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Motorola's tough little Defy XT (pictures)

The $99.99 Motorola Defy XT for U.S. Cellular isn't fazed by scratches, water, or dust but you'd never know it from looks alone.

Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett is a former senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET.
Brian Bennett
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1 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

A screen for the outdoors

The Motorola Defy XT's 3.7-inch screen (854x480 pixels) isn't very sharp or able to produce eye-catching colors. It is easy, though, to read the phone's display outdoors in strong sunshine.
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2 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Battened-down ports

In this view of the Motorola Defy XT's left side, you can see a rubber flap covering its Micro-USB port. This helps protect the phone from dust and water damage.
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3 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Raise the volume

On the Motorola Defy XT's right side sits a thin volume rocker.
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4 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

A back that's smooth

The Motorola Defy XT's back side sports a smooth, soft-touch surface with a rubbery feel. Also here is the phone's 5-megapixel camera and lock switch to securely seal the battery cover.
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5 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Make sure it's locked

Here's a closer look at the Motorola Defy XT's lock switch. Use it to batten down the battery.
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6 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

USB unplugged

To guard against water damage, the Motorola Defy XT's Micro-USB port sealed by a rubber flap. Here you can see the port uncovered.
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7 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Take it for a plunge

Built to withstand spills and submersion in water, dropping the Motorola Defy XT into the drink didn't trouble the handset one bit.
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8 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

A basic keyboard

The Motorola Defy XT's software keyboard is standard fare, essentially the stock Android 2.3 Gingerbread arrangement.
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9 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Say it with Swype

For one-handed text entry, the Motorola Defy XT also gives you the option of using the Swype keyboard.
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10 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

A camera that tries

The Motorola Defy XT's 5-megapixel camera has a modest selection of scene modes and color filters. The quality of pictures and video, however, wasn't very impressive.
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11 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Find your way

Meant to be used in the great outdoors, the Motorola Defy XT comes with its own digital compass application.

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