Motorola Announces New Bargain Device, Best Screen In Class

After much anticipation and many leaks, Motorola has announced the Moto G -- the Moto X's smaller cousin -- to the public. Featuring an impressive 720p screen on a 4.5" display, the Moto G has the highest ppi of any phone in its class. Although the device doesn't use Motorola's X8 computing system, it features a Snapdragon 400 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, which is plenty to handle most tasks that an average user throws at it, especially since it is virtually free of bloatware and skins.

However, there are a few minor features included by Motorola, such as transfer software to wirelessly get your info from your old phone or a SmartActions-esque feature that automatically silences your phone at night or during scheduled meetings.

The Moto G comes with both Android 4.3 pre-installed and a promise to be updated to KitKat by 2014. The camera on Motorola’s latest takes advantage of all of the software features that come with Jelly Bean, and beats its bargain competition easily despite having only 5 MP rear and 1.3 MP front. According to preliminary tests, the battery included will run for at least 24 hours, more if you aren’t a hardcore user. Since customization is Motorola’s new game, (that they seem to be dominating currently) the Moto G will come with optional colorful cases and covers so that you can personalize it how you want. Also, much like the Moto X, accessories that match your device can be bought at the same time and bundled. There are two storage options available: 8 GB and 16 GB and no expandable storage. Also, all Moto G purchases come with 50 GB of Google Drive storage on top of the free 15 GB already provided to everyone.

Unfortunately, being a bargain device, the Moto G is lacking in a few places. There is a noticeable lack of 4G LTE support (HSPA + only) and NFC (but still Bluetooth 4.0). Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the price! Bargain is an understatement in this circumstance, because the Moto G costs $180 unlocked 8 GB and $200 unlocked 16 GB. Go ahead, go back and reread that last sentence in disbelief. A quad-core HD phone for only $180 off-contract? Motorola has truly outdone everyone this time. Unfortunately, the device is currently only being sold in South America and some parts of Europe. The market will be expanding, however, and by January the United States and Asia will get their chance at this great deal. It looks like we’re going to see some changes in the smartphone market as consumers start to realize that exceptional devices can come at exceptional prices.

Are you planning on getting the Moto G? Leave a comment below about Motorola’s new device, the current bargain smartphone trend, or how you think the device will fare!