Motorola unveils another member of their ruggedized smart phone line, the Motorola Defy Mini. This tough phone ‘s design was based on its bigger counterpart the Motorola Defy. Powered by a 600 MHz processor that is backed-up with 512 MB of RAM, one may say that this is a powerhouse for a small phone. Measuring 109×58.5×12.55 mm at 107 grams this tough phone is so small users who are into sports will not have problems fitting it into their pockets. Powered by Android 2.3.6 users can expect the latest features available in this platform. The screen of this tough phone measures 3.2 inches made of Corning glass which makes it virtually scratch proof. The screen has touch capability (TFT) with 480 x 320 Pixels, but seems to small for a phone that supports touch screen technology (more on that later). Motorola designed the Defy Mini as a tough phone, integrated with features that make this model water, dust and scratch proof. There are 2 ports, which are both covered with rubber hinge cover to protect the phone if it gets submerged in water. Motorola claims that this tough phone, can withstand (without being broken) being submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes (at least the hinged cover is kept closed). Being water proof, Motorola designed the Defy mini with a battery cover with sliding lock feature which holds the cover in place. The slot which holds the battery in place has a seal for better protection from water and dust.
With regard to the Defy Mini’s connectivity, one may say that it has all the latest connectivity integration most smart phones have. This tough phone is able to connect through wi-fi hot spots and to other phones through bluetooth. It is worthy to add, since this rugged phone has a small screen, viewing websites in their classic look (like on a computer) may seem awkward to look at. Since we are already talking about things related to the operating system, let me just add that flash videos and contents are not supported, expect limitations when you visit websites that uses flash. Facebook and Twitter integration are built-in users may just have problems typing their messages since the keyboard is too small for people with large hands.
All in all the design works for people who are always on the go and into sports. The phone’s back cover has this rubber feel which makes it easy to grip. A 3 megapixel camera and flash for better picture quality. The best of all, if the phone stands to what Motorola claimed about its battery life — It can last for 10 days (without charging) on standby and can last up to 10 hours of talk time. Being water and dust resistant this tough phone is best for people who loves being on the outdoors or people who needs a tough phone for the type of work they do (like people in the construction business).
Comparison:
Motorola Defy Mini Vs. Sony Ericsson Xperia Active
Okay, let’s get to the point, The Motorola Defy Mini lacks some of the best features a smart phones have to offer. Comparing the Motorola Defy Mini to Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Active is the best way to go, the defy mini clearly lacks on the processing muscle (600 MHz) while its counterpart (Xperia Active) has 1 GHz of processing power. Sony Ericsson was also able to squeeze a bit more megapixel on their phone (5MP vs. Defy’s 3MP). Both phones have the same size, but Sony Ericsson managed to add a bit more of muscle on their phone and of course, Adobe flash. We commend both brands for these release, both phones are IP67 certified which means both phones are water and dust proof. Looking at the features of both phones, the Defy mini is a decent ruggedized phone, while the Xperia Active is a better phone. My only beef with Xperia Active is the price, expect to pay at least $100 more (give or take) than Motorola’s Defy Mini.
Conclusion:
The Motorola Defy Mini is a tough phone which has decent features and specifications that will allow its owner to communicate effectively, the only downside is the small screen, keyboard and not so good processing power. If you will be asking me if this phone is a great phone to buy, my answer will be a faint yes.
Sony Ericsson is renowned for innovative designs in mobile phones, its designs often reflects the latest trend rugged android phones and certainly catch the eye balls of many. Aside from the outstanding outlooks, the cutting edge technology which Sony Ericsson devices feature is another characteristic that attracted many of its loyal fans. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is one of the newest addition to this great product collection and the first rugged android device by the company.
Unlike many ruggedized phones, this device is not catered towards the harsh workplace. Instead, the Active sports a most rugged appearance which targeting those who have or want an active lifestyle. Like all tough android devices the phone is water proof, dust proof and shock resistant device that suggest a good match for the outdoor loving person. The phone did receive a IP67 certification. Continue reading “Sony Ericsson Xperia Active, the workout Android phone”
Casio has released their latest of its rugged cell phone, the Casio G’zOne Commando. Unlike most Rugged Android phones which have been produced by Android handset specialists, the Commando is produced by a company specializing in rugged phones who is just getting into the Android market. Casio hopes to marry their justifiably good reputation as a rugged device maker with smart phone capabilities. It is probably why the Commando looks so much like a traditional toughened phone like the Motorola i1 versus a more svelte model like the Samsung Xcover. The Commando is also notable in that it is the first ruggedized Android device available on Verizon. Continue reading “Casio G’zOne Commando review”
Samsung has entered the rugged Android market with a new device, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover. The Xcover is built to survive in harsh conditions that would wreck a standard cell phone. Unlike most ruggedized phones, the Xcover is not geared towards the people who work in harsh environments. Instead the device is marketed for people who want to take their phone outdoors. This marketing direction seems to have made no difference in terms of durability of the device, but the Xcover does look more like a modern smart phone than say the Motorola i1. Also, Samsung seems to targeting the Xcover for the mass market and has set a lowered price accordingly.
Xcover Specifications
In terms of specifications, the Xcover is no slouch. The first thing you notice about the device is the large 3.65 inch touch screen. This display is especially tough, using the latest gorilla glass. This material has proven to be especially resistant to scratches and most impacts. The screen has a decent display with a HVGA screen with 480×320 pixels. While this is not the highest resolution available, the screen is of respectable quality. More important, Samsung has again done it with the display which is clearly visible in daylight. There is a slight gray bezel around the edge of the phone that covers the back of the device. At the top there is a plug that hides a headphone jack and on the sides there are buttons for power and volume. The front 3 Android buttons are all virtual buttons like Honeycomb tablets. It is likely this design was chosen to reduce the chance of break down of mechanical buttons. Continue reading “Samsung Galaxy Xcover a new rugged Android device”
The Motorola Defy is the first blockbuster ruggedized Android device. The phone was introduced by T-Mobile, but it will work on any GSM network. At first glance you can easily miss the the fact that the Defy is anything but a standard Motorola device, indeed the company seems to market the ruggedized features as an afterthought. Still, the phone complies with the 810f military specification as well as being waterproof. The phone is supposed to be able to withstand dunking water up to 3 meters.
Overall build The first thing you notice when you look at the Defy is that it looks like any Android device. Motorola did a good job of creating the impression of a smartphone and hiding the protective features. The front of the Defy is dominated by the 3.7 inch display without a bezel. The display is built from Gorilla glass is has been used on many smart devices and has proven to be extremely resistant to scratches and damage. Outdoor enthusiasts should not that this glass is still susceptible to scratches from sand so care should still be taken with using the phone at the beach. The display itself is bright, though reading angles are not as good as other phones. More importantly however, it is readable in sunlight which is great for a device meant to be used outdoors. Continue reading “Motorola Defy review”
The Motorola i1 ruggedized Android phone is a specially made device for the Sprint network. It combines a limited Android functionality with Sprint’s push to talk technology. Using the iDEN network, the phone also features the push to talk walkie talkie like function which is very popular with with some users. Not only is the phone known for being the first commonly available ruggedized Android device, it is also noted being one of the first of a new generation of tough devices that doesn’t necessarily look industrial.
Motorola i1 build The i1 is a a solid device measuring 4.7 by 2.3 by 0.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 4.6 ounces. The phone meets the 810f military specification indicating that it is built to shrug off shock, vibration, humidity and rain. The device is not waterproof however, so don’t expect it survive a swim. The front 3.1 inch display is scratch proof and the buttons feel very solid. There are side rubber bumpers to provide protection as well as good grip. The only concern about the i1′s build is the back battery cover which is plastic. This plastic seems to be scratch prone and not as well designed as the rest of the device. Overall though, most owners reported that the i1 was superior in build quality and survived most accidents that would destroy a regular phone.
To many, the idea of a rugged Android phone is an oxymoron. Cell phone manufacturers have conditioned us to think of a cell phone, especially a smart phone, as a fragile gadget. Our experience has shown us that electronics are fragile, susceptible to scratches, accidental drops and water to name a few. The surprising thing is, phones don’t have to be so feeble. It is possible to build electronics that can withstand drops, dust, vibrations and even exposure to water.
Tough or ruggedized phone have existed almost since there have been cell phones. Though these devices are tougher than their normal cousins, they have traditionally been compromised in some way. They are ugly, slow, bulky and lacking in features. But there have been only a few ruggedized smart phones except for a few Windows mobile devices. Now with the popularity of Google’s Android platform, some cell phone manufacturers have started to make new more rugged Android devices. Who would want such a device? Continue reading “Rugged Android Phones”
