The new

Moto G

Review

in

pictures

Bigger, yet slimmer

• The new Moto G is bigger than its sibling thanks to a larger display

• However, it manages to be a hair slimmer at 11mm

• Even the weight is marginally higher at 148g

• Looks very similar to the original Moto G, especially in terms of the buttons and port placement

• The two speakers at the front help distinguish it from its predecessor

Simplicity is the best policy

• Available in black and white, the phone looks simple, but feels very sturdy

• Even though the device is bigger, it’s comfortable to use with one hand, also helped by the curved rear

• The rubberised rear panel is removable, but not the battery

• You can purchase colourful back panels and flip covers to reflect your own style with the phone

The display goes bigger

• The display now measures 5-inches, as compared to 4.5-inches in the original

• The resolution remains the same at 1,280 x 720 pixels, and results in sharp text and images

• Brightness seems adequate, but due to the reflective screen, it’s difficult to view under direct sunlight

The shooter is better than before…

• The camera has been upgraded from 5MP in the first-gen Moto G to an 8-meg sensor

• Supported by an LED flash • The front-facing camera has

also been bumped up to 2MP

• Minimal camera interface allowing you to quickly capture images or videos

• Offers different modes like HDR and panorama

• Quality-wise, it captures good colours and ample detail

…but suffers because of buggy software

• Macro shots, in particular, were quite good

• However, metering wasn’t up to the mark

• Sadly, can capture videos in 720p resolution only, though slo-mo video shooting is a welcome option

We also ran into a ‘camera busy’ error quite a few times

The allure of pure Android

• Comes with the latest Android v4.4.4 KitKat

• Completely stock interface results in a smooth experience

• Though there are some custom default apps like Gallery

• Motorola has also added some useful apps, namely Alert, Assist, Connect and Migrate

Churns out decent performance

• Exactly the same internals as its predecessor • Runs on Snapdragon 400 quad-core SoC clocked at 1.2GHz • Mated with 1GB RAM • Offers zippy performance with the usual tasks • Even games play fine, though we did notice a few jitters

while playing intensive titles like Real Racing 3

Sweet 16 (GB) storage

• Equipped with 16GB storage, unlike the first-gen Moto G, which was available in both 8GB and 16GB models

• Around 12GB space is available to the user

• In contrast to its predecessor, it has a microSD slot and accepts cards of up to 32GB

• Also supports flash drives thanks to USB OTG capabilities

Delivers on its promise of an all-day battery life

• Gets a 2,070mAh sealed battery, similar to the original Moto G

• Lives up to Motorola’s promise of an all-day

• Ran a 720p video continuously for seven hours and 45 minutes

• Battery saver function allows you to conserve battery by switching off cellular data when the battery level drops below a certain threshold

At a glance

• 5-inch display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, 294ppi

• 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor

• 1GB RAM • 16GB storage, expandable up

to 32GB via a microSD card • 8MP primary camera with LED

flash and 2MP front shooter • Dual-SIM support • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS • 2,070mAh battery • Android 4.4.4 KitKat

- • Buggy camera

interface • Specs can't match

the competition

Pros and cons

+ • Sturdy build and

ergonomic handling • Bigger display • Stock Android and

promised update to upcoming L release

• 3G support on both SIMs

Rs 12,999

Pricing and verdict

“We’re doubtful if the new Moto G can carry forward the title of a game changer like its predecessor. It’s not because the device isn’t good, but it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Xiaomi Mi 3, Redmi 1s (which is priced way cheaper), ASUS Zenfone 5 and other phones, some of which

boast octa-core processors. That said, the new Moto G remains a solid offering and is the device to go for if you want a no-nonsense Android

interface along with the sturdy build quality and good battery life.”