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Moto's two new Android phones are anywhere but here

The Gingerbread-powered Motorola MotoLuxe and Defy Mini will carry midrange features and budget-friendly prices when they debut in February.

Scott Webster
Scott Webster has spent the better part of his adult life playing with cell phones and gadgets. When not looking for the latest Android news and rumors, he relaxes with his wife and son. Scott also is the senior editor for AndroidGuys. E-mail Scott.
Scott Webster
2 min read
The MotoLuxe features a custom user experience known as MotoSwitch. Motorola

Motorola Mobility today announced a pair of Gingerbread Android smartphones that will arrive in Greater China, Europe, and Latin America in the coming weeks.

First up is the MotoLuxe, a touch-only smartphone with a 4.0-inch (480x854-pixel) display, an 800MHz processor, a 512MB RAM, and 1GB ROM.

Though certainly not the top-of-the-line stuff that we've seen out of Motorola over the last few releases, it should be more than enough Android for first-time buyers.

Additional specifications include a host of Google apps, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 1,400mAh battery. The official fact sheet makes no mention of microSD expansion, but I've heard from Motorola that there is one included.

Not much to look at, but at least it can take a moderate beating. Motorola

While the diminutive Defy Mini might not look all that impressive on the surface, at least it can take a beating. Like its larger predecessor, the handset is water-resistant, dust-proof, and scratch-proof.

Internally, the Defy Mini has all the makings of a 2-year-old Android including a 3.2-inch (480x320) display, a 600MHz processor, and a 3-megapixel camera. On a positive note, the phone also features a front-facing VGA camera, a microSD expansion card slot, and all the other requisite Android connectivity.

Both models feature MotoSwitch, a custom user interface that promises to learn and adapt to a user's habits. Over time, the phones will determine your most commonly used applications and contacts and surface them in easy-to-reach places.

Sounding like an evolved MotoBlurexperience, there are a number of specific features to help users stay connected including Social Graph, Activity Graph, Smart Gallery, and Music Now.

Although there are no prices to share at this time, both of these handsets are expected to launch this February with budget price tags.

It's worth pointing out that the MotoLuxe is available already in parts of China under the name of Motorola XT615 and that the Motorola Defy Mini will be offered under the name of Motorola XT320 when it debuts.

Motorola will have each of these smartphones on display at CES 2012 next week, so be sure to check back for CNET's early impressions.