Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75 With Built-In Satellite Messaging Announced

Motorola and Bullitt have launched two new rugged Android smartphones with two-way satellite communication. The handset is marketed as the Motorola Defy 2 in North America, Canada, and Latin America. A slightly modified version, labeled the CAT S75, will launch in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Two-Way Satellite Texting: How it Works

The Motorola Defy 2 and the Cat S75 are the first phones to feature the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app, which uses satellite links when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are unavailable. Messages aren't sent or received to the regular SMS inbox when using this type of satellite communication. Instead, it will be received in the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app.

This means that you will be able to send and receive text messages even when there's a mobile network outage or other cellular connectivity problems. In such instances, the Satellite Messenger app will connect your phone to FocusPoint International, a company that specializes in emergency responses.

Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75: Features

The Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75 are nearly identical, save for some differences in the back panel design. Both smartphones sport a 6.6-inch FHD+ screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is protected by a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus screen.

The Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75 are marketed as rugged devices that can withstand extreme conditions. With IP68 and IP69K water and dust resistance, the smartphones are reportedly fully waterproof for up to 5 meters for 35 minutes.

The handsets are powered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 930 SoC. It is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 15W charging. There's also a fingerprint sensor at the back for security.

Moving on to imaging, the Defy 2 and Cat S75 get a triple rear camera setup with an underwater mode. It comprises a 50MP main camera, 8MP wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro lens. They also have an 8MP front camera for selfies.

Connectivity options for the phones include support for 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. Sadly, the Defy 2 and CAT S75 boot Android 12 out of the box, with only two years of OS updates.

Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75: Price

The Motorola Defy 2 will be available in North America, Latin America, and Canada from the second quarter of 2023. It costs $599, which is inclusive of a 12-month subscription to SOS Assist.

Meanwhile, the CAT S75 is currently available for pre-order in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It costs £549, which includes a three-month free trial of the Bullitt Satellite Messenger's Essentials service.