The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, performance and features vary wildly. We pit the Kyocera DuraSlate, a workhorse focused on essential functionality, against the Motorola Defy 2, which aims to deliver a more modern experience with a focus on wireless convenience and a significantly more powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Motorola Defy 2 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 930 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the DuraSlate’s Helio P35. While the DuraSlate offers 45W wired charging, the Defy 2’s wireless charging and overall speed advantage make it the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 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 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October | 2023, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 259 x 168 x 8.6 mm (10.20 x 6.61 x 0.34 in) | 171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 488 g (1.08 lb) | 268 g (9.45 oz) |
| | - | 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 | Dragontrail Pro Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~68.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/e/i/k/r/v, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, PD2 | 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | KC-T304C | BM1S1B |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 570 EUR |
Kyocera DuraSlate
- Extremely durable build quality
- Fast 45W wired charging with PD2
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset (depending on battery capacity)
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Defy 2
- Outdated chipset limits future software updates
- Likely lower-resolution display
Motorola Defy 2
- Much faster performance with the Dimensity 930
- Convenient 15W wireless charging
- More efficient chipset for better battery life and sustained performance
- Wired charging is slower than the DuraSlate
- May be less rugged than the DuraSlate (depending on build materials)
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in ruggedized phones to maximize durability. The DuraSlate’s display resolution is likely 720p, typical for its price point, while the Defy 2 likely targets 1080p. The lack of information on refresh rates suggests both are 60Hz. The primary difference will be viewing angles and color accuracy, with the Defy 2 likely offering a slightly more vibrant experience due to its higher resolution.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset difference suggests the Defy 2 will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP). The Dimensity 930’s ISP will likely offer better noise reduction, dynamic range, and faster image processing. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the Defy 2’s processing power will allow for more sophisticated computational photography features. We can assume both will include secondary cameras for depth or macro, but these are unlikely to be a key differentiator.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Kyocera DuraSlate’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) is an entry-level chipset designed for basic tasks. Its octa-core configuration, split between 2.35GHz and 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores, prioritizes efficiency over raw power. Conversely, the Motorola Defy 2’s Dimensity 930 (6nm) is a mid-range powerhouse. The combination of 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores delivers significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The 6nm process node also translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Defy 2 will sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. This benefits users who engage in gaming or resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging capabilities offer insight. The DuraSlate’s 45W wired charging with PD2 support is impressive for a rugged phone, promising quick top-ups. However, the Defy 2 counters with 15W wireless charging, offering convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging. The 6nm Dimensity 930’s efficiency also means the Defy 2 will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The DuraSlate’s faster wired charging is beneficial for quick bursts of power, while the Defy 2’s wireless charging provides a more convenient long-term solution.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera DuraSlate if you need a supremely durable, no-frills device for demanding work environments where battery life and basic functionality are paramount, and you prioritize fast wired charging. Buy the Motorola Defy 2 if you prefer a more versatile smartphone experience with significantly faster performance for everyday tasks, streaming, and light gaming, and value the convenience of wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P35 in the DuraSlate struggle with modern apps like social media or streaming services?
Yes, the Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset and will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running demanding apps. While it can handle basic tasks, multitasking and resource-intensive applications will be a frustrating experience. The Motorola Defy 2’s Dimensity 930 is far better equipped to handle these workloads.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Motorola Defy 2 slow compared to other phones?
15W wireless charging is slower than the fastest wireless charging standards (25W+), but it’s still a convenient option for topping up the battery throughout the day. Given the Dimensity 930’s efficiency, the Defy 2 won’t require frequent charging, mitigating the slower wireless charging speed. The DuraSlate lacks wireless charging entirely.
❓ How does the build quality of the DuraSlate compare to the Defy 2 in terms of drop resistance?
Kyocera is renowned for its rugged devices, and the DuraSlate likely boasts a more robust construction with thicker bezels and reinforced corners. While the Defy 2 is also ruggedized, it may prioritize a slimmer profile over absolute tank-like durability. The DuraSlate is likely the better choice for extremely harsh environments.
