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

Overview of the Motorola Moto G Dual SIM (2nd Gen)

The Motorola Moto G Dual SIM (2nd Gen), announced and released in September 2014, was a standout device in the mid-range smartphone market. This phone continued the legacy of its predecessor by offering balanced performance, impressive build quality, and a very competitive price. Over the years, it became a favorite for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable Android experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Moto G 2nd Gen featured a simple yet robust design. With dimensions measuring 141.5 x 70.7 x 11 mm, and weighing 149 grams, it provided a solid feel in hand. The device was designed with usability in mind, accommodating a comfortable grip for extended periods. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offered protection against scratches and minor falls, ensuring durability over time. The phone was available in two classic colors, White and Black, that added to its universal appeal.

Display

The device boasted a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. The screen delivered vibrant and crisp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption, browsing, and gaming. The color reproduction and viewing angles were commendable for a device in its price range. The screen to body ratio of around 68.9% allowed for an immersive viewing experience without adding extra bulk to the device.

Performance and Software

At the heart of the Moto G 2nd Gen was the Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset, coupled with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Adreno 305 GPU. Although this hardware configuration was not the most advanced even at the time, it was more than sufficient for day-to-day activities and light gaming. The device originally shipped with Android 4.4.4 KitKat but was upgradable to Android L, providing users access to the latest Android features, performance enhancements, and security updates. The fluidity of the stock Android experience enhanced user satisfaction, as it eliminated unnecessary bloatware often found on other brands.

Memory and Storage

The phone came with two internal storage options – 8GB and 16GB, both paired with 1GB of RAM. This storage could be expanded via a microSDHC card slot, which was a dedicated slot rather than a hybrid, a feature appreciated by users who required additional storage for apps, photos, and media files. The availability of expandable storage was a significant advantage over many contemporary competitors that either lacked this feature or offered only limited expansion capabilities.

Camera

The Moto G 2nd Gen came equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The camera delivered satisfactory photos in well-lit conditions with decent color balance and detail capture. The 2 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, while modest, was sufficient for video calls and selfies. The device could also record 720p video at 30fps, with stereo sound recording adding to the media capturing experience.

Battery Life

Powering the Moto G 2nd Gen was a non-removable Li-Ion 2070 mAh battery. While not the largest battery available, it efficiently handled the device's power needs, providing a full day of use under moderate conditions. The energy-efficient Snapdragon 400 processor and the Android system's optimization contributed to extending battery life. Users who required more battery life could manage it through Android's power-saving modes and third-party apps.

Network and Connectivity

One of the highlight features of the Moto G 2nd Gen was its dual SIM capability, allowing users to maintain two active connections, ideal for frequent travelers or those needing to manage personal and work numbers. The device operated on GSM/HSPA technologies with support for various bands, including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 for both SIM slots and HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100. Although lacking LTE, it offered HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps speed which was adequate for browsing and streaming needs of that time.

Additional Features

The Moto G 2nd Gen came with a standard set of sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality range. For communication, it supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE, aptX for enhanced audio quality over Bluetooth, and GPS with GLONASS for precise location tracking. The absence of NFC was a limitation but not unusual for smartphones in this segment during that period. However, the inclusion of an FM radio and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support added further utility.

Sound and Multimedia

The audio experience on the Moto G 2nd Gen was amplified by stereo speakers, a rarity in its price band, offering clear and loud sound for media consumption. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensured compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories, which was crucial before the widespread adoption of wireless audio solutions.

Price and Market Positioning

At a launch price of about 200 EUR, the Moto G 2nd Gen represented significant value, particularly in markets where budget-friendly solutions were in high demand. It competed well with other devices in its class by combining a compelling feature set with Motorola's reputation for quality and reliability. Even years after its launch, it continued to be a solid recommendation for users entering the smartphone world or needing a reliable backup device.