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US Cellular launches Motorola Electrify 2 today for $180, Defy XT on August 3rd

Brad Molen
Updated ·5 min read

With the launch of the Atrix HD a couple weeks ago, Motorola's looking to continue building momentum by launching two new devices on US Cellular this week. First up is the Electrify 2, the obvious followup to the regional carrier's version of the Photon 4G. Available online beginning today and in stores tomorrow, the new Electrify will feature Ice Cream Sandwich, a 4.3-inch ColorBoost panel, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, Kevlar backing, an 8MP rear camera capable of taking 1080p video capture, decently thin profile (8.4mm) and a splash guard similar to what we saw on the Atrix HD and Droid RAZR. While USCC's site tells us that pricing may vary by location, it looks like the Electrify 2 is going for $180 after a $100 mail-in rebate and the obligatory two-year commitment.

The second device in Moto's arsenal is the Defy XT, due to launch on August 3rd. We've seen this model land in other parts of the world, but this is the first time it's hit a major mobile operator in the US (unless you count Republic Wireless as a contender). The Defy XT is a bit more on the rugged side, featuring an IP67 durability rating, a 3.7-inch FWVGA (854 x 480) display with Gorilla Glass, Android 2.3, a 1,700mAh battery, 5MP camera with 720p video record, 1GHz CPU and 512MB RAM. We're still waiting to hear back from US Cellular on the pricing, but we anticipate it to be in the mid-range. In the meantime, the press release is below for your general perusal.

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MOTOROLA ELECTRIFY™ 2 AND DEFY™ XT LAUNCH ON U.S. CELLULAR

Incredibly thin, made Kevlar®strong ELECTRIFY 2 available online today; tough and durable DEFY XT available August 3

CHICAGO (August 1, 2012) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Motorola Mobility today announced two new Android™-powered smartphones to the carrier's lineup. Motorola ELECTRIFY™ 2, the next generation of the popular ELECTRIFY that runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, will be available online on August 1 and in stores on August 2. Additionally, Motorola DEFY XT will be available online and in stores on August 3. Visit uscellular.com for detailed pricing and visit motorola.com for additional product details.

The Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 and DEFY XT through U.S. Cellular come with the carrier's unique user benefits, including faster phone upgrades without re-signing contracts and the only points-based rewards program in the industry. Both smartphones will run on U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.

"Customers who purchase Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 or DEFY XT will not only enjoy a new cutting-edge Android-powered smartphone, but will also get the best customer experience," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "A mobile phone should make life simpler and easier to get things done and U.S. Cellular believes the customer relationship with their wireless carrier should be the same."

With a slim 8.4 millimeter design, Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 is ultra sleek, made Kevlar® strong and features an invisible splash-guard coating to protect from spills. The 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 4.3-inch ColorBoost™ display make ELECTRIFY 2 a multimedia powerhouse, perfect for gaming, movie watching, and web surfing. Great for capturing photos and videos, the ELECTRIFY 2 features a rear-facing 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and a 1080p HD camcorder. It's also the first U.S. Cellular device to include SMARTACTIONS™, the free Motorola app that can help extend battery life as well as intelligently automate routine, everyday tasks and suggest ways to personalize your phone to make your life easier.

Motorola DEFY XT is perfect for customers looking for the features and functionality of an Android-powered smartphone with a durable design. Water-resistant, dustproof and with a scratch-resistant 3.7-inch touchscreen, DEFY XT is ready to take on everyday scrapes and spills. Not only strong and sturdy, it's also a great device for keeping connected with friends and family with a 5 megapixel camera and a front facing webcam for video chats. Stay entertained with access to more than 600,000 apps and games on Google Play™, as well as millions of books and songs and thousands of movies and TV shows. Also, the customizable activity dashboards offer additional functionality with access to an integrated compass, pedometer, music player, and weather.

"Motorola is excited to bring the next evolution of ELECTRIFY to U.S. Cellular customers and Motorola ELECTRIFY 2 is ideal for those who crave premium features," said Jeff Miller, corporate vice president, North America Go-to-Market, Motorola Mobility. "Motorola DEFY XT packs innovative specs into a resilient design that can withstand whatever life throws your way. These two products provide unique experiences and give consumers choice."

For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's devices and plans, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.

Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.