Motorola claims that the device can withstand spillages, raindrops and even a quick dunk in a toilet
As well as being tough, the Motorola Defy also functions well as a smartphone. While the handset runs on the now slightly dated Android 2.1 interface, it does have most of the features expected from a device running the Google operating system.
Other useful applications include Documents to Go, which allows users to view files on the device. Our Vodafone supplied device also came preloaded with the operator's 360 services.
Using the DLNA connectivity, users can also wirelessly transmit content to other compatible devices.
The Motorola Phone Portal is another excellent feature that allows user to back up contacts, messages and multimedia.
The device can be connected to the portal via USB or through Wi-Fi.
A sheet of Gorilla Glass (video demo) keeps it safe from drops or cracks.
Unlike the Motorola i1, the DEFY isn’t fully military-spec certified, but it’s water-resistant and rustproof.
There’s also A-GPS, a digital compass, DLNA support, an ambient light sensor and an accelerometer.
Software
Disappointingly, the "Motorola DEFY" ships with Android 2.1 Eclair rather than the newer Froyo, complete with the latest iteration of MOTOBLUR. As we’ve seen on other recent MOTOBLUR devices, there’s Facebook, MySpace and Twitter support, along with Photobucket and Picasa photo sharing, and Motorola provide plenty of widgets for the seven-homescreen panes.
Android 2.1 lacks the speed boost of its successor, but is still solid and usable. Amazon’s Kindle ereader app, Blockbuster OnDemand and the Swype keyboard are preloaded, and there’s TeleNav GPS support if you’re not happy with Google Maps
Navigation. The DEFY’s 5-megapixel camera obviously isn’t the highest resolution Android snapper, but it’s a solid example.
Thanks to a 30fps frame rate the resulting clips are smooth, though there’s no in-video autofocus. Like previous Motorola devices, there’s TuneWiki integration for optionally showing track lyrics on recognized files. Unfortunately there’s no HDMI or other video output for hooking up an HDTV or external display.
