Motorola DEFY+ Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing & ProsCons

The Evolution of Motorola DEFY+

The Motorola DEFY+ was announced in August 2011 and released in September of the same year, continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the Motorola DEFY. Known for its rugged design, the DEFY+ was marketed as a durable, water-resistant, and dustproof smartphone, offering both reliability and performance for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Design and Build

The DEFY+ featured a compact design with dimensions of 107 x 59 x 13.4 mm and a weight of 118 grams. Its compactness made it comfortable to hold and easy to carry, while the sturdy build provided a sense of security. This device utilized a Mini-SIM and was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which added a layer of durability, making it resistant to scratches and impacts. Available in black and white colors, the styling was simple yet functional, focusing on resilience rather than flair.

Display

The device was equipped with a 3.7-inch TFT display, offering a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, and a pixel density of approximately 265 ppi. While not revolutionary, the screen provided sharp and clear visuals, sufficient for browsing the web, viewing images, and general use. Its 16:9 aspect ratio provided a decent viewing experience, and the TFT panel offered good brightness and color reproduction for its time.

Performance

Under the hood, the Motorola DEFY+ ran on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, powered by a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU and a TI OMAP 3620 chipset. It also housed a PowerVR SGX530 GPU, which allowed for basic graphic processing tasks. The device was accompanied by 512MB of RAM, which was modest but typical for mid-range phones of that era. Together, these specifications ensured a smooth experience for day-to-day tasks such as making calls, sending texts, and web browsing.

Storage

Storage capabilities included an internal memory of 2GB, and it supported additional storage through a microSDHC card slot, with 2GB included. Although the internal storage seemed limited, the expandable option provided users the flexibility to store more applications, media, and documents. This was particularly beneficial for those who needed extra space beyond what was initially offered by the phone.

Camera

The DEFY+ featured a 5 MP main camera equipped with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording videos at 480p@30fps. The camera performance was satisfactory for casual photography and capturing moments on-the-go. The inclusion of LED flash provided additional support in low-light conditions. However, the lack of a front-facing camera was a notable absence, especially as video calls were becoming increasingly popular.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the DEFY+ offered a range of options: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS, and a stereo FM radio with RDS. It also provided microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. These features allowed users to stay connected, share content, and navigate with ease.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Po 1700 mAh battery, which provided up to 384 hours of standby time and a talk time of up to 7 hours and 10 minutes. This endurance made the DEFY+ suitable for users who required a phone with reliable battery performance, especially in situations where charging facilities were not readily available.

Additional Features

Additional features included sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, which added to the functionality of the device by enhancing user interaction and offering navigation support. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack ensured compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio accessories, an important feature for music enthusiasts.

Market Positioning and Legacy

Marketed at approximately 170 EUR at launch, the DEFY+ was catered towards consumers seeking a balance between durability and performance without breaking the bank. Although it has been discontinued, its influence persisted, particularly due to its rugged design, which laid the groundwork for future models in the robust smartphone category.

In conclusion, the Motorola DEFY+ was a versatile and robust smartphone during its time, meeting the challenges of durability and functionality. While it may now be surpassed by modern technology, it remains a significant part of Motorola's legacy in the mobile phone industry.