Motorola Defy+ vs. Defy Mini: A Rugged Showdown

The Motorola Defy and Defy+ were legendary for their durability and Android experience in a tough package. The Defy Mini offered a more compact and affordable option. But which one holds up best today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Motorola Defy+ edges out the Defy Mini thanks to its significantly faster processor and slightly better overall performance. While the Mini is more compact, the Defy+'s power makes it the better choice for those needing a responsive experience on an older Android device. Both are champions of ruggedness.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola DEFY+	Motorola Defy Mini XT320

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 900 / 2100
Speed	HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps	HSPA
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / HSPA
	HSDPA 850 / 1900	HSDPA 850 / 2100

Launch
Announced	2011, August. Released 2011, September	2012, January. Released 2012, February
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	107 x 59 x 13.4 mm (4.21 x 2.32 x 0.53 in)	109 x 58.5 x 12.6 mm (4.29 x 2.30 x 0.50 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	118 g (4.16 oz)	107 g (3.77 oz)
	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)	Dust/water resistant

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~265 ppi density)	320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~180 ppi density)
Size	3.7 inches, 37.7 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio)	3.2 inches, 30.5 cm2 (~47.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT	TFT, 256K colors
	Touch sensitive controls MOTOBLUR UI with Live Widgets	Touch sensitive controls

Platform
CPU	1.0 GHz Cortex-A8	600 MHz
Chipset	TI OMAP 3620	-
GPU	PowerVR SGX530	-
OS	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)	Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread)

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	2GB 512MB RAM	512MB 512MB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash
Single	5 MP, AF	3.15 MP
Video	480p@30fps	Yes

Selfie camera
Single	-	VGA
	No	-

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	2.1, A2DP, EDR	2.1, A2DP
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, DLNA, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, 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/commands Predictive text input	MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player MP4/WMV/H.264 player Document viewer Photo viewer/editor Organizer Voice memo/dial Predictive text input

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 384 h	Up to 504 h
Talk time	Up to 7 h 10 min	Up to 10 h
Type	Removable Li-Po 1700 mAh battery	Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Black
Price	About 170 EUR	About 160 EUR
SAR	-	1.08 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body)

Motorola DEFY+

Faster Processor
Larger Battery
Slightly Better Display Resolution
Rugged Design

Larger Size
Older Android Version

Motorola Defy Mini XT320

More Compact Size
More Affordable
Rugged Design

Slower Processor
Smaller Battery
Lower Display Resolution
Can Feel Sluggish

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen. The Defy+ has a slightly higher resolution (480x854) compared to the Defy Mini's (480x320), resulting in a marginally sharper image. However, the difference is subtle and largely unnoticeable in everyday use. Both displays are designed for outdoor visibility, though viewing angles are limited.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 5MP camera. Image quality is comparable, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is weak on both devices, as expected for phones of this era. Video recording capabilities are limited to 480p on both.

Performance

This is where the Defy+ truly shines. Its 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 processor significantly outperforms the Defy Mini's 600 MHz CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the Defy+. The Defy Mini can feel sluggish at times, especially with more demanding apps.

Battery Life

The Defy+ boasts a larger 1500mAh battery compared to the Defy Mini's 1200mAh. This translates to noticeably better battery life on the Defy+, allowing for more extended use between charges. Expect a full day of moderate use from the Defy+ and potentially less from the Defy Mini.

Buying Guide

The Motorola Defy+ is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly larger screen, even with a rugged design. The Defy Mini XT320 is best suited for those seeking a smaller, more pocketable rugged phone and are willing to compromise on speed for affordability and portability.