honestly, I don't need all of the bells and whistles of a Blackberry anyway. I have an iPod Touch full of all the applications that I need. I fell in love with the Loft the minute I saw it. The price was right and it has everything I need. I can do all of my social networking, there is even a tool for YouTube and blogger, which is perfect for me. As a writer I use my blog for my work and promotion, as well as personal. You can IM, Email, and texting is a breeze. You can take photos and upload them right to MyPix, or pick myspace, twitter, photobucket, flickr, or facebook. It is light weight, and feels nice in my had. Call quality is great. If you just want a phone and do not need to install all of the latest apps, this phone is perfect for you.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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good budget phone
by chopperdave12 on August 9, 2010
Pros: great phone for the price. simple setup, good functionality, and reliable, nice little camera for spur of the moment pics, google maps is great.
Cons: battery runs out too fast
Summary: Overall this phone is very nice for what it is. you can access email, great talk clarity, the camera even takes decent pictures. If you know how to read a ...
Summary: Overall this phone is very nice for what it is. you can access email, great talk clarity, the camera even takes decent pictures. If you know how to read a map then you don't need the extra GPS, pull up google maps and it will give you a live update of your position. they just need to make the battery last longer.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awful phone.
by aibar88 on May 21, 2012
Pros: None. None at all.
Cons: Very tiny keyboard & camera is of bad quality.
I know that this has little to do with the phone itself, but you might benefit from knowing that the virgin network doesn't work very well in many parts of Rhode Island, but it works well in So-CA.Summary: This is a pretty bad phone, given that its features are not very user friendly and it's not worth $50 or so.
Summary: This is a pretty bad phone, given that its features are not very user friendly and it's not worth $50 or so.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kyocera
- Part number: VMULOFT
- Description: Full QWERTY keyboard on front display for convenient one-handed typing SMS chat view - threaded SMS text messaging that follows a chain of text messages to and from a single contact Large, bright 2.2" landscape display 1.3-megapixel camera with digital zoom Bluetooth (2.1) Wireless technology support with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Speakerphone with dedicated function key
General
- Product Type Cellular phone
- Form Factor Full keyboard
- Integrated Components Voice recorder,
Digital camera - Width 2.6 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 4.1 in
- Weight 3.5 oz
- Body Color Black
Cellular
- Technology CDMA2000 1X
- Band CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 / AWS 1700/2100
- Service Provider Virgin Mobile
- Software Platforms Supported BREW
- Input Device(s) QWERTY keyboard
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services SMS
- Instant Messaging Services Yahoo! Messenger,
AOL Instant Messenger Service (AIM),
Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger) - WAP Protocol Supported WAP 2.0
Communications
- Wireless Interface Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Call timer,
Conference call,
Flight mode,
Speakerphone,
Voice dialing,
Vibrating alert - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Ring Tone Formats MIDI,
MP3 Organizer
- Personal Information Management Calendar,
Calculator,
Stopwatch,
Reminder,
Alarm clock - Phone Book Entries Qty 500
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 1.3 megapixels
Display
- Type LCD display - Color
- Technology TFT
- Diagonal Size 2.2 in
- Display Resolution 240 x 320 pixels
- Color Depth 18-bit (262000 Colors)
- Multi-language Menu Yes
- Display Languages English,
Spanish Connections
- Connector Type Headset jack - Sub-mini-phone 2.5 mm
Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 920 mAh
- Run Time Details Talk - up to 330 min,
Standby - up to 300 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature -22 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 140 °F
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Kyocera products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Kyocera
- Address:
8611 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123 - Phone: 858-576-2600
- Email: kiijobs@kyocera.com
- Fax: 858-492-1456
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