FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future
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Thu, 1st Nov 2012
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Waterproof, dustproof and scratchproof – impressive for a smartphone! The Motorola Defy XT is a durable little phone and it also includes all of the standard features you’d expect from a smartphone, plus a few cool extras.Running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) the phone works well within its hardware specifications. However, depending on usage or apps installed, it may slow down. It is also eligible for a software upgrade but the same speediness is not guaranteed. This would be suited to the type of person who enjoys all of features of a smartphone but lives an active lifestyle and prefers a phone that can take a bit of rough and tumble. NG

Pros

  • Waterproof, dustproof and scratchproof capabilities make it tougher than most smartphones
  • Extended battery life with extra battery saving features
  • 5MP Camera and front facing camera
  • Corning Gorilla Glass is extra strong, but with a supporting bezel
  • Cool Dashboard feature allowing easy access to music
  • 3.7” screen is a perfect size for the phone’s features
  • Activity and Social Graph features collate most used apps and contacts for easier access
Cons
  • Depending on your personal preference or if you’re changing from another format, the buttons at the bottom may take a bit of adjusting
  • Internal memory is pretty small, which means if you want to add music it is probably best stored on an external microSD
  • Screen resolution is good but not amazing for viewing photos or videos
The Verdict

If you’re the type of person who requires a durable but functional smartphone, the Motorola Defy XT is for you. Teamed   with Telecom’s XT network, the phone provides speed when viewing webpages, updating or using applications. It includes all of the regular smartphone features with a little extra protection against everyday life.