Unveiling the Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Motorola Moto G (2nd generation) supports GSM and HSPA network technologies. It is equipped with 2G bands of GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900, while its 3G bands include HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 for the global model. The maximum data speed available with this device using HSPA technology is 21.1/5.76 Mbps, providing decent internet connectivity options for users during its time of release.

Launch

The Moto G (2nd gen) was announced and subsequently released in September 2014. However, it has since been discontinued. At the time of release, it was one of the most sought-after mid-range devices due to its economical pricing and decent specifications, making it highly popular among budget-conscious consumers.

Body and Design

With dimensions of 141.5 x 70.7 x 11 mm and a weight of 149 grams, the Moto G (2nd gen) was designed to fit comfortably in a user’s hand while still offering a good amount of screen real estate. It comes with a micro-SIM slot and features a sturdy build that was typical of Motorola phones during that era. The phone was available in classic colors of White and Black.

Display

The Moto G (2nd gen) features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The display offered a pixel density of about 294 ppi, which was quite adequate for viewing media and general phone usage at the time. To provide better durability, the phone's screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, reducing the risk of damage from everyday use.

Platform and Performance

Running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box, the Moto G (2nd gen) was upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Under the hood, it is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset built on a 28nm process. The CPU is a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7, complemented by an Adreno 305 GPU for graphic processing. The modest specs delivered a decent performance for running most daily tasks smoothly, though it wasn't geared for intensive game playing or heavy multitasking.

Memory

The device's internal memory includes 8GB of storage paired with 1GB of RAM. While the onboard storage might seem limited by today's standards, the presence of a dedicated microSDHC slot allows for expanding storage, making it more flexible for users needing extra space for apps, photos, or media.

Main Camera

The main camera of the Moto G (2nd gen) is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture lens, featuring autofocus. It offers capabilities like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode to enhance photography experiences. The phone supports video recording at 720p at 30fps, with stereo sound recording and HDR.

Selfie Camera

For selfies, the phone is equipped with a 2 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The camera quality offered a basic performance that sufficed for video calls and casual photography.

Sound and Audio

The Moto G (2nd gen) provides a stereo speaker setup, ensuring an impressive audio output for its class. Additionally, it retains the 3.5mm audio jack, which was a standard feature allowing easy connectivity with headphones and audio devices.

Communication and Connectivity

The phone supports a wide range of communication features, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot functionality. Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE, and aptX are included for wireless audio and connectivity to other devices. Positioning capabilities are provided with GPS and GLONASS. Additionals such as FM radio and microUSB 2.0 offering OTG support help round out the phone's connectivity features.

Sensors

The device comes equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the usability of the device with support for a variety of applications and functions.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Ion 2070 mAh battery powers the Moto G (2nd gen), providing sufficient endurance for typical usage over a day. With an endurance rating of 50 hours, users could expect moderate daily usage without requiring frequent recharging.

Price and Availability

At the time of release, the Moto G (2nd gen) was priced at around 160 EUR, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable but capable smartphone. Given its discontinuation, it has since become largely unavailable, though it can still occasionally be found in online marketplaces or as refurbished models.

Performance Tests

Performance-wise, the Moto G (2nd gen) was tested with various benchmark tools. It scored 497 in Basemark OS II 2.0 and 3142 in Basemark X. The camera performance included satisfactory photo and video captures, making it suitable for casual photography. The loudspeaker tests delivered voice, noise, and ringing levels of 66dB, 66dB, and 75dB respectively. In terms of audio quality, it offered a noise level of -91.6dB and crosstalk at -91.7dB.