Motorola Defy

We've seen Android smartphones in just about every shape and size. Now we have the rugged yet cool looking Motorola Defy on T-Mobile. With better than midrange specs, the Defy is a solid choice even if you don't need a rugged phone that can survive a dunk in the pool (yes, it can). The Defy runs Android OS 2.1 with Motorola's Motoblur software on top. It's not the over-the-top version used on lower end Moto Android phones; rather it's restrained like on the Motorola Droid X. Still, there's not much we love about Motoblur. The Defy has an 800MHz TI CPU, 512 megs of RAM, 2 gigs of storage and a 5 megapixel camera that takes just OK photos. We like the sharp 3.7", 854 x 480 multi-touch Gorilla Glass display and solid reception with 3G on T-Mobile's bands.

Video Review

Here's our 8 minute video review of the Motorola Defy:

Conclusion

For $99, the Motorola Defy is easy to recommend if you need a water resistant, dust resistant Android phone that doesn't lack in specs or looks. The large, high resolution display is sharp and performance is good thanks to the 800MHz CPU. Yes, it runs Android OS 2.1 rather than Froyo, but that's neither rare nor a deal breaker unless you're a serious Android enthusiast who must have the latest OS.

Price: $99 with a 2 year contract. $379 without contract.

Websites: www.hellomoto.com, www.t-mobile.com

Specs:

Display: 3.7", 854 x 480 capacitive multi-touch display (Gorilla Glass). Supports both portrait and landscape modes via accelerometer. Has an ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. Battery: 1540 mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable. Performance: 800MHz TI OMAP3610 CPU. 512 megs RAM, 2 gigs flash storage. Size: 4.2 x 2.3 x 0.5 inches. Weight: 4.6 ounces. Phone: GSM quad band world phone with EDGE and 3G HSDPA/HSUPA on the 850/1700/2100MHz bands. Camera: 5.0 MP GPS: Has GPS with aGPS and digital compass. Google Maps and Navigation included. Audio: Built in speaker, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR. Software: Android OS 2.1 Eclair with Motorola's Motoblur software. Expansion: 1 SDHC microSD card slot.