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Ultimate Guide to Motorola Moto X Play Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2015, August
Camera
21MP
Battery
3630mAh
Battery Type
15W
Processor
Snapdragon 615
Screen
5.5"
Storage
16GB/32GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 5.1.1, up to 7.1.1

Overview

The Motorola Moto X Play, released in August 2015, is a versatile smartphone that was positioned as a mid-range offering. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy device for its well-rounded features, durable design, and performance capabilities. The phone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, providing wide-ranging connectivity options.

Design and Build

The Moto X Play features a robust construction with dimensions of 148 x 75 x 10.9 mm and a weight of 169 grams, making it comfortable to handle. It supports a Nano-SIM card and boasts a minimalistic, yet stylish design that includes customizable back covers. This made it an appealing choice for those who appreciate personalization in their devices.

Display

With a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Moto X Play offers a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, ensuring vibrant and sharp visuals. The screen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offers durability against scratches and accidental drops, which is a notable feature for a phone in its category. The display's density of approximately 403 ppi provides an immersive viewing experience, whether for multimedia consumption or web browsing.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 chipset and an octa-core processor (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53), the Moto X Play delivers reliable performance for day-to-day tasks. The device includes 2GB of RAM, which facilitates smooth multitasking. While not the most powerful in its class, the Adreno 405 GPU provides sufficient graphical performance for casual gaming and media playback.

Operating System

Originally shipped with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, the Moto X Play received updates up to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. The near-stock Android experience offered fewer custom overlays, ensuring fast and fluid user interactions and quicker access to software updates compared to other custom-skinned Android devices.

Camera

Equipped with a 21MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), the Moto X Play captures high-resolution images. The camera setup includes dual-LED dual-tone flash support, as well as panorama shooting capabilities. The device can record video at 1080p at 30fps, making it suitable for capturing both high-quality photos and videos. A 5MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture caters to selfies and video calls.

Storage and Expandability

Available in 16GB and 32GB internal storage variants, the Moto X Play also offers a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing for expansion of storage space. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who require additional room for apps, multimedia files, and other data.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the highlights of the Moto X Play is its substantial 3630 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, which provides exceptional battery life. An endurance rating of 83 hours means that the phone can last through extended usage without frequent charges. It supports 15W wired charging, which is relatively fast for its time, ensuring minimal downtime when the battery needs replenishing.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Moto X Play supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC, and FM radio. It includes a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging. Its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

Sensors and Miscellaneous

The device is equipped with essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which enhance user experience through functions like screen rotation and call handling. Offered in black and white color options, the Moto X Play remains stylish and elegant in its design. Safety standards are adhered to with SAR levels measured at 0.56 W/kg (head) and 0.80 W/kg (body).

Conclusion

Even though the Moto X Play is now a discontinued model, its legacy as a mid-range smartphone with solid specifications, excellent battery life, and a user-friendly design continues to be appreciated by technology enthusiasts. It serves as a testament to Motorola’s commitment to delivering quality devices that prioritize user experience and value for money.

Key Features of Motorola Moto X Play

  • Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • Display: 5.5 inches IPS LCD with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
  • Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels, ~403 ppi density
  • Operating System: Upgradable from Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) to 7.1.1 (Nougat)
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615, Octa-core setup
  • Main Camera: 21 MP with f/2.0, PDAF, and dual-LED flash
  • Selfie Camera: 5 MP with f/2.2 aperture
  • Battery: 3630 mAh with 15W wired charging
  • Memory: Options of 16GB or 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC
  • Audio: Loudspeaker and 3.5mm jack available
  • Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, FM radio
  • Sensors: Includes accelerometer and proximity sensor

Disadvantages of Motorola Moto X Play

  • Device is discontinued, limiting availability and support.
  • Snapdragon 615 chipset may not handle heavy multitasking or recent apps smoothly.
  • Only 2GB of RAM, which may not be sufficient for modern application requirements.
  • Uses microUSB 2.0, instead of the more modern and faster USB-C.
  • No fast charging support beyond 15W, which could lead to slower charging times.
  • No 4K video recording option; limited to 1080p@30fps.
  • Limited internal storage options with maximum of 32GB, although expandable via microSD.
  • Simple design with limited color options (Black, White).
  • Lacks advanced sensors found in newer smartphones, such as fingerprint or gyroscope.
  • Relatively thicker body at 10.9 mm, which might not appeal to users preferring sleek designs.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - XT1562
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 41 - XT1562
Speed HSPA, LTE
Launch
Announced 2015, July. Released 2015, August
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 148 x 75 x 10.9 mm (5.83 x 2.95 x 0.43 in)
Weight 169 g (5.96 oz)
SIM Nano-SIM
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.1.1 (Nougat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 405
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 21 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4", 1.1µm, PDAF
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 5 MP, f/2.2
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Type Li-Ion 3630 mAh, non-removable
Charging 15W wired
Misc
Colors Black, White
Models XT1562, XT1563, XT1564
SAR 0.56 W/kg (head)     0.80 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 0.49 W/kg (head)     0.68 W/kg (body)
Price About 240 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 809Basemark X: 5032
Display Contrast ratio: 1520:1 (nominal), 3.222 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
Audio quality Noise -93.8dB / Crosstalk -95.2dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 83h

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