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Moto X (2014)

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Moto X second generation


Introduction

The new Moto X arrived exactly a year after its predecessor brought us customizable looks, wrapped in a sleek body, proudly wearing the "Made in USA" label. The new flagship of the company is likely one of the last Motorola products developed during Google's reign of the company - the storied American brand is bound to soon become part of Lenovo.
  
New Moto X official photos

Moto X (2014) official photos

Like the first generation Moto X, the successor boasts a customizable body. This year, the manufacturer has brought even more personalization possibilities to the table, headed by high quality, genuine Horween leather back options.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC found inside the Moto X is the default option in this year's class of high-end Android smartphones. The device's 5.2" 1080p AMOLED display and the 13MP camera with UHD video recording are also ready to take on the competition.
As always, here goes the full list of features the new Moto X has to offer, followed by some of its shortcomings.

Key features

  • Quad-band GSM; HSDPA/LTE connectivity
  • 5.2" AMOLED display, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 424ppi; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat with stock UI (upgradable to Android L)
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC chipset with quad-core 2.5GHz Krait 400 processor, Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM
  • 13MP camera, dual-LED ring flash, 2160p video recording
  • 2MP front-facing camera with 1080p video recording
  • 16/32GB of built-in storage
  • Active noise cancellation with four microphones
  • 2,300mAh non-removable battery
  • Gesture controls via built-in IR sensors
  • Available voice control and active notifications
  • Sleek, customizable body with superb build, tactility, and handling; optional genuine leather or eco-friendly wood back covers
  • Attractive pricing both on and off contract

Main disadvantages

  • No stereo speakers (the cheaper Moto G has them)
  • Lack of memory expansion slot
  • No version with 64GB of memory at launch
  • Rather low battery capacity
At a quick glance, the Moto X (2014) specs are up speed with most of its peers. Unlike its predecessor, which banked heavily on attractive looks and superior handling to cover up its hardware shortcomings, the new Moto X offers chipset, display, and camera worthy of a 2014 Android flagship.
Still, with trademark features such as QHD screen or Snapdragon 805 chipset not making the list, the Moto X will once agin be defined by its appearance and build quality. The new model elevates both to proportions unseen before in this price range. The all-new metal frame combined with the optional leather or wood back covers makes the device a highly desirable object from the get go.
Memory expansion slot would have surely been a welcome sight, but, once again, the feature didn't make it and unfortunately, neither did the 64GB built-in memory version. Another major question mark is the battery life of the new Moto X - the non-removable 2,300mAh unit is simply not on par with what's featured in today' Android flagships.
Motorola Moto X 2014 Motorola Moto X 2014 Motorola Moto X 2014
New Moto X live photos
Hit the next page for a closer look at the latest Motorola flagship. As always, we'll kick our review off with an unboxing of the Moto X, followed by design and hardware inspection.

Final words

This year's Moto X addresses many of the hardware shortcoming its predecessor had and brings unparalleled fit and finish to its price range. The newcomer is easily among the nicest Android flagships to hold and operate. Its tactility and overall ergonomics are second to none, especially considering its substantial 5.2" display.
The range of customization options has gotten even better than last year's groundbreaking set. Our smartphone is probably among the objects we interact with the most on a daily basis, so being able to have it in a color and finish of your choosing is truly amazing. Good design and quality materials become increasingly more common these days, so the added individualism the Moto X offers really goes a long way.

Key review findings

  • Build quality and ergonomics are both exceptional
  • Moto Maker offers even more options
  • Chipset performance is stellar
  • The display is lovely to look at, but has less than perfectly accurate colors
  • Both the still and the video cameras are good
  • Battery life is rather disappointing for an Android flagship
  • Audio quality is very good, but not quite the best
  • Stereo speakers and memory card slot would have been welcome
We were pleased with the hardware of the new Moto X and its overall performance. Unlike last year's iteration that left us asking for more screen real estate and chipset oomph, the setup of this year's model will surely appeal to even the most demanding Android users.
The camera isn't too shabby either - 4K video capture and easy launch gesture make capturing memories in quality manner easy even for those who are not particularly crazy about tech.
Stock Android 4.4.4 will surely appeal for OS purists with a knack for a more upmarket hardware and build quality than your average Nexus handset. Motorola's additions to the over experience on the other hand, are useful and unobtrusive.
Our biggest gripe with the Moto X has to do with its battery. The non-removable 2,300mAh unit is only a tad bigger than last year's already modest solution, yet it has to power up a lot more hardware this time around. The battery endurance we recorded is therefore far from amazing.
The 16GB version we tested disappointed us, as it offered roughly 11GB of user-available memory out of the box. Considering the UHD video capture and the size of today's high-end video games (Real Racing 3 is a 2.1GB download for example), we strongly recommend that you opt for the 32GB model.
Stereo speakers and expandable memory would have been welcome too. We can't help but feel a tad jealous of the new Moto G, which offers both for a lot less money.
Speaking of money, the 2014 Moto X is priced at $99.99 with a contract, and $499.99 without one. As always, here are some alternatives for similar budget.
HTC One (M8) far exceeds the new Moto X when it comes to premium feel, although it somewhat lacks the great ergonomics of the Motorola flagship. The Taiwanese offering comes with stereo speakers and better display, but the shortcomings of its camera are well documented. HTC One (M8) can be found below $100 on contract, but will cost more than the 2014 Moto X without one.
HTC One (M8)
HTC One (M8)
Samsung Galaxy S5 and LG G3 both offer massive feature sets and superior displays. However, the handling pales in comparison to the curved Moto X. Both Korean offerings hover around $100 on a contract.
Samsung Galaxy S5 LG G3
Samsung Galaxy S5 • LG G3
Sony Xperia Z2 and its successor, the Xperia Z3 are also worth a look, thanks to the combination of looks, hardware, and water resistance they offer. The former's price has settled in the $500 range off contract. Sony Xperia Z3 however, will be much more expensive.
Sony Xperia Z2 Sony Xperia Z3
Sony Xperia Z2 • Sony Xperia Z3
LG Nexus 5 entices with stock UI and lower price tag. However, it offers inferior hardware and plastic body. Its replacement (allegedly made by Motorola) is due soon as well.
LG Nexus 5
LG Nexus 5
Apple iPhone 6, Nokia Lumia 930/Icon, and HTC One (M8) for Windows are for those who want to consider alternatives from other OS ecosystems. Cupertino's latest starts at $199.99 ($299 for the 32GB version), while the Windows Phone 8.1 duo can be found for $100 on contract (the M8 even offers microSD card slots for much cheaper expansion).
Apple iPhone 6 Nokia Lumia Icon Nokia Lumia 930 HTC One (M8) for Windows
Apple iPhone 6 • Nokia Lumia Icon • Nokia Lumia 930 • HTC One (M8) for Windows
All things considered, the new Motorola Moto X is hardly the perfect smartphone, but it certainly is a pretty great one. And what it doesn't have in terms of battery life, camera prowess or premium build materials, it excellently makes up with ergonomics and pricing. The newcomer requires a lot less compromise than last year's model, so it is much easier to recommend - it is certainly among the most characterful smartphones to come out in 2014 and one you are unlikely to regret purchasing.

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