Motorola DEFY XT XT556 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of the Motorola DEFY XT XT556

The Motorola DEFY XT XT556 is a rugged smartphone that was introduced in July 2012. This device was targeted at users who desired durability alongside basic smartphone functionality. Although it has since been discontinued, it remains a notable part of Motorola's smartphone lineup during that period.

Design and Build

The DEFY XT XT556 comes with a robust build having dimensions of 115 x 58.5 x 12 mm and weighing around 130 grams. It features a somewhat compact form which was standard during the era of its release. Its design exemplifies Motorola’s focus on creating durable devices, featuring Corning Gorilla Glass protection to withstand scratches and moderate impacts.

Display

The phone boasts a 3.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 265 ppi, providing adequate clarity and color vibrancy for its time. The smaller screen size offers ease of use with one hand, though it may appear smaller compared to today’s standards.

Performance and Operating System

Powered by a 1.0 GHz single-core processor, the Motorola DEFY XT XT556 doesn’t compete with today’s high-performance smartphones but was enough to handle basic tasks and applications during its time. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, which was a widely used version of Android offering a range of features suitable for basic smartphone usage.

Memory and Storage

The device possesses 512MB of RAM alongside 1GB of internal storage, which might seem insufficient by today’s standards but was suitable for an entry-level Android device of its era. The storage can be expanded through a dedicated microSDHC slot, accommodating users who needed more space for their apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

The DEFY XT XT556 is equipped with a 5MP rear camera that features autofocus and an LED flash for low-light photography. It can record video at 480p at 30 frames per second, allowing for basic video captures. On the front, there is a VGA camera for selfies and video calls, though its image quality is rudimentary.

Network and Connectivity

The phone supports CDMA/EVDO technology, capable of operating on 2G and 3G bands. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot, Bluetooth, and GPS with A-GPS for navigation. A microUSB 2.0 port is available for charging and data transfer, and it also houses an FM radio for local broadcast listening.

Battery Life

One of the key aspects is the removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery. It offers a standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. These figures reflect the phone’s capability to last a full day under normal usage patterns during its time.

Additional Features

The Motorola DEFY XT XT556 includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. Its rugged construction and minimalistic design were aimed at providing a robust and reliable smartphone experience. Available in a brown color variant, it remained attractively priced at around 160 EUR during its market presence.

Legacy and Conclusion

Though the Motorola DEFY XT XT556 has been discontinued, it represented a significant period in the evolution of rugged smartphones. It catered to users who required a durable device for everyday tasks. This smartphone's legacy remains as a representation of Motorola's commitment to build quality and reliability in mobile devices.