GADGET GIZMO REVIEW................. Motorola Moto G

GADGET GIZMO REVIEW Motorola Moto G

SPECIFICATIONS

1.2Ghz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB RAM, 8/16GB storage, 4.5-inch 720p screen, dual SIM with 3G, 5MP rear + 1.3MP front cam, FM, Android 4.3, 2,070mAh, 143 grams Undeniably great value, great build and screen quality, stock Android, performance, good camera quality All-plastic construction, no USB host, no expandable memory, no NFC, no Miracast (screen mirroring)

What better way to make a budget phone than to put the might of Google behind it. When Google acquired Motorola in August last year, the idea was to enable ‘faster innovation’ and ‘better phones at lower prices’ — words taken from the official release. Those words ring true with the Moto G.
This new phone redefines the idea of a budget phone and is probably giving our homegrown manufacturers nightmares. For the price, the Moto G is stunning value: it has a quad core Qualcomm processor with 1GB RAM (excellent performance with stock Android), 8 or 16GB (non expandable) storage, a decent camera, high quality IPS HD screen (with a higher pixel density than the iPhone 5S), stellar build quality and great battery life. Could you ask for any more? Motorola says there is a special water repellent nano-coating on the device (inside and out). This doesn’t make it water proof, but at least makes it more resistant to the odd spill/ splash. We also think it’s the perfect size for anyone who complains about large phones. Though it’s not the slimmest phone around, it cleverly hides the somewhat bulky design with a curved back. The back panels are interchangeable and you can choose from several vibrant colours and case designs — a little colour is needed to spice it up because the all-black look is quite boring.
The interface is largely stock Android. Motorola has included some helpful apps like Migrate (to shift data from another Android or iOS device), Assist (automates some tasks like silencing your phone at night or during a meeting) and an anti theft feature.
You will notice that there are some compromises (for instance, no NFC, USB host or screen mirroring). Having said that, these are features that most people don’t use anyway. Bottom line is, the Moto G makes for a very compelling purchase and should bring a whole lot of new users into the Android fold.
HITESH RAJ BHAGAT