Unleashing the Motorola Moto X 2nd Gen Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen), launched in 2014, boasts an elegant design that stands out in its era. The dimensions of 140.8 x 72.4 x 10 mm and a weight of 144 grams cater to a comfortable grip and ease of use. The aesthetics of the device are further enhanced with its build, which consists of a metal frame and a curved back that feels premium and fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. The availability of different customization options, including wood and leather back covers, allowed users to personalize their smartphones uniquely.

Display

The Moto X (2nd Gen) features a 5.2-inch AMOLED display, a standard for vibrant color reproduction and deep blacks. With a screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 424 pixels per inch, it ensures sharp and clear visuals, suitable for media consumption and gaming. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing resistance against scratches and minor impacts. This combination of features made the display of the Moto X (2nd Gen) one of its standout attributes.

Performance

Under the hood, the Moto X (2nd Gen) is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset. This processor, coupled with a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU, delivers robust performance, capable of handling multitasking and graphic-intensive applications with ease. The device was equipped with 2GB of RAM, which, while less by today's standards, was respectable at the time of release. The Moto X (2nd Gen) was compatible with Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) and could be upgraded to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), offering users a smooth and modern user experience for its time.

Storage

Storage options for the Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) included 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. However, it is important to note that the device does not support expandable storage via a microSD card, which was a limitation for users needing more space for media and applications. Nevertheless, the different internal storage options allowed customers to choose based on their individual needs and usage patterns.

Camera

The camera setup on the Moto X (2nd Gen) was considered competitive during its time. The main camera is a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture, featuring autofocus and dual-LED flash which aids in low-light photography. This camera is capable of shooting 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos with HDR, ensuring vibrant and detailed video capture. The front-facing camera, intended for selfies and video calls, is 2 MP and can record at 1080p resolution.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery, the Moto X (2nd Gen) provides moderate battery life. The device supports 15W wired fast charging through the Quick Charge 2.0 standard, allowing for faster charging times, which helps mitigate the constraints of the battery capacity. Although the endurance rating stands at approximately 48 hours, battery demands from modern applications may influence real-world usage times significantly.

Connectivity

The connectivity features of the Moto X (2nd Gen) include support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility with cellular carriers worldwide. The device features WLAN support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Additionally, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, and a microUSB 2.0 port enhance its connectivity options. However, the device lacks a built-in radio feature, which might be missed by some users.

Additional Features

The Moto X (2nd Gen) includes several sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and even a temperature sensor, which was less common during the period of its release. The inclusion of various sensors helps improve utility and enhances the overall user experience across different applications and services.

Sound and Multimedia

For audio, the Moto X (2nd Gen) includes a loudspeaker and retains the traditional 3.5mm audio jack, providing convenience for users with wired headphones. The device's audio performance, while adequate, had some competition at the time. Tests indicate average sound quality in terms of loudness and clarity, with noise and crosstalk levels being modest.

Market Position and Reception

Upon release, the Moto X (2nd Gen) was competitively priced at about 320 EUR, appealing to mid-range smartphone buyers. The device was well-received due to its streamlined Android experience, good performance, and customization options. While the lack of expandable storage and moderate battery life were seen as drawbacks, its display, usability, and design helped it maintain a favorable position in the market.

Discontinuation

The device was eventually discontinued, yet it left a favorable impression as one of the standout smartphones of its time. With its balance of design, performance, and features, the Moto X (2nd Gen) remains a highlight in Motorola's smartphone history.