Moto G (2nd generation)

Moto G2

Moto G in white.
Manufacturer Motorola Mobility
Slogan Moto G – Exceptional Phone. Exceptional Price.
Series Motorola Moto
Compatible networks GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21 Mbps (for XT1064: 850, 1700 (AWS), 1900 MHz)
First released 5 September 2014
Predecessor Moto G (1st generation)
Related
Type Smartphone
Form factor Touchscreen
Dimensions Width: 70.7 mm, Height:141.5 mm, Curve: 6.0-11.0 mm
Weight 149 g (5.3 oz)
Operating system

Android 4.4.4 "KitKat" (Upgradable to Android 5.0 Lollipop & future versions up to 18 months from launch date) Original OS: 4.4.4 "KitKat"

Current OS: 5.0.2 "Lollipop"
System on chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU
GPU Adreno 305
Memory 1 GB LPDDR3 RAM
Storage 8 or 16 GB storage, microSD card slot; expandable up to 32 GB
Battery 2070 mAh Li-ion
Display 5.0 in (130 mm) 1280x720 px (294 ppi) HD
Gorilla Glass 3
Rear camera 8 megapixels (3264x2448 px), autofocus, LED flash
Front camera 2.0 megapixels (720p) HD video recording @ 30 fps
Sound Two Speakers: front-facing, two microphones
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, BT 4.0LE, USB centered at bottom, 3.5 mm headset jack
Development status In production
Website www.motorola.com/us/Moto-G-2nd-Gen/moto-g-2nd-gen-pdp.html

The second generation Moto G (marketed as simply Moto G) is an Android smartphone developed by Motorola Mobility. Released on September 5, 2014, it is a successor to the original Moto G released in 2013. The phone was initially aimed at developing markets,[1] although it is also available in developed markets as a lower-cost option compared to other phones in its class such as certain Samsung models[2]

Release and availability

The phone was unveiled along with the second generation Moto X, Moto 360, and Moto Hint in India and the U.S. at their respective events on 5 September 2014. It has U.S. pricing of US$179.99 with no contract for the 8 GB version. This phone was launched in India on Flipkart on September 5, 2014 with sales beginning at midnight. Only the 16 GB dual SIM variant of this phone is available in India with the model number XT1068 priced at ₹12,999. There was a tremendous response from online shoppers to the launch of Moto G in India.

As of January 2015 a 2nd generation Moto G 4G 16GB was made available in Brazil only.[3] The 4G chip on this model is not compatible with all countries.[4] It has many of the same specifications as the Moto G (2nd generation) 3G, including screen, cameras, dual SIM capability, MicroSD expansion and processor, though it comes standard with Android Lollipop 5.0.2, has a larger 2,390mAh battery and a minimum 16GB of storage (depending on purchase [5] ).[6][7] As of March the XT1072 (2nd Gen LTE) was available in the UK [8]

Model variants

All variants support four 2G GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900.

Version Description Alternate designations
XT1063 Global GSM, Single SIM
XT1064US/Canada GSM, Single SIM
XT1068 Global GSM, Dual-SIM, UK
XT1069 GSM+DTV, Dual-SIM, Brazil model supporting DTV
XT1072 LTE, Single SIM, UK model

Specifications

Hardware

The phone features a 5-inch HD LCD IPS screen, coated with Gorilla Glass 3, Google Android Kitkat 4.4.4 operating system, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, with a "splashproof" coating, curved backing, and front-mounted stereo speakers below and above the screen. The Moto G has 8/16 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32 GB with a MicroSD card. The Moto G 2nd Generation supports 2G and 3G connectivity in all its variants, and 4G in the XT1069 and XT1072 models. It is available in a dual SIM model in selected markets. The device includes a non-removable 2070 mAh battery, which Motorola touted as having "all-day" battery life. The Moto G features an 8-megapixel rear-facing auto-focus camera; the device includes a flash and a front-facing 2-megapixel camera. The device is available in either black or white front colors, and has an interchangeable rear cover with different color options.

The phone is closely related to the new Motorola devices like Moto G, Moto X, Moto E; although there are some key differences despite their similar appearances. The Moto G does not have active notifications, quick capture, and touchless control like the Moto X due to the Moto X using a special processor that would be cost-prohibitive for the Moto G. However, the phone gets the Ambient Display feature in the Lollipop update, but it only works for new notifications. Unlike the Moto X, the Moto G has a removable back cover so that users can customize the phone in whatever color they want; although the Moto X has its online Moto Maker that also allows the user to customize their phone, the casing on it is permanent instead of interchangeable like the Moto G.

Software

The second generation Moto G ships with Android 4.4.4 "KitKat", using a mostly stock user experience with additional, proprietary software features; including Moto Alert, which allows users to notify others of their location. Moto Assist, as introduced by the Moto X, which automatically enables or disables certain modes, such as silencing the ringer or auto replying to text messages, depending on certain scenarios—such as when a user is in a meeting as determined by their calendar, or driving, Motorola Migrate and the usual Google Applications package. The handset comes preloaded with Google Now Launcher as the default home screen launcher. Motorola has committed to providing an update to Android "Lollipop" following its release.

Firmware updates

The Motorola Moto G 2nd generation received an Android 4.4.4 KitKat Maintenance Update in September 2014. The update was for version 21.11.23 and brings various bug fixes and performance improvements. The main change noticed in this update is the Google Now Launcher, improvement in battery life, new language and input options, a new camera picture-taking sound and a brand new design for the "Powered By Android" logo on the boot screen.

The Android Lollipop 5.0 update started rolling out in November 2014. This update was for version 22.11.6.[9] The Pure Edition of this phone in the US (carrier unlocked version) became the world's first mobile phone, after Google's current Nexus models, to be updated to Android 5.0.

The Android Lollipop 5.0.2 update became available in several non-US countries including Australia, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom in January/February 2015.[10][11][12]

Official accessories

As a part of customizing the phone, Motorola released Replaceable Back covers and Flip Covers both in the following colours; Liquorice, Chalk, Cherry Red, Turquoise, Royal Blue, Violet, Spearmint Green and Lemon/Lime. Moto Maker service is not available for this handset.

Critical reception

The Moto G 2nd Generation received extremely positive reviews from critics with several websites calling it one of the best budget smartphones of 2014. It was mainly praised for its smooth performance after its Lollipop update. Michael Sawh of trustedreviews.com gave it 9 out of 10 stars, praising its strong battery life and excellent value for money.[13] GSMchoice claims that motorola smartphone is a good quality product, however compared to the previous model it did not offer anything special. According to GSMchoice, Moto G 2nd generation advantages are: dual sim, micro SD card slot, USB OTG, stereo speakers - pure sound, good quality camera, the quality of calls, system that has all that you need without any useless additions. As far as the disadvantages are concerned they are as follows: poor sales package, durability of plastic bezel, battery cannot be replaced, lack of LTE.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "Motorola Moto G review: how good can a $179 smartphone be?". The Verge. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "Motorola aims for Indian buyers with super-cheap Rs 6,999 Moto E". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Moto G Smartphone incrível. Preço surpreendente.". Motorola Brazil. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Moto G (2014) with LTE goes live in Brazil". AusDroid. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  5. ↑ http://www.motorola.co.uk/consumers/moto-g-gen2-gb/Moto-G-4G-%282nd-Gen.%29/motorola-g-gb-pdp.html#specs-motorola-g-gb
  6. ↑ "Motorola Moto G 4G (2015) debuts in Brazil, already on sale". GSM Arena. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Motorola Moto G 4G (2015)". GSM Arena. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  8. ↑ "New Moto G 4G (2015) Release date, price and specs UK - PC Advisor".
  9. ↑ Android Lollipop 5.0 Update
  10. ↑ "Android 5.0.2 Lollipop begins rolling out to some Moto G 2nd Gen owners". Phandroid. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  11. ↑ "2nd Gen Moto G Android 5.0 Lollipop Now Rolling out in the UK and Germany". Android Geeks. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Android 5.0.2 now rolling out to Motorola Moto G Gen 2 in Australia". Ausdroid. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  13. ↑ Moto G 2 2014 Review
  14. ↑ Moto G 2nd Gen Review

External links