MWC 2011 Live: Motorola Defy, Pro & Gleam Brief Hands-on
![MWC 2011 Live: Motorola Defy, Pro & Gleam Brief Hands-on [Hidden Behind the Xoom & the Atrix 4G We Found Other Motorola Handsets in Spain]](http://tftscdn4.nexus404.com/Blog/thumbnailimages/alt/Motorola-Defy-Hands-on-1TFTSThumb220153.jpg)
Not everyone will want to buy the high-end, and by that I mean expensive, Motorola Atrix 4G or the Motorola Xoom so that’s where handsets like the Motorola Gleam or the Motorola Defy enter the stage.
Their two totally different devices which I decided to check out at the same time when discovering them at the Motorola Booth.
The Motorola Gleam is the newest Motorola handset launched and it’s not a hot Android handset. It’s not even an entry-level one. It’s rather a RAZR-like handset that will let you make phone calls, sent SMS messages and browse the web. The Gleam might appeal to a certain demographic but I can’t say I was impressed with it, and since I’m always on the prowl for new smartphones a featurephone would not do it for me. The Gleam can be a handy device to make calls listen to music on the go, and throw out the window of your speeding car while being chased by the cops.
Don’t get me wrong here Moto, but if you want to make affordable handsets why not stick with Android, dump featurephones and launch some entry-level Android handsets instead. Just like Samsung or HTC do.
On contrast the Defy is an Android device that you’ll certainly appreciate and it will definitely not hurt your budget. It doesn’t have the same coolness aura that comes with the Atrix 4G, or the Droid Bionic (which was nowhere to be seen at the show) but it’s still a great Android 2.2. Froyo smartphone ready to deliver results on the go. Plus it’s a rugged handset that will be ready to take some hits in the process. So dumping it out of a speeding car might not be a good idea after all.
Last but not least we have the Motorola Pro, the European edition of a phone that’s neither a full touchscreen handset, nor a BlackBerry. I checked the phone out for the sake of the argument (check out our full review here), but if I want a BlackBerry I’ll go for a BlackBerry smartphone. Or an HP webOS device. The Pro will come to Europe later down the road, but it might not be one of the most popular handsets Motorola will sell this year.
Motorola MOTOLUXE & DEFY Mini Android Smartphones Coming To Germany Along With The Clamshell Styled GLEAM+
UK Retailer Clove Lists The Motorola Defy Mini Smartphone For Pre-Order, Has It Priced At £174.99 (Including VAT)
UK Retailer Clove Lists The Defy MINI XT320 Smartphone For Sale, Has It Priced At £162
AT&T Motorola Atrix Software Update Now Available; Arrives As Version 4.5.141 & Brings Goodies To Include Wi-Fi Connectivity Improvements
Motorola Atrix 3 Image Leak Arrives With Some Specs Including Android 4.0 ICS, 10MP Camera & Tegra 3 Processor
Carphone Warehouse Now Selling A 3G-Equipped Xoom 2 & Xoom 2 Media Edition, Pricing Begins At £299.99
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The TFTS Team
So Defy has been outed with Android version 2.2 ? Am curious since this is probably the first reporting or sighting of Moto Defy with FroYo. Please confirm.
The U.S. Motorola Defy is still on 2.1. Hopefully, since you saw the device on 2.2, an upgrade is around the corner for the U.S. handsets?
Well guys I didn’t fake that picture, so what you see is apparently what you get. Android Froyo on Defy
and what about that earpiece problem? has that been addressed?
Hi Chris, Thanks for reply. Oh I didn’t doubt it at all. Just recently Motorola scrapped off plans for 2.2 uprgade on four of their phones, hence the “??”. This’ll up the sales of the Defy for sure as I think its a worthy pick.
@Bobby, As per reports, the earpiece issue has been resolved. The new tests reveal good-very good call quality for both incoming and outgoing + very less call drops. All in all looks fly. Even then its a good idea to keep oneself prepared for post purchase issues any way for any phone.
Just one wish – hopefully Motorola comes out a Defy variant with front facing camera in near future.
I absolutely love the Motorola DEFY. It’s the perfect phone for any active lifestyle and the screen is very impressive. With the Gorilla Glass 3.7″ protection, the screen is rugged as well. I am a DISH Network subscriber/employee, and I just installed their Remote Access app to stream live TV. The screen looks brilliant in HD! I can stream over 200 channels in HD, and possibly underwater!
its the motorola firmware update…….doesnt mean android version.
“…and throw out the window of your speeding car while being chased by the cops” – might just have to get it, if only for the awesomeness of being able to do just that!!!