Motorola Defy 2 vs. Energizer Hard Case G5: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone niche is heating up, offering durability alongside increasingly capable hardware. We pit the Motorola Defy 2, featuring the newer Mediatek Dimensity 930, against the Energizer Hard Case G5, powered by the Dimensity 800U, to determine which delivers the best balance of performance, features, and resilience for demanding users.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Defy 2 emerges as the superior choice. Its Dimensity 930 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the G5’s Dimensity 800U, and the addition of 15W wireless charging adds a convenience factor the Energizer lacks. While both prioritize durability, the Defy 2 offers a more modern and capable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Hard Case G5 Motorola Defy 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA2, 5, 23, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 255, 256 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q42023, February 24
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, October
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions167.7 x 78.2 x 13.7 mm (6.60 x 3.08 x 0.54 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-268 g (9.45 oz)
 IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2mIP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 11Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP-
Triple48 MP, (wide), AF 20 MP, f/1.8 13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide)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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
Charging-15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-BM1S1B
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 570 EUR

Energizer Hard Case G5

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset

  • Older chipset with lower performance
  • No wireless charging
  • Likely less advanced camera system

Motorola Defy 2

  • More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset
  • 15W wireless charging support
  • Improved power efficiency for longer battery life

  • Potentially higher price
  • Rugged design may add bulk
  • Software support may be limited

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer the Energizer G5 likely utilizes an LCD panel, while the Defy 2 may incorporate a more advanced IPS LCD. The chipset difference suggests the Defy 2 could potentially support a higher refresh rate, leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Bezels are likely similar, focusing on impact resistance rather than minimizing size. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for both, prioritizing visibility in outdoor conditions over color fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is challenging. However, the Dimensity 930 in the Defy 2 generally supports more advanced image signal processors (ISPs) than the Dimensity 800U. This means the Defy 2 is likely to offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The ISP can also enable features like faster autofocus and more sophisticated computational photography techniques. It’s reasonable to assume the Defy 2 will have a more capable main camera sensor, potentially with optical image stabilization (OIS), which the G5 may lack. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality and should be considered a secondary feature.

Performance

The Motorola Defy 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) represents a significant step up from the Energizer G5’s Dimensity 800U (7nm). The 6nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to improved battery life and reduced thermal throttling under sustained loads. The Defy 2’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores paired with 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – provides a performance advantage over the G5’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The A78 cores are architecturally superior, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience, particularly for demanding applications and games. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Defy 2’s chipset will be able to manage that RAM more efficiently.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the Dimensity 930’s superior power efficiency in the Defy 2 will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the G5. The Defy 2’s inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a significant advantage, offering a convenient alternative to wired charging. The G5 is limited to wired charging only, which is less versatile. While 15W isn’t exceptionally fast, it’s a valuable feature for users who frequently travel or prefer a cable-free charging experience. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 930 will also contribute to reduced heat generation during charging, potentially extending battery lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Hard Case G5 if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you need a basic, durable phone for essential tasks. It’s a solid option for those on a tight budget who prioritize longevity over cutting-edge performance. Buy the Motorola Defy 2 if you value a smoother user experience, faster processing speeds for multitasking and gaming, and the convenience of wireless charging. It’s ideal for users who need a rugged phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle without compromising on functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Motorola Defy 2 handle graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
The Dimensity 930 in the Defy 2 is significantly more capable than the Dimensity 800U. While it won't match flagship-level performance, it should handle Genshin Impact at medium settings with playable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense scenes, but the experience will be noticeably smoother than on the G5.
❓ How does the wireless charging on the Motorola Defy 2 compare to faster wireless charging options found on other phones?
15W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W or 50W options available on some flagship devices. However, it’s still a convenient feature for topping up the battery overnight or when a wired connection isn’t readily available. Expect a full wireless charge to take several hours.
❓ Is the ruggedness of the Motorola Defy 2 comparable to dedicated rugged phone brands like CAT or Ulefone?
The Defy 2 aims for a balance between ruggedness and mainstream usability. While it meets IP68 standards for water and dust resistance and can withstand drops, it likely doesn’t offer the same level of extreme protection as dedicated rugged phones designed for construction sites or harsh environments. It's more suited for everyday drops and splashes.