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Anyone got or used one of these? Looks pretty good value and I like the durability of it plus it's an android phone so can add apps and track my rides.
Main concerns would be how it would compare to other smart phones. I use my phone a lot for email and Internet.
I have one, its ok but the battery life is not amazing (my Wife's iPhone 3gs is much better). They have just been updated to Android 2.2 which is supposed to improve battery life but I find I still need to charge it every night.
Having said that for me it is not a problem to charge every night and I do like the fact if my baby gets a hold I know that it will be ok. It can also can be washed off in the sink to keep it clean. I use a case and screen protector with mine as I don't trust that the screen will not be scratched.
The phone has the swype keyboard which once you are use to it makes a lot of sense for typing. I find the screen easy to read and works well in all light conditions. I also like the way that you can customise the screens and the notification lights.
For me it was the only choice mainly due to it being waterproof.
Hope that helps.
Nick
PS There are a few other threads on this if you search back up to about one year.
I rate it, but I don't have anything to compare it to as it's the first modern phone I've owned. Well, it's miles better than my wife's LC effort but that's about the breadth of my experience.
I use the k9 app for email which is fine for me - there is a facility which comes with the phone to synch various accounts, friendface etc if you use a lot of social media. Don't think I'll ever be happy writing a lengthy email on a touchscreen, but I can't see how they could do it better - the predictive word choice works very well.
Durability seems good so far - lash it in the jersey pocket for a ride. Mine has one or two foibles with re-booting but I get the impression that smartphones are a few years behind pcs, say, for overall reliability - they seem a bit buggy in comparison.
It's an Android phone with a custom (bypassable) front end, easy to use, tons of apps and mine has taken loads of hammer so far. Wouldn't have gone for a smartphone if the Defy wasn't available. There are more bling and faster phones out there. You can choose any browser and email client you want so you won't have a problem there. I can get just about two days of battery on mine. I never got on with swype, but like most things Android you just find something that works for you, the standard choice on the Defy is swype or multi-touch. Tracking rides is a doddle with Endomondo and lots of others.
I think its great value only the orange san francisco is better value but the defy is slightly faster and definitely more durable
heres a comparison of the two
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3514&idPhone2=3391
I've got one and love it! Just one MAJOR downside though....
When I was talking to the sales lass (T-Mobile) I was told it is waterPROOF and shockPROOF - not resistant. She gave examples of 10 minutes in a pint of water and being thrown against a wall.
Mine stopped working (wouldn't charge) and I took it into the shop where they said it wasn't covered because the moisture-exposure tab indicated liquid had entered the phone. I had to shout, scream and threaten OFCOM & mis-selling before they sent out a replacement.
Love it though!!
Thanks for the comments.
Blade - Is it the same sort of size as your wife's iphone? Looking at a bike mount and there are loads available for the iphone. Would be great to have on the bars with the viewranger maps.
I've ordered it so will see how I get on with it.
i have one. for £15 a month its unbeatable. works really well. not crazy fast in the modern computing world. but probably works better than a desktop pc from a few years ago!
I took it into the shop where they said it wasn't covered because the moisture-exposure tab indicated liquid had entered the phone
Isn't it IP rated? I'm sure I read here somewhere that it's IP67.
The '7' means you can submerge it in water up to a metre. That's 'not as described' under the SoG Act, right there.
Isn't it IP rated? I'm sure I read here somewhere that it's IP67.
Isn't it only IP67 if all the little rubber plugs that cover the connectors are correctly in place?
Been happy with mine. Can't be bothered with a case or screen procector as touchscreen never seem to work as well with one and they are harder to see in sunlight but despite that the screen seems tough enough - only a couple of minor scratches.
It feels robust and has taken a few knocks and survived.
It seems to work a little faster since I completed the 2.2 upgrade.
I'd get another if this one got lost.
Isn't it IP rated? I'm sure I read here somewhere that it's IP67
I believe it is and
is guff. If moisture had enteered the phone, then the waterproofing is faultythey said it wasn't covered because the moisture-exposure tab indicated liquid had entered the phone.
Mine's has survived a couple of drops, one on concrete from about 2 metres, but no submersion (yet). 3 or 4 months old, glass still wipes clean with no scratches or apparent damage.
neninja is there any chance you coupld post a link to, or do some instructions on the 2.2 upgrade?
My daughter has just killed her 2nd one
This one is now stuck on "bootloader 9.0, low battery, unable to update" - or something like that
Reflash it. And, y'know, charge it up first.
They're remarkably difficult things to brick permanently, you have to try particularly hard.
Just doing an update on mine. you need to download the motorola software updater. From here: http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/motosupport/source/SoftwareUpdateSelect.asp?country=USA&language=ENS
Then follow the on screen prompts I think it only works if you have registered your phone...
I've got a Defy too - has a problem with the sound not working after about a month but got it all sorted.
If you're going out on the bike you can just put it in your bag without worrying about knocking or scratching it and it does everything you need it to do.
Oh, and you can fit it in your pocket, unlike an iphone!
😉
Reflash it. And, y'know, charge it up first.
won't charge, it's going back to the Vodafone shop ASAP
that link doesnt work for me... the defy doesnt seem to be listed?
"country=USA" might be your issue there.
Updates to 2.2 are slowly rolling out; [url= https://supportforums.motorola.com/thread/50132 ]https://supportforums.motorola.com/thread/50132[/url]
The correct link is http://direct.motorola.com/ENG/SoftwareUpdateSelect.asp?country=GBR&language=ENG
Note that this is for retail handsets; if you've bought it on contract, you'll need to go to your carrier's website instead.
Does the Defy not support OTA updates?
Got one, nice phone, great value, experienced most of the positives above.
T-Mobile UK slow in getting 2.2 through though.
I get a good two days + from a charge with some GPS tracking of my commute and a bit of wireless. Usually these are turned off.
It falls and doesn't break up into it's component parts unlike daughter's Galaxy S.
I got one on Orange yesterday, under menu 'about phone' it says firmware V2.2.2 - is that the Android version?
nice one team. i am all up to date and on 2.2 thanks to you lot.
decent phone just got better.
The correct link is http://direct.motorola.com/ENG/SoftwareUpdateSelect.asp?country=GBR&language=ENGNote that this is for retail handsets; if you've bought it on contract, you'll need to go to your carrier's website instead.
Does the Defy not support OTA updates?
I used the Motorola software update as above. It does work for contract phones once set up with the provider - I'm on Vodafone and they went live for updates this week.
As I understand it Vodafone will be rolling out OTA updates over the next week but I'm impatient so used the Motorola system to get it now.
Sadly no 2.2 update for T-Mobile users yet.
I got one on Orange yesterday, under menu 'about phone' it says firmware V2.2.2 - is that the Android version?
Yes - mine is showing 2.2.2 as the Firmware version now.
Just waiting for mine to arrive now. I am going to be on orange too so hopefully it'll have the latest software on. I keep looking out the window everytime I hear a car pull up. Even put the number plaque up that's been sat in our porch since we moved in.
ummm. im on t-mobile and updated today!
follow birky's link.
For t-mobile it depends on the handset I think - if you have a retail MotoBlur one you will be able to upgrade to 2.2 if it is a T-Mobile branded one I understand that hasn't been released yet.
mine is contract t mobile. its not t mobile branded mind, its a standard looking handset.
on t mobile network tho.
anyone trashed one yet ? Mine's still going strong despite a 3 foot drop onto concrete last week !
Found this topic through the search function, any updated views??
someone was asking last week, and it all came up in that thread. search again for ' screen spazzing on defy '
ha ha
I bought one a couple of months ago, very pleased. Battery lasts about 48 hours of regular use.
I think there is a new version coming out soon and there is also the Defy+ which I think is slightly more powerful.
Mine has CyanogenMod 7 installed on it from the point I bought it (2nd hand). This seems to work very nicely and has none of those manufacturer or network annoyances.
I looked at one, but despite reports and reviews to the contrary it isn't either waterproof or IP67 certified - check their website, you'll see no mention of it anywhere. They just say its "life proof".
Hi,
I think you will find it is water resistant (1 hour under 1 metre of water is the spec).
I can testify to my Defy plus surviving a dip in the bath and many bike rides in rain and mud mounted on the bars in a case thats not waterproof.
Regards
In addition there are a few threads out there in geek world about the IP67 thing. I think basically it is more or less designed to that level. However Motorola at some point removed mention of it in specs after getting warranty returns where submerged phones died.
I think that over time the battery cover may lose its sealing ability which would allow water to get in it.
It depends on how you want to use the phone, personally I avoid submerging it but I am happy to use it in the rain etc.
Regards
I've cooled on mine since I posted earlier in this thread - I do think it's very good as a durable, mountain biking phone though.
I encounter a lot of minor problems with the phone being slow and laggy - like an under-powered pc with too many windows open. No one big problem, just minor irritations. I don't know if this is something to do with the phone's processor in general or if there's something more specifically awry with my one.
If your priority for the phone is to use it outdoors on rides etc then it's probably a good bet. If you're a heavy phone user on top of that I could see it being a bit aggravating.
If your priority for the phone is to use it outdoors on rides etc then it's probably a good bet. If you're a heavy phone user on top of that I could see it being a bit aggravating.
I think that would be a stopper for me then.
fwiw, I've had one a little over a year. Agree with many comments (it is rugged), but not as smooth as other phones. However, by ticking the usb debugging box, it's made my phone super smooth. May be worth trying?
Mine's has survived a couple of drops, one on concrete from about 2 metres, but no submersion (yet). 3 or 4 months old, glass still wipes clean with no scratches or apparent damage.
Posted by me
Since then I've sat on it and the screen broke - maybe I should lose the ButSlimmer part of forum name. However, it still works and replacing glass is covered by insurance. So, it's taken some abuse, but failed the big bloke's back pocket test.
I've had one for about 8 months now, first proper smartphone, cost about £150 second hand, on GiffGaff PAYG (unlimited data for £10/month).
I like it but I'd say you need to be tinkerer to get the most out of it. If you're fairly Android savvy and don't give a stuff about the warranty then it's a good rugged phone.
Pros: Battery life is reasonable. Good GPS. Relatively cheap. Hard to scratch the screen. Has survived lots of dunkings including 10 minutes in the washing machine.
Cons: The big one is that capacitive screen becomes useless in rain, and annoyingly even a bit of sweat can decrease the functionality. The screen isn't completely scratch resistant and reports suggets it's quite brittle. The earpieces of almost all the first gen ones seem to die, it's a £3 part to replace but shouldn't need doing. Battery life isn't enough to use as a GPS except for quick local blats. Laggy processor compared to more expensive, newer phones.
I upgraded to Android 2.2 and it became agonisingly slow when running some apps, including Google Maps. Solved by rooting and installing sysctl config. I'd recommend doing this as it's made a noticeable difference to the phone, for example the camera now works a lot better.
If you just want an untrashable phone for calls/texts while riding, I'd recommend something like a Samsung Solid.
I upgraded to Android 2.2 and it became agonisingly slow when running some apps, including Google Maps. Solved by rooting and installing sysctl config.
Similar problems here after the 2.2 upgrade. Rooting and installing Setvsel sorted it.
I still have one of these (different name then/same design). Swap the sim card over every so often. It just seems like an old taxi. Keeps on going!Samsung Solid
Samsung Solid
I still have one of these. Swap the sim card over every so often. It just seems like an old taxi. Keeps on going!
I don't. Broke the screen on my Solid Extreme a month back- had it in my jeans pocket with a bunch of keys, then climbed on some rocks- keys broke the screen. Shame, cos it had been perfect up til then.
Bought one of the cheap HTC Evo's and an Otterbox but wish I hadn't- I'm going to get an iPhone and a lifeproof case I think.
There is a Defy 2 version which I have. Think it is MB526. Has faster processor and bigger battery.
I don't worry about riding in the rain and don't have a protective case at all. But I'm not going to push my luck by giving it a dip!
any chance you could take me through this?
Similar problems here after the 2.2 upgrade. Rooting and installing Setvsel sorted it.
[url= http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1216982 ]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1216982[/url]
I like mine. After dealing with Three I vowed never to take out a lengthy contract again, so I bought an unlocked one and stuck a Tesco 1 month sim in it.
It has Cynogen mod on it now, but any Android version is what you make of it imo. What most people think of as 'Android' is probably just their launcher, but there are loads of these to choose from including some fairly simple ones (I like Zeam). I'm also amazed at people who walk around all day with their wifi, gps and 3g on to let them know what the weather is doing outside or what have you.
still a bit lost im afraid. what does all that booty flashy stuff do?
what is setvsel?
Pros for me were: small, light, cheap, more durable than other phones.
I've just take the waterproof and shockproof stuff to mean that it might weather spills and knocks better than some- I'm under no illusions that it's properly waterproof.
Battery life is on par with most others IME, it's not the fastest but does everything I ask of it quiet happily- Google Earth makes it struggle and I expect there are some games it couldn't play.
Overall quite happy with it- although I am on my second after the microphone failed on the first one.
Tracknicko: "flashing" the phone means installing a modified operating system on it. Not really necessary but it can speed up your phone a bit, get rid of unnecessary preinstalled software and add other functions.
If anyone else's phone is slow after going to Android 2.2 Froyo, there's a simple guide to fixing it here:
http://project89.com/freezing-google-maps-froyo-2-2-218/
thank you chaps. im not sure if i need it tbh. will just accept my phone is a bit steady.
My Defy kept dropping the mobile signal wherever I was. I compared my signal strength by putting my sim in another phone and it was fine, way stronger, everywhere. I gave my Defy to the wife and bought an HTC Desire instead. Much happier.
When out in the rain, the Defy screen was useless as rain drops fell upon it. It was slow, kept locking up. Most disappointing in my experience.
I couldn't recommend one to anyone.