Umidigi Bison X10S vs Motorola Defy 2: A Rugged Reality Check

The rugged smartphone niche caters to a specific user – those needing durability and reliability. Both the Umidigi Bison X10S and Motorola Defy 2 aim to deliver this, but they diverge significantly in their approach to performance and features. The Bison X10S focuses on affordability, while the Defy 2 leverages a more powerful chipset for a smoother user experience, creating a clear contrast in value propositions.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Defy 2 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Umidigi Bison X10S’s Unisoc Tiger T310. While the Bison X10S is cheaper, the Defy 2’s superior processing power and wireless charging justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison X10S Motorola Defy 2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021. Released 20212023, February 24
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, October
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight279 g (9.84 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
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUQuad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T310 (12nm)Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 11Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wireless
Type6150 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStorm GreyBlack
Models-BM1S1B
Price-About 570 EUR

Umidigi Bison X10S

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Ruggedized design for durability
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset

  • Substantially slower performance
  • Slow 10W wired charging only
  • Likely inferior camera quality

Motorola Defy 2

  • Much faster and more responsive performance
  • Convenient 15W wireless charging
  • Potentially better camera quality

  • Higher price point
  • May experience slightly more thermal throttling under extreme load
  • Wireless charging is slower than fast wired charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market segment suggests both will likely feature LCD panels. The focus here is on durability, not visual fidelity. Expect adequate brightness for outdoor visibility, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high resolutions. The Defy 2, being a slightly more premium offering, *may* have a slightly higher peak brightness, but this is speculative.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a thorough comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, expect both phones to feature modest camera systems. The Motorola Defy 2, positioned as a slightly more premium device, likely has a larger main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The Bison X10S will likely prioritize affordability over camera quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The performance gap is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Motorola Defy 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 930, fabricated on a 6nm process, is in a different league than the Umidigi Bison X10S’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Dimensity 930’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the Bison X10S’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Defy 2. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. Users who frequently use demanding apps or play graphically intensive games will overwhelmingly benefit from the Defy 2.

Battery Life

The Umidigi Bison X10S’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than the Motorola Defy 2’s 15W wireless charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Defy 2’s wireless charging capability offers a convenience factor the Bison X10S lacks. Wireless charging, while slower than wired, is ideal for topping up throughout the day without needing a cable. The Dimensity 930’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Defy 2, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Bison X10S.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison X10S if you need a highly affordable, extremely durable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and aren't concerned with demanding performance. Buy the Motorola Defy 2 if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption, and value the convenience of wireless charging, even at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Umidigi Bison X10S sufficient for everyday tasks like social media and web browsing?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is adequate for basic tasks. However, expect noticeable slowdowns when multitasking or running demanding applications. It's best suited for users with minimal performance expectations.
❓ Does the Motorola Defy 2's Dimensity 930 chipset get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 930 is a capable chipset, but it can generate heat under sustained load. While the 6nm process helps with thermal efficiency, some throttling is possible during extended gaming. The Defy 2's rugged design may also contribute to slightly less effective heat dissipation compared to phones with more conventional designs.
❓ Can I use fast charging with the Umidigi Bison X10S?
No, the Umidigi Bison X10S only supports 10W wired charging. This is a significantly slower charging speed compared to modern standards, and you'll need to plan accordingly for longer charging times.
❓ Is the Motorola Defy 2 truly waterproof, or just water-resistant?
Motorola markets the Defy 2 as being 'waterproof' with an IP68 rating. This means it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. However, it's important to note that this rating doesn't cover saltwater or chlorinated water, and the warranty may not cover water damage if these conditions are not met.