Moto G Phone Guide

Moto G News

Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?

by 8 Comments

Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast vs Moto G Play vs Moto G PlusNow, even Motorola support staffs are confused about their current Moto G lineups. You can test it by asking them what the differences are among Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast vs Moto G Play vs Moto G Plus.

In addition to the two Moto G8 phones released in 2019 (Moto G8 Play and Moto G8 Plus), Motorola released three (3) more Moto G8 phones (Moto G8, Moto G8 Power, and Moto G8 Power Lite) AND four (4) more Moto G phones with the “8” numberings (Moto G Power, Moto G Fast, Moto G Stylus, and Moto G Pro) in the first half of 2020.

It seems Motorola is desperate, and Moto G is the only brand they can milk. Sadly, such chaotic releases are destroying the brand quickly and causing confusing among seasoned Moto G users.

In this post, I will “try” to explain the differences among all these nine (9) current Moto G phones if you are considering a Moto G phone.

The most significant difference is the wallpaper!!

Ironically, the most obvious difference among these Moto G phones is the wallpaper.

Their sizes are similar, varying from 6.2″ to 6.5″.

Of course, two of them (Moto G Stylus and Moto G Pro) come with a stylus.

Moto G Pro is the dual SIM version of  Moto G Stylus.

Moto G Pro and Moto G Stylus are almost identical with a stylus,  a dedicated micro SD card slot, and Android 10.

The major differences are:

  • Moto G Pro supports two SIM cards (dual standby only, of course). Moto G Stylus supports only one SIM card.
  • Moto G Stylus is mainly sold in the US and North America. Moto G Pro is sold in the international market.

Moto G Pro and Moto G Stylus are Android 10 version of Moto G8 Plus.

Except for the stylus (you’ll seldom use it) and 128GB storage, Moto G Pro and Moto G Stylus are simply Moto G8 Plus with Android 10.

Please note, nowadays Motorola is very sloooooow in updating Android OS on their phones (if they choose to update). Moto G8 Plus is still on Android 9, and you do not know when (or even whether) you will get Android 10 on Moto G8 Plus.… Read the rest

Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features

by Leave a Comment

Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common featuresMotorola announced and released Moto G8 Plus, and Moto G8 Play in October 2019, without Moto G8, which will be very likely announced in February 2020. But what are the differences of  Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play?

Apparently, Moto G is the most valuable brand asset of Motorola now: Moto X is dead; Moto Z is dying, Moto C has gone, and Moto E is struggling.

Will Moto G save Motorola?

Motorola (Lenovo) cannot wait until 2020. So, they released “part” of Moto G8 for this holiday season. Remember, Moto G7 was just released earlier this year.

Of course, many potential buyers are wondering about the differences between Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play.

This Moto G guide first explains the common features of Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play, then discusses the top 10 differences of Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play.

The official user manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play is now available here.

Update: Motorola now has totally of 9 Moto G models for the 8th Gen of Moto G. A comparison of all these nine Moto G phones is detailed in this post.

Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: the common features

Moto G8 Plus and G8 Play share similar dimensions with significantly different specifications.

As both bear the Moto G8 name, there are surely some common features.

Android Pie

Just like many other Android phones released this year, both Moto G Plus and Moto G8  Play come with Android Pie (Android 9.0).

Very likely, both phones will get the Android 10 update. But based on the recent track record of Motorola’s Android update, you will have to wait at least one year for the Android Pie.

4000mAh battery

The battery capacity in Moto G8 Play and G8 Plus is 4000mAh.  It should be able to last one full day for most users.

The massive battery can also be used as a power bank to charge other devices because both phones use a USB-C port

micro SD card support

Similar to previous generations of Moto G, Moto G8 Play and Moto G8 Plus support micro SD card.

So, you can insert a micro SD card to expand storage if you have an extensive collection of media files.

Please note, there is no dedicated SD card slot on Moto G8 Play and G8 Plus. Instead, … Read the rest

Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

by 1 Comment

This Moto G guide explains the differences between the 4 Moto G7 (Moto G 2019) models: Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power, to help you make the decision when choosing a Moto G7.

Motorola released 4 models for the Moto G7: G7, G7 Play, G7 Plus, and G7 Power.

To make it even more confusing (although it is not new), Motorola decided not to release all models in all regions.

Anyway, if you are wondering about the differences between these four Moto G7 phones, this guide will help you.

To read or download the official user guide for Moto G7, G7 Play, G7 Power, and G7 Plus, please check Moto G7 user manual page.

Summary of the specs of Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power

The following table summarizes the key specification of Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power.

What are identical: Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power?

As shown in the specs, the 4 Moto G models are common in

  • OS: Android Pie (Android 9.0).
  • The fingerprint sensor is on the back.
  • USB Type C port.
  • Headphone jack.
  • Micro SD card support up to 512GB.

Motorola normally releases two major updates for Moto G devices. So, very likely, Moto G7 will get Android R as the last update.

Please note, Motorola has become slower in releasing updates for Moto G devices in r4ecent years. But they still released at least two updates for previous generations of Moto G phones in most regions.

Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Power: which offers a higher value (per dollar)?

Moto G7 Play is the cheapest one and with the lowest specs compared to the other 3 (Moto G7, G7 Play, and G7 Power).

But Moto G7 Play does not provide the best value for your money.

The $50 more expensive Moto G7 Power actually offers better value for your money. The increased RAM (from 2GB to 3GB) can make big differences even for moderate usages.

Of course, the 5000mAh battery (with TurboPower) is the signature feature of Moto G7 Power.

Unless you are constrained by the budget, or you do not like the weight (198g vs 151g), then you should get G7 Power if possible.

Moto G7 vs

… Read the rest

What are the differences: Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play (Moto G 2018)?

by 6 Comments

The top 6 differences among Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 PlusFor the 6th generation of Moto G (Moto G 2018), Motorola released 3 models: Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus.

These 3 phones may look similar. All come with the latest Android Oreo 8.0.

But the differences are obvious as well.

This post compares the 3 models of Moto G6 (Moto G 2018) and explains the top 6 differences among these 3 Moto G6 modes to help you understand the differences and therefore make the correct decision when purchasing a Moto G6.

You may check the official user manuals for Moto G6, Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus in this page.

1. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: Screen size and resolution

The 3 Moto G6 models have different combinations of screen sizes and screen resolution.

Moto G6 and G6 Play both have a screen size of 5.7″. Moto G6 Plus has a 5.9″ screen.

But for the screen resolution, Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus both have a 1080p (18:9) screen. Moto G6 Play comes with a 720p screen. This suggests Moto G6 has the highest pixel density (higher than both Moto G6 Play and Moto G6 Plus.

Overall, for the screen, the difference between Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus is small.

2. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: CPU (SoC)

Motorola continued to use middle-range CPUs on Moto G6 (Moto G 2018) devices.

Moto G6 Play comes with a Snapdragon 430 CPU (or 427 in the US). There are eight (4 cores for Snapdragon 427) cores up to 1.4GHz.

Moto G6 has a Snapdragon 450 CPU, which is also an octa-core SoC with a higher speed of 1.8GHz.

As expected, Moto G6 Plus has the most powerful CPU (Snapdragon 630) compared to Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play.  The maximum frequency for the CPU is 2.2GHz.

3. Moto G6 vs Moto G6 Plus vs Moto G6 Play: rear cameras

Both Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus feature dual rear cameras (12MP+5MP). The 5MP f/2.2 camera will be used only when you change to portrait mode. It is designed for depth sensing, not real photo taking.

The 12MP camera sensor in Moto G6 Plus is slightly better with an aperture of f/1.7.  It is capable of capturing 4K (2160p) videos at 30fps. While the 12MP camera in Moto G6 has … Read the rest

Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus: the major differences between Moto G5 and Moto G5 plus

by 2 Comments

Moto G5 vs Moto G5 Plus the major differences between Moto G5 and Moto G5 plusWhen Moto G5 (Moto G 2017) was announced. There were 2 products announced: Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus.

This makes some potential Moto G buyers confused: Moto G5 or Moto G5 Plus?

In fact Lenovo-owned-Motorola does not need to announce two Moto G models. They already have a comprehensive Moto line: Moto E, Moto G, Moto M, Moto Z and Moto X. In some regions, there is a Moto C as well.

But the trend is Lenovo and many other Android vendors still throw spaghetti on the wall to figure out what people want.

This guide will compare two phones, Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus, to help you understand the differences between them.

Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus: Moto G5 Plus is slightly larger and heavier

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus share similar aluminum material. There are no difference in build quality, which is excellent among phones in this price range.

Although Moto G5 Plus is larger (5.2″ vs 5″) and heavier (155g vs 145g), the difference is only marginal.

The screens are also almost identical except the size.

Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus: Moto G5 Plus performs better

When we talk about performance, Moto G5 Plus is a clear winner due to the faster and newer CPU used in Moto G5 Plus.

Moto G5 is equipped with the 28nm 1.4GHz Snapdragon 430; while Moto G5 plus comes with a 14nm 2G Hz Snapdragon 625.

The GPU in Moto G5 Plus is Adreno 506 (with Snapdragon 625), which is 2.6x faster than Adreno 505 (with Snapdragon 430) in Moto G5.

When you play some heavy games, you will feel the performance difference immediately.

But for daily tasks, you probably will not feel much difference.

Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus: Moto G5 Plus has a better main camera

The 5MP front-facing camera in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus is identical.

But the main camera (rear-facing) in these two phones is different.

In the paper, Moto G5 has a 13MP main camera. Moto G5 Plus has a 12MP camera.

You should not be fooled by the number of pixels. The main camera in Moto G5 Plus is far better actually.

The 12MP camera in Moto G5 Plus has a larger aperture of f/1.7 (vs f/2.0 in Moto G5). This means Moto G5 plus can take better pictures in low light … Read the rest

Top 10 new features in Android Nougat update for Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus

by Leave a Comment

Top 10 new features in Android Nougat update for Moto G4 and Moto G4 PlusIn almost all regions, Android Nougat update for Moto G4 (and G4 Plus) has been rolled out.  You should check the update now if your Moto G4 is still running Marshmallow.

Android Nougat for Moto G4 is a major Android udpate with many new features and improvement you should try.

This Moto G guide explains to you the top 10 new features in this Android Nougat update for Moto G4.

Please note, although Moto G4 is used in this post, all these new features also apply to all Motorola Moto devices with Android Nougat.

1. Multi window

Android Nougat supports split screen (multi-window) view. You can run two apps side by side on your screen after applying the Android Nougat update.

For example, you can reply to a text message while watching a video, or browse the internet during a video call.

You can activate multi-window view by long-pressing the overview/recent apps button while in a compatible app.

Please note, whether an app is compatible with multi window view is determined by individual app developer.

You may check this guide on how to use multi window feature in  Android Nougat update for Moto G4.

2. Quick switch apps

Android Nougat also allows you to quickly switch between two recent apps.

You can double tap the overview/recent apps button to switch between two most recently used apps.

Quick switch apps works even when you are in Home screen.  In Moto G4 Home screen, you can double tap the overview button to open the last used app. Double tap again to switch the second most recent app.

3. Swipe to shrink the screen

Motorola added one more Moto action in Android Nougat update for Moto G4: swipe to shrink the screen.

You can shrink the screen by swiping up from the navigation bar in the bottom.

If you swipe upwards and towards left, the shrunk screen will align to bottom left. If you swipe upwards and towards right, the shrunk screen will be docked in the bottom right.

To enable this new feature, you need to open the Moto app, tap Actions, then tap Swipe to shrink the screen to enable it.

You can practice this feature before enabling it.

Please refer to this guide (coming soon) on how to use Moto Actions.

4. Change display size (display scaling)

Prior to Android Nougat, you can only change the … Read the rest

What’s new in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus?

by 6 Comments

What's new in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus?As expected, Moto G5 (Moto G 2017) and Moto G5 plus were announced in Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017. You can get one as early as in March 2017.

Unlike Moto G4 (Moto G 2016), there are no Play series for Moto G5. This does make sense.

Now,  for Moto G fans, it is easier to make decisions: G5 or G5 Plus. We will post a detailed comparisons of Moto G5 and G5 plus later.

In this post, I will explain to you some desired new features and improvements (compared to Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play) in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus.

For detailed features, please check the official user manual of Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus are smaller

Moto G5 has a 5-inch full HD display and G5 Plus has a 5.2-inch display (full HD as well).

This means G5 and G5 plus are smaller than last year’s Moto G4 and G4 Plus (both are 5.5″).

The physical dimensions of Moto G5 and G5 Plus actually are comparable to the size of Moto G4 Play.

Lenovo didn’t give any explanation or justification on the scaling back in display. If you prefer big display, you may skip Moto G5.

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus got a metal finish with aluminum backcover

Lenovo tried hard to give you a premium feeling on Moto G5  and Moto G5 Plus with full metal design.

The backcover is no longer plastic as in all previous generations of Moto G phones.  Moto G5 and G5 Plus got an aluminum backcover.

It seems we will see more and more all-metal or metal-glass middle-range phones.

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus come with near-stock Android Nougat

Motorola was applauded for offering near-stock Android with fast update.

It seems Lenovo kept this practice in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus.  Both phones have Android Nougat 7.0 pre-installed.

Furthermore, Google Assistant was also available in both phones.

Both G5 and Moto G5 Plus have fingerprint reader below the screen

Fingerprint sensor can be found in G5 and Moto G5 Plus.

And the fingerprint sensor was placed in the front of the phone below the display.

This is different from the implementation in Moto G4 Plus, which got a fingerprint sensor in the back.

Fingerprint sensor in Moto G5 and G5 Plus can replace the default

… Read the rest

What are the differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play?

by 6 Comments

differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 PlayFor the 4th generation of Moto G, Motorola (now under Lenovo), announced 3 different models: Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play.

Then which one is for you? What are the differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play?

This post will try to help you understand the differences of these 3 models so that you can make better decision when you want to buy one Moto G4 (Moto G 2016).

To download official Moto G4 user manual, Moto G4 Plus user manual anf Moto G4 Play user manual in your own language, please check this page.

Initial availability differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Although 3 models of Moto G4 were announced, only 2 of them are currently available.

Moto G4 Play will be only available later this summer.

Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 are currently available in selected countries and regions, mainly India, Brazil, Mexico and a few other countries in Latin America.

In early June, Moto G4 will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and other Asian regions.

Moto G4 Plus will be available in Europe, the Middle East, other Asian regions, and other Latin American regions from the second half of June.

For US and North America, the availability of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play has not been announced. (Motorola is not a US company any more; it is now a Lenovo company.)

So, many Motorola fans in US, Europe and other regions are a bit disappointed. Apparently, Motorola (Lenovo) is too short-sighted in Moto G4 release.

Will this help the success of Moto G4?

Very unlikely. The availability strategy of Moto G4 is probably a disaster for Moto G4 sales.

With 3 different models (G4, G4 Plus, and G4 Play) combined, Moto G4 probably cannot exceed the sales of Moto G3 (2015) or  Moto G2 (Moto G 2014).

Just may 2 cents.

Screen (display) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Both Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus share similar display: 5.5″ 1080p (full HD. 1980*1080) display.

Moto G4 Play is smaller (5″) with a 720p (1280*720) screen.

So, the size of Moto G4 Play is similar to previous generations of Moto G devices (e.g., Moto G 2015 and Moto G 2014).  Moto G4 and G4 Plus are bigger than previous generations.

CPU (chips)

… Read the rest

Top 5 problems of Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 and solutions (for Moto X and Moto E as well)

by 864 Comments

Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 and solutions (for Moto X and Moto E as well)Have you got Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015?

Motorola started to roll out Android Marshmallow (Android 6.0) update to Moto X Style, Moto X Play, Moto X Pure, Moto G 2015 (Moto G 3rd Gen), Moto  G 2014 (Moot G 2nd Gen) and Moto X 2014 (Moto X 2nd Gen) in early December 2015.  Only Moto E 2015 (Moto E 2nd Gen) is still on the waiting list.

Now more and more Moto users are enjoying latest Android Marshmallow. Some prominent Android Marshmallow  features are explained on this guide and this post.

Although the overall experience of Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 and other Moto devices is good, some problems of the Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 are also reported.

This post will try to address the top 5 problems of Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015, and of course the solutions.

Please note, in the post, Moto G 2015 (Moto G 3rd Gen) is used, but this post also applies to Moto X (Pure, Style, Play, 2nd Gen) and Moto G 2014 devices. The code base for Android Marshmallow update for Moto devices are similar. So, the problems of Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 can also be found on other Moto devices after updating to Marshmallow.

#1. Missing camera shutter sound control in Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015

Motorola camera app is functional and yet simple to use.  One of the handy features is togging on/off shutter sound. For Moto G 2015 camera guide, please check this page.

It seems the Android Marshmallow update for Moto G 2015 does not change much on the camera app. But soon you will notice that the shutter sound control is missing in the new camera app.

This is NOT a bug.

Actually, more and more Android phone manufacturers removed the shutter sound control in their camera apps.

There are two main reasons for removing shutter sound control from camera app:

  • Legal considerations. In a few countries (e.g., Korea and Japan), shutter sound is mandatory.  More and more countries are debating on this issue. Privacy usually is in the center in such debates. To avoid possible legal troubles in the future, and to give good impression on privacy consideration, big Android phone manufacturers started to remove the  shutter sound control from the stock camera app even
… Read the rest

Top 6 exciting improvements in Moto G 2015 (Moto G 3rd Gen)

by 30 Comments

moto_g_2015

Update: Official Moto G 2015 user manuals in different  languages are available for read and download here.

Motorola updated Moto G to the 3rd generation last week (together with Moto X Style, Moto X Play and Moto X Pure Edition).

Now the question is what the exciting new features in Moto G 3rd Gen (Moto G 2015) are?

This post will try to answer this question so that you have better understanding whether you should get Moto G 3rd Gen (Moto G 2015), especially compared with Moto G 2014 (Moto G 2nd Gen).

You can customize Moto G 2015 as you want

Motorola used to keep customization as an exclusive feature for their flagship Moto X.

For the first time, you can customize your Moto G 2015 (Moto G 3rd Gen) in Moto Maker.  Now you can customize Moto G 2015 in following aspect:

  • Black or white front color
  • 1o back colors
  • 10 accent colors
  • Engrave text (up to 14 characters) in the back.

So, you can design your own Moto G 2015 with 200 possible color combinations!!

No other smartphone manufacturers offers such customization.

The bad news is that Moto Maker may be not available in some countries.

Moto G 2015 now has far better cameras (both rear and front)

Moto G is positioned as the best the middle-range smartphone.

So, it is not strange that Moto G does not have the cutting-edge camera sensors in previous generation.

In Moto G 2015, Motorola dramatically improved the camera.

Here is the list of some noteworthy improvements in Moto G 2015 rear camera:

  • 13MP camera sensor (8MP in Moto G 2014);
  • dual-LED flash (single LED flash in Moto G 2014);
  • Quick Capture (twist wrist to launch camera). This used to be an exclusive feature of Moto X.
  • manual focus and exposure controls.
  • 1080p HD video (720p HD video in Moto G 2014);
  • HDR for video.

For the front camera, the improvement is also huge:

  • 5MP camera sensor (2MP in Moto G 2014);
  • wide angle camera (72 degrees of field of view);
  • display flash;
  • HDR;
  • Slow motion video.

You should expect dramatic improvement in photo and video quality in Moto G 2015.

You may check this Moto G 2015 camera guide to learn how to use the camera in your Moto G 2015 (Moto G 3rd Gen)

Moto G 2015 is water resistant, IPX7 rated

Simply … Read the rest

Top 5 new Android Lollipop features in Moto G and Moto G 2nd gen

by 113 Comments

Android_Lollipop_moto_gUpdate: if you have any questions on Android Lollipop, you may check our Android Lollipop guide page.

Motorola did a nice job again!  After rolling out Android Lollipop 5.0 update to Moto G 2014  (2nd Gen)  in November, Motorola started to roll out Lollipop update to the old Moto G (Moto G 1st Gen, aka, Moto G 2013) last week.

For dual-SIM Moto G 2013 and Moto G LTE, the Lollipop 5.0 update will come soon.

Now, Motorola is the only Android vendor who even beats Google to roll out Android updates.

Android Lollipop is a major  update. Many new features are introduced, in addition to many improvements you will enjoy.

Even some seasoned Moto G or Android users may get confused on how to get the best from Android Lollipop, we are preparing some detailed tutorials to show you how to use the new features in Android Lollipop in Moto G.

Please check out Moto G how to guide page in coming days.

Before releasing these guides, let me first introduce you the  top 5 new Android Lollipop features in Moto G and Moto G 2014 with the update.

1. Ambient display

One of the most prominent features of Moto X is  the Active display (which was re-branded as Moto display later).

Ambient display, which is a new feature in Android Lollipop 5.0,  works in a similar way.

Once ambient display is enabled, Moto G will wake up to display the notification as soon as it is picked up or new notifications arrive.

You can even use it to wake up the display by picking it up without pressing any buttons.

2. New notification system

The notification was revamped in Android Lollipop 5.0.  You have full control on notifications now on Moto G with Android Lollipop update.

But it may be a bit complicated for some Android users.  Some Mort G users may also get confused.

For example, for notifications you can choose sound (the old sound mode), none (turning off all notifications including alarms, more aggressive than old silent mode), and priority (new, you have full control over the notifications).  You can even set a downtime if you are in campus.

3.  Battery saver

Finally, Android gets its official battery saving mode in Lollipop 5.0.  You can choose to turn it on only when battery level drops to certain value.

It can also predicate how … Read the rest

Moto G 2014 (aka Moto G 2nd generation) vs Moto G: top 10 facts you should know

by 104 Comments

moto_G_2nd_gen_moto_g_2014 Moto G 2nd generationMotorola updated the 10-month old Moto G (1st generation) last week. The new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation, aka Moto G 2014) is a significant update to the old Moto G, which is the most successful smartphone Motorola has ever made.

Moto G 2nd generation is already available in some countries and regions: UK, India, France, Brazil, Spain and France. More countries will be added the the list gradually

You may wonder what’s new in the new Moto G vs old Moto G (1st generation). The purpose of this post is to show you the difference and similarity of the new  Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) vs Moto G (1st Gen).

 1. The best news:  no price hike ($179) for the Moto G 2nd generation

In most regions, the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) will sell at the identical (or even lower) price as last year’s Moto G. This means the you can get the new Moto G (2nd generation) with about $180 (8GB model)  or $200 (16GB model).

So, the new Moto G is  still very affordable and probably gives you the best value for your money. In this price range, the new Moto G is probably the best smartphone.

2. Good news:  SD card support with  the Moto G 2nd generation

Actually, Motorola added SD card support to the 4G LTE models of the old Moto G (1st gen) a few months ago.

But for most Moto G (1st generation)  owners,  lack of storage is one of the biggest concern. In most regions, only 8GB model is offered.

Now, Motorola corrects its mistake by adding SD card support to all new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation)  models.  You can easily expand 32GB storage for your photos, videos and other files. Some apps (app data) can even be moved to SD card so that you can install some big games.  You may refer to this guide on how to move apps to SD card on Moto E and Moto G.

3. Good news:  real stereo speakers and they are on front-facing in the Moto G 2nd generation!!!

The new Moto G ( Moto G 2nd generation) have dual front-facing speakers. You can easily enjoy music when Bluetooth speaker is not an option.

Of course, it is not comparable to HTC BoomSound. But the dual front-facing speakers really beat all other smartphones, including … Read the rest

Moto G KitKat update: top 5 new features you may enjoy

by 117 Comments

moto g KitKat updateFollowing the Moto G KitKat update this month, you can enjoy the Android KitKat 4.4.2 in Moto G now! Motorola did a nice job in updating their handsets in 2013.   Moto G is only second to Nexus to receive this KitKat update.

A lot of reviewers regarded Moto G as an affordable middle or low range smartphone. They may be correct as long as hardware specification is the criterion.

In the reality, software is equally important for a smartphone.

The Moto G KitKat update  indicates that Motorola treats all customers as VIPs. Moto G,  just like its bigger brother Moto X,  is also a top-notch smartphone in Motorola’s perspective.

At the end of the day, users enjoys the experience, rather than clock speed. Most of Moto G owners are very satisfied with Moto G, not only for its affordability, but also the excellent (and surprising) user experience it delivers.

Moto G  Kitkat update just improve the user experiences again. Some new features are added.

In this post. I will share with you the top 5 new features of Moto G KitKat update.

1. Faster Moto G

Although the hardware specs are not impressive, Moto G is surprisingly fast. Some users even compared this $179 smartphone with Galaxy S4, which is 3 times more expensive in most regions. They found out there is marginal difference in responsiveness between these two for most apps (not the heavy games). Of course, the slowness in Galaxy S4 could be partially due to the packed features in TouchWiz. Moto G is leaner and lighter.

One of the main improvements of KitKat 4.4 is to better the usage of resources. It simply means updating to 4.4 does not demand better hardware. If the handset can run Jelly Bean 4.3 smoothly, it should run KitKat even better.

Moto G’s KitKat update proves this. After the KitKat 4.2.2 update, you will simply feel  your Moto G is even more buttery.

Some former Samsung users may be scared of updating. For example, the recent Jelly Bean 4.3 update for Galaxy S4 make some users unhappy for various reasons. I even listed the top 5 problems after Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S4.

So, my suggestion to these former Samsung smartphone users is to get the update. You will not be disappointed. You will enjoy all of the  new features of Moto G KitKat update.

2.  Simplified and unified  

… Read the rest

All About Moto G: a definite guide for Moto G phone, is online now!

by 95 Comments

Moto-g-phoneThis brand new website is for  owners of Motorola’s new Moto G phone.  All the topics are  on Moto G, and everything you need know about Moto G will be covered.

The community is about Moto G, and it is for you.

There are various sections in the website:

  • Manual section: you can  find the official Moto G user manual here. You can read online with the embedded PDf viewer, or download the PDF file to your desktop to read it later.
  • How-to guide section: you can find both short and long guides on how to use all features in your Moto G phone.
  • Buyer guide section: you can find the comparison between Moto G and other smartphones. This will help you decide which phone is for you.
  • Accessories guide section: you can find some essential or cool gadgets for your Moto G.
  • The Moto G forum section:  you are free to discuss anything related Moto G.
  • More sections will be added

If you have any suggestions, you may leave your message in the comments or relevant pages, or contact us privately.

Don’f forget to subscribe to our free Newsletter: Moto G Update, to get the latest updates, tips and tricks, and other info on Moto G. Some contents are exclusive on the newsletter.… Read the rest