Motorola G midrange smartphone

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timmmay

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#135154 16-Nov-2013 08:19

The Moto G has been released in the UK, it looks pretty amazing for the price:
- Quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 at 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM (specs suggest around 2/3 the performance of the S4, impressive at this price)
- 2000mah battery
- 4.5" screen (ie the right size for smaller hands), 720p (329 ppi)
- 11mm thick, 143g, but built so you don't need a case. The removable/replaceable case protects the back, sides, and front of the phone.
- Android 4.3 with 4.4 coming within 3 months
- 8GB or 16GB - no memory card slot. The lack of card is the only downside I've seen so far
- Two cameras, one 5MP (I think high MP cameras on tiny sensors are pointless, personally), with LED flash, front 1.3MP

TrustedReviews review here, ExpertReviews here.

SIM free price: NZ$290. Nothing else can touch that price with those specs, and it's below the GST threshold. The S4 mini is still $750 odd in stores, and $450 parallel imported, that's dual core (1.8GHz), has a memory card slot, and has the front hardware button.

I'm considering pre-ordering from the UK via YouShop for my partner as an xmas present. Any thoughts before I do?

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Master Geek
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#934750 16-Nov-2013 08:47

It's supposed to release in the U.S. around Christmas and is 179 USD and 199 USD for the 8 and 16 Gb models. That's about 215 and 240 NZD.
Looks like a decent phone. Thinking about getting one for myself if reviews are good.
Edit: sorry didn't see as a Christmas present.

Acer Chromebook C720, Nexus 7 2013, Moto G

old3eyes

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#934764 16-Nov-2013 09:30

"I'm considering pre-ordering from the UK via YouShop for my partner as an xmas present. Any thoughts before I do?"

VAT?? no LTE.. But it's a good buy though. Wonder if it will be sold here at anything resembling the US / UK pricing??

Regards,

Old3eyes

timmmay

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#934770 16-Nov-2013 09:44

Good spotting, the lack of LTE. How much of a problem is that likely to be for an average person?

LTE is 4G, which is only just becoming available now right?

jonovw

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#934789 16-Nov-2013 10:05

Yes and I don't think its available in NZ on the budget prepaid plans either. And someone who has a budget phone is not likely to use large amounts of data so I doubt LTE is a problem for most people buying this phone.

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timmmay

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#934802 16-Nov-2013 10:24

It might be available here in a few months. I doubt my partner will use much data, and honestly what's available now is absolutely fine in terms of performance. Streaming video works, obviously email and facebook works, not sure why LTE is required for most people to be honest.

old3eyes

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#934826 16-Nov-2013 11:45

jonovw: Yes and I don't think its available in NZ on the budget prepaid plans either. .

Telecom NZ does LTE on Prepay.. Though if your buying a budget fone like this then LTE may not be for you..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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timmmay

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#934829 16-Nov-2013 11:57

HSPA+ is what, 10Mbps download? That's more than enough for a phone. The only reason I see LTE as important is for comparability. Will HSPA+ work ok in Asia and the UK? It must be ok in the UK since that's where I'd buy the phone.

old3eyes

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#934984 16-Nov-2013 19:08

According to gsmarena 3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 so it should work fine on all NZ networks..

http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g-5831.php

Regards,

Old3eyes

timmmay

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#934988 16-Nov-2013 19:22

I hadn't checked that, thanks for pointing that out :)

ajw

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#934989 16-Nov-2013 19:41

Another review here.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/14/motorola-moto-g-review-best-budget-smartphone-135

NikT

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#935004 16-Nov-2013 20:36

Very cool for the price. Can't wait to see what Moto do if/when they jump into the 5"+ giant battery phablet market. Enjoying the design language & value-add features over vanilla Android (although the ones on the DROID line are even better, my kingdom for a dynamic calendar icon).

No fourth gee = no particular interest locally, I'd imagine.

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