In a world dominated by hefty handsets, immersing oneself in the gratifying feel of the slim, sleek, and second-generation Moto X is indeed a relief. With an enviable 5.2-inch 1080p OLED screen enveloped in resilient Gorilla Glass, this machismo is not just a sight to behold, but also a testament to innovative technological advancements. Priced competitively at $500 when unlocked, or an affordable $99 with a contract, this power-packed gadget gracefully leaps beyond the latest offerings from LG. Even though it doesn’t quite match up to Samsung Galaxy S5 in terms of features, it still makes a compelling case for its place in your Android artillery.
During my weeklong rendezvous with this smartphone which I synchronized with the Moto 360, I was entranced by its sleek gray and steel exterior, artistically accentuated by a small dimple on the back, designed to guide optimum finger placement. The brand, evidently battling for a firm foothold in terms of market share, has put an impressive focus on customizable materials. From painted bamboo backs to a range of colorful trims, the brand aims to make each of their Moto X models uniquely personalized.
The simplicity of this phone is further emphasized through its two-button design consisting of a volume rocker and a single activity button. At the back, a 13-megapixel camera is prominently featured while the front is adorned with a more modest 2-megapixel camera. These cameras are utilized in clever ways. You can wake the phone by merely waving your hand in front of it or speak to it using a customized ‘wake-up call’. Even though it was unsettling at first to observe the phone waking up at the slightest motion, the smart use of built-in features didn’t appear to hamper battery life, which typically lasted about a day per charge—standard for most smartphones.
The refreshed Moto X is a perfect choice for anyone coveting a meaningful upgrade from the previous-generation model. This version excels in its size, design aesthetics and robust build. Yes, you will lose out on the opportunity for expandable storage, a fact that has been criticized by many users. However, this peril is duly compensated for by its incredible design. With a stunning Geekbench score of 979, a testament to the mighty prowess of the 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chip, Moto X confidently surges ahead of the M8 and its predecessor.
The camera captures decent video, however, there are occasional afterimages during movements.
The Moto X’s camera performance is reliable, if not extraordinary. With consistent output and satisfactory snapshots, as evidenced by reviews and personal experience alike, this phone indeed ensures that you never miss capturing a priceless moment. Availability of high-resolution images for download only adds to its appeal
For the uninitiated, the Moto X is undoubtedly a forerunner when compared to older devices especially considering the eye-catching customizable colours. Moreover, the impeccable screen is a gigantic leap upward compared to previous generations and matches top-tier competition from Samsung and HTC. Coupled with a robust processor and minimalistic bloatware, Moto X gives you the best of Android 4.4.4 KitKat without any unnecessary frills.
Simply put, I was impressed by this phone. It was well-structured, light, and a perfect tribute to Motorola’s decade-long quest for exceptional design and quality. Though this device might not invalidate Samsung’s dominance in the world of Android, it sure announces the existence of contenders who refuse to be overshadowed.
source: TechCrunch
This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.
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