The Moto X: Two Months Later

The Moto X: Two Months Later

Towards the end of 2012, rumors surfaced about a brand-new Motorola phone made in part with Google. Unofficially dubbed “The X Phone,” it was seen as a game changer in the Smartphone market and a way for Motorola to turn things around before it was even released, announced or seen. More rumors began to fly across the Internet with different blogs and “informers” releasing specs for this new super device. People began to get excited, and who can blame them? “The X Phone” was supposed to have a 1080p screen with gorilla glass, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, a 4,000 mAh battery, and be waterproof up to 30 meters.

Also rumored to be the first device to run Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, and possibly be the next Nexus, techies and smartphone enthusiasts everywhere were anxiously awaiting more information about this monstrously-specked game-changer. (I’m not kidding about all of those specs — go search for Moto X rumors posted in the past year.) However, future X Phone owners were soon disappointed by something they never saw coming: facts. When the Specs were released earlier this year, some people were disappointed. (And by some people, I mean most everyone.) A Snapdragon S4 pro processor, some chip called the X8, “only” 3GB RAM, 16GB ROM, a 720p AMOLED screen, and a sub-3,000 mAh battery let a lot of people down. However, we soon recovered, and decided that this mid-range device was supposed to be sold for a bargain. Soon it was “confirmed” that the device would be sold for $300 unlocked. People began to regain confidence in the newly named Moto X and eagerly await its arrival. But, they were to be let down again.

A painful $200 price tag was put on Motorola’s salvation on contract, with the same unlocked price as Smartphone flagships like the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S IV, and the LG G2. The price soon dropped, and now it is available for $99 on contract, but the unlocked price has yet to waver. Although this seems like a royal mess, the only people in this scenario that are upset are the ones who don’t own the Motorola X. Moto X owners love the device thanks to its Always On mic and touchless commands, the alerts that only illuminate part of the screen when asleep, and basically stock Android 4.2 that will most likely receive quick software updates. The dual-core processor handles most processes with ease, thanks to additional cores optimized for voice and contextual analysis (movement, gesturing, and other sensors.) The real lesson here that all of the Android world had to learn this year--including me—is that a smartphone is more than a spec sheet and some gimmicks. It’s supposed to be an immersive experience that listens to you and gives you the information you need when you need it. It should be responsive and efficient with the capabilities to handle your tasks without dying or lagging. It should fit in your hand comfortably and feel right, and monstrous spec sheet or not, the Moto X fits the bill.