Review: Motorola Moto G

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Moto G is the most disruptive handset in the market right now. Priced like an entry level feature phone, it has the key features and performance of a flagship Android device and outstanding build quality. Designed to offer comparative features to devices costing three times as much, it is a revelation in mobile strategy. 

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Moto G comes exclusively to TELUS and Koodo in Canada

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Moto G marks Motorola's return to TELUS after a long while. The second Moto device created under Google's stewardship will be sold for $200 contract free later this month. The device will also be carried by budget brand Koodo.

$200 is for the 8GB version featuring a 1,2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1GB of RAM as well as a 4.5" 1280x720 HD screen as well as a 5 megapixel camera and Android OS 4.3 with a KitKat update promised for January 2014. Positioned as a budget smartphone with premium features, the Moto G brings the customization of its older brother, the Moto X, by way of replaceable backplates and colourful casings.

The Moto G was created as a result of interviewing 15,000 people and figuring out what matters most to them as consumers. It will feature an optimized software experience that Motorola claims is comparable to devices costing three times as much. It will feature an FM radio as well as an all-day battery as well as a water resistant nanocoating. Backed by Google, the Moto X may not get the latest version of Android as quickly as the Nexus line of devices but it get phone-specific tweaks that will enhance performance.

SlideShow: Google's Moto G smartphone and first impressions

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Moto X's younger brother, the Moto G, is Google's attempt at capturing customers in emerging markets and covering the feature phone void once dominated by Nokia.

The Moto G is an impressive smartphone which looks and feels very much like the Moto X except it is slightly heavier and thicker. Performance is surprisingly speedy for most functions and call quality is superb on the TELUS network.

The Moto G runs on Android 4.3 and features a 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space (around 5.2 GB of which is usable) although users automatically receive 50 GB from Google Drive. No contract price for this smartphone is $200 without a contract.

On the flipside, Moto G has no LTE connectivity, no NFC, one less microphone and lacks all the gesture-based controls, the Just Talk voice functionality and the active notifications that were showcased with the Moto X. You don't even get a wall adapter, just the USB cable to charge. Motorola has had to make choices on what to keep and what to feature and so far, it looks like they made the right choices.

Motorola launches Moto G smartphone

Motorola launched its second device created under Google's stewardship. The Moto G is the follow up to Moto X and will be made available in then US unlocked for $179 for the 8GB version and $199 for the 16GB version. Featuring a class leading 4.5" display, an Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and 1GB of RAM. Motorola is challenging the idea that cheap smartphones offer inferior experiences by making a smartphone thats affordable but which can offer users premium experiences at one third the price. Motorola is also pushing customization with removable backs, bumpers and various cases and accessories. The Moto G will ship with Android Jelly Bean 4,3 and will get an update toK KitKat in January 2014. Stand by for more information, Canadian pricing and first impressions.