BLU Tank Xtreme vs. Motorola Defy 2: A Deep Dive into Ruggedness and Performance

The BLU Tank Xtreme and Motorola Defy 2 both target users needing a durable smartphone, but their approaches diverge significantly. The Tank Xtreme focuses on extreme ruggedness at a budget price, while the Defy 2 prioritizes a more balanced experience with a modern chipset and features like wireless charging. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and modern features, the Motorola Defy 2 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset delivers a vastly superior experience compared to the BLU Tank Xtreme’s aging Cortex-A53 processor. While the Tank Xtreme excels in sheer ruggedness, the Defy 2 offers a more refined and capable daily driver.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU Tank Xtreme Motorola Defy 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 23, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 255, 256 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, January. Released 2020, January2023, February 24
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, October
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions153.6 x 71.8 x 10.2 mm (6.05 x 2.83 x 0.40 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)268 g (9.45 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset-Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUMali-T720IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
Charging-15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4200 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-BM1S1B
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 570 EUR

BLU Tank Xtreme

  • Exceptional ruggedness and drop protection
  • Potentially longer battery life due to simpler features
  • Lower price point

  • Outdated processor and limited performance
  • Likely poor camera quality
  • Missing modern features like 5G and wireless charging

Motorola Defy 2

  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Convenient 15W wireless charging

  • May not be as extremely rugged as the Tank Xtreme
  • Potentially higher price
  • Battery life may be slightly less than Tank Xtreme

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided for the BLU Tank Xtreme, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its price point, it likely features a lower-resolution LCD panel. The Motorola Defy 2, while not boasting a high-end display, benefits from a more modern manufacturing process. The lack of information on the Tank Xtreme’s panel type and resolution suggests a less vibrant and detailed viewing experience compared to the Defy 2.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the BLU Tank Xtreme are unavailable, but budget rugged phones typically feature basic camera setups. The Motorola Defy 2’s camera specifications are also limited in the provided data, but the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) is far more capable than what the Tank Xtreme can offer. The Defy 2’s ISP will deliver better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Without specific sensor details for the Tank Xtreme, it’s safe to assume the Defy 2 provides a superior photography experience.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The BLU Tank Xtreme’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU is an older architecture designed for basic tasks. In contrast, the Motorola Defy 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 930, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core configuration with powerful Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, alongside efficient Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a much more responsive user interface on the Defy 2. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Motorola Defy 2’s inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a significant advantage. Wireless charging adds convenience and eliminates the need for cables. While the Tank Xtreme may have a larger battery capacity, the Defy 2’s more efficient Dimensity 930 chipset and optimized software will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life. The wireless charging capability further enhances the Defy 2’s usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU Tank Xtreme if you absolutely require maximum drop protection and are willing to sacrifice performance for it. This phone is ideal for construction workers, outdoor adventurers, or anyone prone to accidental damage. Buy the Motorola Defy 2 if you want a rugged phone that doesn’t feel like a compromise, offering a smooth user experience, 5G connectivity, and convenient features like wireless charging, making it perfect for active individuals and everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 930 in the Motorola Defy 2 prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 930 is a relatively efficient chipset built on a 6nm process. While it can get warm during demanding tasks like gaming, its thermal management is generally good, and it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling unless under extreme, prolonged load. The Defy 2’s design likely incorporates thermal solutions to mitigate heat buildup.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the BLU Tank Xtreme compare to other rugged phones like CAT or Ulefone?
The BLU Tank Xtreme is positioned as an entry-level rugged phone, meaning its construction, while durable, likely doesn’t match the certifications (like IP68/IP69K) and reinforced materials found in higher-end rugged phones from brands like CAT or Ulefone. It’s designed for everyday drops and bumps, but may not withstand the same level of abuse as more specialized devices.
❓ Can the Motorola Defy 2 run demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Motorola Defy 2’s Dimensity 930 chipset is capable of running demanding games, but you’ll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a consistently smooth experience. Expect playable frame rates, but don’t anticipate maxing out all settings.