Review: Motorola Moto X for Verizon Wireless
The Moto X is a fine effort from Motorola. It took last year's sub-flagship device and pushed it to full flagship status. Despite beefing up the specs to match the competition, I can't help but feel that Motorola lost a little bit of its soul along the way. The company set out to achieve specific usability goals with last year's model in a way that felt earnest and from the heart. This time around, Motorola simply wanted to update the features to be more competitive.
The Moto X is a full-sized phone that's made from good materials and is assembled firmly. It has a good feel in the hand, and the variety of materials available for customization mean you can make the Moto X of your dreams. The phone covers the basics well for the most part, but I was disappointed by the screen's lack of brightness. Otherwise, the performance on the network and call quality both perform well.
The unmolested version of Android is welcome to see, as are Moto Voice and Active Display. The latter two help enhance the usability of the device by making it respond to voice commands and highlight incoming notifications. The rest of the apps perform as they do on any other Android handset.
Perhaps the biggest two improvement come from the camera and the battery. The camera is much better, as is battery life. This were significant shortcomings on last year's phone. By resolving them, the Moto X is a much better competitor with today's leading devices.
Would I recommend the Moto X? Well, the Moto X is mostly for people who want to design their own phone. After that, it's hard to say. At $99, it is about $100 cheaper than most other flagships with a contract - and that feels right. It's not quite on the same level as the GS5, G3, or One (M8), in my opinion, but it's almost there.
Our Ratings
Hands On with the New Moto X
Motorola Turns Moto X Into True Flagship
Motorola Moto X (CDMA, 2nd gen.)
