Motorola Defy XT 535 Review – A Tough Midrange Smartphone Worth Your Money

 

To Start

Mobile phones have become one of the most important gadgets in today’s modern society. Almost everyone I know owns a cellphone — some prefer the latest and flashiest smartphones, while others go for the more practical and simple ones. It’s funny to think how different things were just a decade ago.

Anyway, I recently decided to buy a new phone to replace my Samsung Corby II S3850 which I got about a year ago. This time, I went for my very first smartphone. With so many new models coming out almost every month, it’s never easy to choose — especially when you’re trying to get that “bang for a buck” deal. I’m sure most of you have felt that regret after buying something high-end and later saying, “I should’ve bought that one instead.” I’ve been there too, but luckily not this time.

And that’s where my new phone comes in — the Motorola Defy XT 535.

My Samsung Corby 2 and My New Motorola Defy XT

This smartphone was released here in the Philippines a few months ago and is considered a mid-range device. The Defy XT 535 is the successor to the Defy Plus, and what sets the Motorola Defy series apart is its rugged design — built to be dustproof, water-resistant, and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass to prevent scratches and scuffs.

After its release, other brands followed the rugged phone trend with models like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active, Xperia Go, and Xperia Neo V. But for me, the Defy XT still holds its ground pretty well.

What’s Under the Hood?

• Dimensions: 115 x 58 x 11.9mm
• Weight: 115g
• Display: 3.7” TFT capacitive touchscreen (480x854 pixels)
• Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1
• RAM: 512MB
• Storage: 1GB internal, expandable up to 32GB (microSD)
• Camera: 5MP with LED flash + front VGA camera
• Battery: 1650 mAh (removable)
• OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

The Cons

Like any smartphone, the Defy XT has its ups and downs. The 1GHz processor is basically the same as its predecessor, and it’s unfortunate that it can’t be upgraded to a higher Android version. I’m stuck with Gingerbread — not that I mind, since I’ve seen what happens when people upgrade and end up slowing their phones down.

Performance-wise, it can lag a bit when running heavier apps, but for calls, texts, and browsing, it’s solid. The camera is decent in daylight but struggles at night. The good part? The battery life is amazing. I get around 6–7 days of use, and once even 9 days when nobody texted or called me!

The Attraction

I honestly wasn’t planning to buy a new phone, but what really drew me in was its toughness. The Motorola Defy XT 535 is built to survive drops, dust, and water — perfect for someone like me who’s not exactly gentle with gadgets. The best part? It has a removable battery, unlike newer phones with built-in batteries. I can easily pop in a spare whenever I need to.

It also uses standard USB and 3.5mm jacks, meaning I can use regular accessories — no need for those expensive proprietary cables. Definitely a plus for budget-conscious users.

Entonses (In Conclusion)

The Motorola Defy XT 535 may not be the best or the fastest smartphone out there, but it offers something not many others do — ruggedness and reliability. If you’re looking for a bang-for-your-buck smartphone that can survive a few drops, splashes, and still perform decently, then this one’s for you.

It’s tough, practical, and made for everyday users — just the way I like it.

Keywords:

Motorola Defy XT 535 review, Motorola smartphone 2012, rugged Android phone, waterproof phone, Motorola Defy specs Philippines, budget smartphone 2012, Motorola Defy XT vs Sony Xperia Go