Motorola New Moto G First Look: Beefed Up Specs But Not Re-invented

By Anuj Bhatia

| Updated: Friday, September 12, 2014, 13:48 [IST]

Rating:

4.0/5

Motorola New Moto G First Look: Beefed Up Specs But Not Re-invented

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PROS

Affordable Pricing
Dual-SIM
Expandable Storage
Upgradable to Android L
Large 5-inch Display
Decent Camera

CONS

Snapdragon 400 processor
Video recording limited to 720p HD

<div class="clear"></div><div class="review-content-navigation"><div class="review-content-pag"><select class="review-content-pagination-selbox" name="reviewSelect" id="reviewSelect" onchange="if (this.value) window.location.href=this.value" ><option value="/mobile/motorola-new-moto-g-first-look-beefed-up-specs-but-not-re-invented-019292.html" selected="selected">PAGE 1 OF 4: Form Factor & Operating System</option><option value="/mobile/motorola-new-moto-g-first-look-beefed-up-specs-but-not-re-invented-2-019293.html">PAGE 2 OF 4: Processor & Benchmark</option><option value="/mobile/motorola-new-moto-g-first-look-beefed-up-specs-but-not-re-invented-3-019295.html">PAGE 3 OF 4: Camera & Video</option><option value="/mobile/motorola-new-moto-g-first-look-beefed-up-specs-but-not-re-invented-4-019296.html">PAGE 4 OF 4: Battery Life & Verdict</option></select></div></div>

Motorola was crumbling long before the arrival of the Moto G. It had no single device in recent months that went on to achieve a cult status. Surprisingly, Motorola saw some growth momentum this year with the success of the Moto G and Moto E, respectively. In between, they even tried to capture a sizable chunk of the mid-end market with their Moto X, however, it didn't work out as per the plan.

Its comeback phone, the Moto G, had managed to storm the Indian market. The device had amazing features, an affordable retail price and yes, exclusivity with India's largest ecommerce site Flipkart. With Motorola back on its feet, the company has finally started to push its devices more aggressively than ever.

In view two months before the festive season kicks off, Motorola's second-generation Moto G went on sale in India. Motorola has equipped the new Moto G with a slightly large HD display, stereo speakers, better cameras, and dual-SIM slots - all for Rs. 12,999 (16GB). Motorola aims to reinvent the mid-range handset market by offering a premium phone at one-third of the price. The Moto 360 maker also promises to push the Android L update for the Moto G.

At its Delhi event, we got to experience updated Moto G. Here's our first impression. Dive in!

Motorola New Moto G - Form Factor, Design, Display and Operating System

The immediate thing you notice about the new Moto G is its resemblance with the original Moto G. The new smartphone isn't that bigger, despite having a nice 5-inch screen. It measures 11mm in terms of thickness and weighs-in close to 149grams.

The new model has a curved back, making the design simple yet personified. During our brief time spent, the phone felt really good in the hand, though, it's slightly heavier than the previous model. Thanks to the increase in the screen size from 4.5 to 5-inches, the phone now looks much better. However, the screen resolution stays same at 1280 x 720-pixels.

Notably, the phone's screen is protected by tough Gorilla Glass. One noticeable change, you'll immediately spot is the pair of dual frontal stereo speakers, sitting above and below the screen. For the reminder, the original Moto G has a single speaker placed at the rear back. The new handset looks a lot identical to the Moto E in respect of styling.

Remember, the first generation Moto G was rugged in nature? The updated Moto G also comes with a water-repellent coating that protects the device from splashes. Our demo unit was in black color. As usual, you can purchase additional back covers in some amazing colors.

The Moto G's 5-inch screen has the same 720 x 1280-pixels resolution. But the pixel per inch decreased from 328ppi to 294ppi. We found the screen offers nice viewing angles and bright natural colors. Images and videos, in particular, looked great when we tested the device for a short period of time. Motorola Moto G costs Rs. 12,999, and it already appears to be a winner.

The second generation Moto G runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat). The UI is pretty much understandable with no tweaking as such. Motorola says they will definitely update the Moto G to the Android L update as when the version is available from Google.