The Motorola Defy and Defy+ were legendary for their durability and water resistance. But what about their smaller siblings? We're pitting the Defy Mini XT320 against the DEFY+ to see which offers the best blend of ruggedness and performance for today's users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola DEFY+ is the clear winner. Its faster 1.0 GHz processor, improved chipset, and slightly better camera offer a noticeable performance boost over the Defy Mini's 600 MHz CPU. Both are rugged, but the DEFY+ provides a more modern and capable experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, January. Released 2012, February | 2011, August. Released 2011, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 58.5 x 12.6 mm (4.29 x 2.30 x 0.50 in) | 107 x 59 x 13.4 mm (4.21 x 2.32 x 0.53 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 107 g (3.77 oz) | 118 g (4.16 oz) |
| | Dust/water resistant | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~180 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~47.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT |
| | Touch sensitive controls | Touch sensitive controls
MOTOBLUR UI with Live Widgets |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 |
| Chipset | - | TI OMAP 3620 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR SGX530 |
| OS | Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included |
| Internal | 512MB 512MB RAM | 2GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
MP4/WMV/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor
Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 504 h | Up to 384 h |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h | Up to 7 h 10 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery | Removable Li-Po 1700 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) | - |
Motorola Defy Mini XT320
- Extremely durable and water-resistant
- Compact and pocketable
- Affordable
- Slow performance
- Outdated processor
- Basic camera
Motorola DEFY+
- Durable and water-resistant
- Faster processor and chipset
- Slightly better camera
- Improved battery life
- Can be harder to find (discontinued)
- Display not as vibrant as modern phones
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen. While resolution is similar (likely 480x854 pixels), the DEFY+'s slightly more modern display technology might offer marginally better color reproduction and viewing angles. However, the core experience is largely the same – functional, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Both phones have a 5MP camera. However, the DEFY+'s chipset and potentially slightly improved optics likely result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Don't expect flagship-level photography, but the DEFY+ will likely produce more usable shots.
Performance
This is where the DEFY+ shines. The 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 processor in the DEFY+ is significantly faster than the Defy Mini's 600 MHz CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the DEFY+. The DEFY+'s TI OMAP 3620 chipset also contributes to better overall performance.
Battery Life
The DEFY+ generally has a slightly larger battery (1500 mAh vs. Defy Mini's 1200 mAh), which, combined with its more efficient chipset, translates to better battery life. Expect a few extra hours of usage on the DEFY+ compared to the Defy Mini.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Defy Mini XT320 is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize extreme durability and basic functionality. The Motorola DEFY+ is better suited for those who want a more responsive experience, a slightly better camera, and a more modern Android experience, while still maintaining excellent ruggedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
If you need a rugged phone and are on a tight budget, the Defy Mini can still be useful. However, the DEFY+ offers a better overall experience and is worth seeking out if you can find one in good condition.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones originally shipped with Android 2.2 (Froyo), but have been updated to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). Custom ROMs may be available for more recent Android versions, but support is limited.
