The Kyocera DuraForce Ultra and Motorola Defy (2021) both cater to users needing a durable smartphone, but they approach the challenge with different philosophies. The DuraForce Ultra prioritizes modern connectivity with 5G and a more powerful processor, while the Defy focuses on maximizing battery life and offering a more affordable, reliable experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for your demanding lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing 5G connectivity and faster performance for tasks beyond basic communication, the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra is the better choice. However, the Motorola Defy (2021) wins for those prioritizing exceptional battery endurance and a lower price point, making it ideal for extended fieldwork or travel.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 48, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 11 | 2021, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Available. Released 2021, July 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 74.9 x 16 mm (6.5 x 2.95 x 0.63 in) | 169.8 x 78.2 x 10.9 mm (6.69 x 3.08 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Nano SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 278 g (9.81 oz) | 232 g (8.18 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-SPEC 810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire Shield | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~443 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~62.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 24 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/i/k/r/v, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired
Wireless (Qi) | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Green |
| Models | - | XT2083-9 |
| Price | About 860 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 129h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1896:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 177314 (v8), 164592 (v9)
GeekBench: 5403 (v4.4), 1511 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Kyocera DuraForce Ultra
- Faster 5G connectivity with Snapdragon 765G
- More powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Qi wireless charging support
- Potentially better image processing due to advanced ISP
- Likely shorter battery life due to 5G and processor
- Display brightness may be lower than the Defy
Motorola Defy (2021)
- Exceptional 129-hour battery endurance
- Bright 436 nit display for outdoor visibility
- More affordable price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Slower Snapdragon 662 processor
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- No wireless charging
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a contrast ratio of 1896:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Motorola Defy (2021) boasts a measured peak brightness of 436 nits, which is crucial for outdoor visibility. While the DuraForce Ultra’s display specs aren’t provided, Kyocera typically prioritizes durability over display extravagance, suggesting it may not match the Defy’s brightness. The lack of information on the DuraForce Ultra’s panel type (LCD vs. AMOLED) makes a direct comparison of color accuracy difficult, but rugged phones often favor LCD for its robustness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 765G in the DuraForce Ultra includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the 662 in the Defy, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of details regarding optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device makes it difficult to assess their video recording capabilities. We can assume both phones will offer adequate, but not flagship-level, camera performance.
Performance
The Kyocera DuraForce Ultra’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) significantly outperforms the Motorola Defy’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to faster processing speeds and better thermal management. The Ultra’s octa-core CPU, with its Kryo 475 Prime and Gold cores, offers a more sophisticated architecture than the Defy’s Kryo 260 cores, resulting in a noticeable performance advantage in multitasking and demanding applications. The 5G capability of the DuraForce Ultra is a key differentiator, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available.
Battery Life
The Motorola Defy (2021) achieves an impressive endurance rating of 129 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. While the DuraForce Ultra’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the more powerful Snapdragon 765G and 5G connectivity will likely consume more power. The Defy’s 20W wired charging is a reasonable speed, but the DuraForce Ultra adds the convenience of Qi wireless charging, offering flexibility in charging options. The Defy’s focus on efficiency clearly translates to a longer-lasting battery experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra if you require 5G data speeds for remote work, streaming, or frequent large file transfers, and if you regularly use demanding applications. Buy the Motorola Defy (2021) if you need a phone that can reliably last through multi-day trips without access to charging, or if you work in environments where a dropped phone is a common occurrence and affordability is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 662 in the Motorola Defy struggle with modern mobile games?
The Snapdragon 662 is a capable processor for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with graphically demanding titles at higher settings. Expect to lower graphics settings and frame rates for a smoother experience. The DuraForce Ultra’s Snapdragon 765G offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Is the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra’s 5G connectivity useful in remote areas?
5G coverage is still limited, particularly in rural areas. The benefit of the DuraForce Ultra’s 5G capability depends entirely on your location and carrier coverage. If you frequently travel to areas with 5G, it will provide faster data speeds, but otherwise, it may not be a significant advantage.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Motorola Defy compare to the DuraForce Ultra?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, but they achieve this differently. Motorola emphasizes water and dust resistance with IP68 rating, while Kyocera often focuses on drop protection and MIL-STD-810H compliance. Both are designed for field work, but the specific certifications and construction methods vary.
❓ Can I easily find replacement batteries for either of these phones?
Replacement batteries for rugged phones can be harder to find than for mainstream devices. Motorola generally has better parts availability than Kyocera, but both will likely require searching through specialized retailers or repair shops.
