Motorola Moto G 4G 2nd Gen Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to the Motorola Moto G 4G (2nd Generation)

Released in March 2015, the Motorola Moto G 4G (2nd gen) was a noteworthy addition to Motorola’s renowned Moto G series, known for delivering quality features at a budget-friendly price point. Nestled within a competitive marketspace, the Moto G 2nd gen was tailor-made for users seeking reliable performance without overspending on premium features.

Design and Build

The Moto G 4G (2nd gen) showcases a balanced design philosophy that emphasizes usability and durability. With dimensions of 141.5 x 70.7 x 11 mm and a weight of 155 g, it offers a sturdy feel while comfortably fitting in the user’s hand. The phone is equipped with a Micro-SIM slot and finished in a sleek black color, creating an aesthetic that is both understated and functional. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 safeguards the display, enhancing resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

The IPS LCD display of the Moto G 2nd gen spans 5.0 inches, offering a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution at a 16:9 ratio. With approximately 294 pixels per inch, the screen ensures clarity and vibrant color reproduction, making it suitable for both media consumption and everyday tasks. The display covers around 68.9% of the device's front, providing an immersive viewing experience within its segment.

Performance and Software

At the core of the Moto G 4G (2nd gen) is the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset, accompanied by a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. The combination of these components delivers a smooth user experience and is capable of handling most applications with ease, though more intensive tasks may challenge its limits.

Initially shipping with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, the Moto G 2nd gen offers a clean and intuitive interface. While not the latest version, Android Lollipop introduced features such as improved notifications and performance enhancements that remain beneficial to users of this device.

Camera Capabilities

The Moto G 2nd gen is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and a dual-LED flash. It supports HDR and panorama photography, enabling users to capture detailed and nuanced photographs. Additionally, the rear camera can record video at 720p@30fps, complemented by stereo sound recording capabilities for richer audio.

Up front, a 2 MP selfie camera handles video calls and self-portraits. While modest, the front camera is adequate for basic user needs.

Storage and Memory

Although the internal storage is 8GB, the Moto G 4G (2nd gen) includes a dedicated microSDHC slot that facilitates storage expansion, accommodating users who require more space for apps, media, and files. The device comes with 1GB of RAM, which supports multitasking but may limit performance when dealing with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a non-removable Li-Ion 2390 mAh battery. While not the largest capacity, it is optimized to offer sufficient power for a day’s worth of typical usage due to the device’s efficient hardware and software. However, heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger by evening.

Connectivity and Network Features

Equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE capabilities, the Moto G 2nd gen allows for seamless connectivity across various network technologies. It supports multiple 4G bands, offering users access to fast mobile data. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, LE, aptX, GPS for location services, and FM radio.

However, it lacks NFC capabilities, which may be a consideration for those interested in contactless transactions. It also features a 3.5mm audio jack and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, complete with OTG support.

Sound and Multimedia

The Moto G 4G (2nd gen) boasts dual stereo speakers that enhance audio playback, providing a superior experience compared to single-speaker setups. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack allows users to connect a range of headphones or external speakers, augmenting its suitability as a multimedia device.

Additional Features

Sensors on the Moto G 2nd gen include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance user interaction and enable a variety of functionalities, from adjusting the screen orientation to facilitating navigation applications.

Conclusion and Market Position

At an initial price of approximately 210 EUR, the Motorola Moto G 4G (2nd gen) represents a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking solid performance without superfluous features. Although the model has since been discontinued, it remains a testament to Motorola’s commitment to delivering reliable and user-friendly smartphones in the mid-range market.