Samsung Galaxy XCover7 vs. Motorola Defy 2: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and future-proofing, the Motorola Defy 2 emerges as the stronger choice thanks to its Dimensity 930. However, the XCover7’s more established brand reputation and potentially better software support make it a viable option for those seeking a reliable, if slightly less powerful, rugged device.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy XCover7 | Motorola Defy 2 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 23, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 255, 256 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 10 | 2023, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 23 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm (6.65 x 3.15 x 0.40 in) | 171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 240 g (8.47 oz) | 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF | - |
| 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/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 15W wired | 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4050 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | SM-G556B, SM-G556BU1, SM-G556B/DS | BM1S1B |
| Price | € 225.00 / $ 289.99 | About 570 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.08 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy XCover7
- Established brand reputation and potential for longer software support.
- Rugged design built for harsh environments.
- Potentially better enterprise integration features.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Defy 2.
- Lacks wireless charging.
- Limited detailed specifications available.
Motorola Defy 2
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset.
- Convenient 15W wireless charging.
- Potentially superior camera image processing.
- Motorola’s software update track record is less consistent than Samsung’s.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
- Ruggedness may not be as refined as the XCover7.
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications beyond basic resolution. However, the focus on ruggedness suggests both likely utilize durable, though potentially less color-accurate, panels. The absence of LTPO technology in either device indicates standard refresh rates, prioritizing power efficiency over smooth scrolling. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both to contribute to drop protection.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are lacking for both devices. However, the chipset difference suggests the Defy 2’s image signal processor (ISP) will be more capable, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The XCover7’s camera performance will likely be adequate for basic documentation, but the Defy 2 offers a higher ceiling for photography enthusiasts. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Defy 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 930, built on a 6nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration – specifically, 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores versus the XCover7’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. While both have 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the A78 architecture offers a noticeable performance uplift in single-core tasks and overall responsiveness. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Defy 2. Both utilize a 6nm process, suggesting similar thermal characteristics, but the Defy 2’s superior CPU architecture will likely generate more heat under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W charging, but the Defy 2 distinguishes itself with 15W *wireless* charging, a significant convenience for users who frequently work in the field. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 930’s increased power consumption will likely necessitate a larger battery in the Defy 2 to achieve comparable battery life to the XCover7. Expect roughly 3-4 hours of screen-on time for both devices with moderate usage, but the Defy 2 may drain faster during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 if you need a rugged phone from a well-known brand with a focus on enterprise features and potential long-term software support, even if it means sacrificing some processing speed. Buy the Motorola Defy 2 if you prioritize performance for demanding tasks, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and are comfortable with a brand that’s rapidly gaining traction in the rugged phone space.