Motorola 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).
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.
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.
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 many flagship smartphones with a $600+ price tags.
Front-facing speakers project sounds towards you and therefore gives better listening experience. The standard asshole-like rear speaker projects sound away from you. So, even high-quality speakers are used, for a rear speaker, it still deteriorate the audio quality considerably.
More and more people use smartphones to take photos, instead of a physical camera. So, the expectation is getting higher and higher.
In the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation), camera was upgraded considerably. The number of pixels is updated from 5MP to 8MP for the rear camera, from 1,3MP to 2Mp for the front-facing camera.
In addition to the pixels, apparently the quality of the camera sensor seems better than that in the old Moto G (1st generation).
Of course, the new Moto G (2nd gen) also maintain the simple-to-use camera app interface. It is very helpful for new smartphone users.
Motorola promised the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd Gen) will get Android L, which will be released in Q4 this year.
According to the track record of the KitKat update for old Moto G, Moto E and Moto X, it is almost certain we will get Android L before all other Android devices (except Nexus devices).
Nobody can deny Motorola now is the best Android vendor on updating the OS. It will very likely continue on the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd Gen) for Android L.
Motorola follows the trend in smartphone industry: larger display.
The new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) is bigger than the 1st generation of Moto G. The screen size increases from 4.5″ to 5″.
Of course, the overall size is also bigger compared to the old Moto G (1st generation).
Some users welcomes this bigger screen; some may not.
But anyway, the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd gen) can still be easily put into pockets.
The Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) does not upgrade the screen resolution. It is still 720p. It is still a high quality IPS panel, which is very rare for smartphones in this price range.
Actually, for a 5″ screen, 720p is good enough. 294 ppi pixel density is close to the limit of your eyes. Less pixels means longer battery life.
Anyway, no full HD on the new Moto G (2014).
Identical chips are used in the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation): Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU with Adreno 305 GPU. No upgrade.
Again, from the performance perspective, the chip is sufficient for most users. Motorola probably made a wise choice of saving cost in chips, instead of camera or display.
As KitKat was optimized for devices with low resources, 1GB RAM in the old Moto G (1st generation) was just fine for most users. Motorola achieved this by removing almost all bloatware and giving you an almost vanilla Android device.
Without the heavy skin or bloatware, Moto G is as fast as many Samsung phones with 2GB RAM for everyday usage.
Of course, if you run some heavy games or apps, occasionally, you may feel the pain. But most owners will not encounter such issues.
Anyway, the 1GB RAM in the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) is acceptable for most users.
Both the 1 st generation Moto G and the new Moto G (Moto G 2nd generation) have 8GB and 16GB options. But in most regions, the distributor only brings in 8GB model.
In the new Moto G, you can add an SD card to expand the storage. But not all apps (actually only app data) can be moved to the SD card. So, if you need install some big games, you may still fell the constraint. unless you get the 16GB model
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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How connect to laptop for file transferring my moto g
To transfer files between Moto G and laptop or PC through USB cable, you may follow this guide: https://allaboutmotog.com/moto-g-how-to-guide/how-to-connect-moto-g-with-pc-through-usb-cable-for-moto-e-and-moto-x-as-well/
I have moto g2 and between 3 days I have received system updated of 6.0 version I have installed it .
But after installing it I am not able to connect the ear phones , and can't move the the file,video, images to my otg drive (pendrive) and when will I receive the better updated plz hell me for this
What do you mean "not able to connect to ear phones"? Do you mean headset?
For OTG, what errors did you get when copy files? What file explorer are you using?
Actually in you ahev the move media option in Settings -Storage & USB -- USB OTG storage --menu key--Settings-- move media.
Hai sir
I have moto g 2g. How can I use hybrid USB...?
Do you mean USB OTG? It's explained in this guide https://allaboutmotog.com/moto-g-usb-otg-guide-also-for-moto-x/
How to change font style in moto g2??????
You cannot change font style with the default Google Now launcher. You can only change font size.
You can try some third party launchers which may allow different fonts.
Sir heavy game not working like GTA vice city wwe immortal and etc its just load for a minute and then crash plz help me to solve this problem plzz
You need check with the app developer whether the app is comparable with Moto G.
The game have to work in moto g2 because it have 1.2 quadcore processor but still not working i also have unlock bootloader and root to but still also not working
Some apps may require more ram or better GPU.
Moto G is good for daily tasks, not for heavy games. It may be underpowered for such games.
Anyway, check with the app developer on whether it work on Moto G or not.
How will i check the developer that the game will in moto g 2
In Google play store, the app page.
My Moto g 2 has become very slow while opening contacts, whatsapp etc. Only blank screen appears for long and then opens up. What may be the reason? I have inserted 16 GB SD card too for more storage.
Did you try to clear cache partition as detailed in this guide?
Dear Sir,
Is there music icon on Moto G? If yes how to get it on home screen for quick play?
The default music player in Moto G is Google Play music. You can add shortcut or widgets to home screen.
You can also install many third-party music player, e.g., VLC for Android, and add widget or shortcut to home screen..
Dear simin sir
myslf oprtng motog2
Wenever i call to someone the receiver one who receive ma call is not lisng my voice in a loud or prooerly.
How can i solve this problm wt im facing now eith this device......
Did you test it with a headset or hands-free?
You can also download a voice recorder to test the mic.
Hi Simon. .
How to change alarm ringtone in moto g 2?
Please read this guide: http://motoeguide.com/moto-e-guides/customize-moto-e-ringtones/
Sir, I have an issue. I have moto g 2nd gen, when whenever I call someone or someone calls me, I can't hear them, but they clearly hear me, I always have to turn on the loud speaker, normally I cant hear the other party. Please help
Did you check the volume settings? No voice or low voice when not using loud speaker?
Absolutely no voice when not using the loudspeaker.
You may backup your data and perform a factory data reset. If still not working, you have to visit local service centre.
Dear sir I am using Moto G 2nd gen (16GB)
I'm facing internet problems.. Net speed is very slow on 3G
You need check with the phone company and make sure you aster using the APN given by your phone company. The speed can also depend on the signal strength and c the number of users connecting to the same tower.
Cant i Change fonts in Moto g2 ?
Probably not. You can only adjust font size on moto g. Some third party launchers may allow you to use other fonts.
Can you recommend some apps for my girlfriend she likes minerva.
Ringtone volume automatically decreases to minimum whenever a call is received. I am facing this after I upgraded to lollipop. If this is the problem with lollipop how do I go back ad install KitKat?
Did you check ringtone volumes before and after receiving the call?
There is no way too roll back from lollipop to kitkat.
You can try it in safe mode because the problem can be caused by third party apps.
Anyway, you can backup the phone and do a factory data reset.
I m unable to change ringtone option to my favorite song as ringtone for Mobil. Please help to change in lollipop version
Please follow this guide: http://motoeguide.com/moto-e-guides/customize-moto-e-ringtones/
Is anyone else having a ticking/popping/crackling noise coming from your bottom speaker? Especially when your watching a video and someone is talking.
How about if you lower the volume?
Hi Simon,
Today I did a google update nd my app drawer(6 dots) and the app background have turned white.. I liked the black transparent background much..I also did a search nd read tat its a part of lollipop upgrade..is it so? But Is there any way to get back the pervious..
Thanks,
Emy.
No, there is no option for you to change the settings. Google may update the Google Now launcher at any time.
If you really hate it, you have to use third-party launchers. I seldom recommend them on Moto devices.
Simon, I have installed an app providing different font styles in my moto G 2. But it still doesn't change. What do I do?
Usually root is required for such apps. Did you check it with the app developer?
Hi,
My mobile data is turned on but there is no connection established.. It happens often nowadays..is it an issue or is it normal? Pls help
-Emy
Is mobile data enabled in your SIM card? you need check with your phone company whether the mobile plan includes mobile data.
If mobile data is enabled in the SIM card, after enabling mobile data on the phone, you should see some icons (H, H+, 3G, E or G).
If you are using dual sim cards, you need enable data on one of the SIM card in settings--dual SIM settings.
Thank you for your response!
Yes, mobile data is enabled in my sim card. I am sure there is nothing wrong with my sim card.. After I enable mobile data, I can't find those icons and in turn there is no internet connection.. I once restarted my motog2 and it worked.. But the next time it happened, restart didnt work.. I had to wait until I get the connection.. It doesn't happen often..
You can check "mobile network type", "service state", "mobile network state" and "ip address" under settings --about phone -status.
Sometimes, it could be due to APN settings, for which, you need check with the phone company.
Similar like Microsoft Lumia series, is the 4G is hidden in Moto phones? can we unlock it with OS update?
No, 4g is not hidden in moto g 2014. The hardware doesn't support it.
The 4g model of moto g 2014 will be very likely announced earlier next year.
Dear sir,
How I can see my total call duration
dear sir,
earlier i had selected Data Usage Cycle now i would like to change it,but their is no any option in setting.kindly help
Hi simon im an moto g1 user despite being andoid l launched in my country i cannot find it in d software upgrade in about phone it is still on 4.4.4 kitkat i reside in india
You have to wait. In some regions, the update is being rolling out.
How do we bring additional home screens to moto g2 device??? I really require more screens.
How many pages do you have already? The default launcher has a limit of 5 pages.
You may try other third pparty launchers of you need more pages.
Please note, you can use folders to organize your apps on home screen.
How to connect bluetooth headset to moto g2
Did you encounter any specific problems?
If it is possible,how do i change the font for my moto g lte?
On moto g, you can only change the font size, not the font type.
Wt to do for auto hiding ...if i open camera its nt auto hiding so its occupy more space..from ds camera screen shwng small
Camera app should not hide them because touch operation will be used by the app. Normally, only reading apps or some games may hide them.
If i open camera in moto g2 its showing black colour upto front camera nd video recording icons....sulutn plz...
What's the problem?
In my moto g2 the back, home and recent apps tab is not auto hiding..solution plz...
It depends on app. Most time, they should not hide.
Depends on app means, i want auto hiding options plz suggest me....
My moto g 2 nd generation has a problem of voice cracking during call. I could not here the voice of other person or even ring clearly while in call. The problem persists even after putting it on loudspeaker. But songs and other tones are playing fine. What the problem it would be?
It could be due to mobile network signal.
How about using a headset and put the phone on the table?
Does new moto have screen mirroring
No.
Hi could you tell me if it possible to screen mirror on the 2nd gen moto g? I have the first gen moto g and it does not allow screen mirror to my TV. I have used Samsung s4 and it works prefect screen mirror to TV but I like the moto g more.
No, screen mirroring (Miracast) is still not supported.
In moto g 2 gen mobile songs r stuckin while playing on default music player.. Plz suggest what to do n suggest some good music player apps...
Vlc for android is simple and easy to use.
What are the biggest differences between the Moto G 4G and this Moto G 2nd gen?
4G (2nd gen has no 4G model yet) and 5" screen.
Plese tell me where can I see external SD icon in menu....I cannot see in menu when k inserted my 16 GB external card....
There is no sd icon in the menu. You can check the status at settings- storage.
To manage files on sd card, you need install a file manager, for example?,es file explorer http://motoeguide.com/moto-e-guides/manage-files-moto-e-es-file-explorer-file-manager/
Is moto g 1st gen getting android L ?
Yes, Motorola confirmed that both 1st and 2nd Gen of moto g will get android Lollipop (5.0).
Simon I really need ur help now.. I had moto g 1st gen then I sold it. Now I have bought the 2nd gen but I am not happy with the menu options.. The interface was different.. I need the same kind of interface when I press menu button. In my 1st gen I can enter playstore by pressing menu and on the top I have playstore symbol, but in this new 2nd gen I am not able to see icon in the top which has a play store symbol, which I think is one of the disadvantage. Additing to that the menu icons are also looking big in size. not at al aesthetic. So when ever i need to open google play I need to enter menu and then select the play store icon.. How can I get that 1st gen interface..
It is because the 2nd gen moto g has Google now launcher pre installed.
I am not clear about what you are talking about.
Do you mean home screen or app drawer (6 dots on a circle)?
Moto G 2nd Gen is larger than the 1st gen. The icons, by default, are larger due to same dpi but less ppi.
You can always try third-party launchers, e.g., Nova. They usually offer more options for customisation.
In moto G 1st gen the home screen has a horizontal line which separates the menu icon (5 icons including menu) from the playstore and google folder. But in the 2nd gen there is not horizontal line in the homescreen.. Can u understand now...
In 1st gen if u want to enter play store u can enter into playstore by clicking the small playstore symbol which is present in all the pages of menu.. but in 2nd gen when u want to enter play store u can enter only by clicking the play store icon in the menu... but its not the same in 1st gen...
I hope now u can understand actually what I am trying to say..
I got it. The line was removed for aestic (affordable) reasons.
For the app drawer, the play store icon was removed because it is redundant and may cause confusions for new users. Actually, some vendors even hide widget tab to make the interface not so overwhelming for new users.
Anyway, you may already know, you can put any apps in the fav app tray (under the line, which is invisible now). You can even put folders there. This is the quickest easy to access commonly used apps.
Simon I'm sorry. I couldn't understand ur last para.. What is fav app tray. under the line, which is invisible???? I know about the folders but what is this invisible thing? if it is invisible, how to access? Thanks in advance.
Just the apps under the line in your home screen (bottom of home screen). In the new version, the line is invisible (transparent).
The favorite apps appear on on prayers of the home screen. You can put your often-used apps there.
The top 3/4" of my printed pages is missing
From which app did you send the printing job?
But when I printed from my sons iPhone it printed perfectly.
Download video from any browser not show in gallery
You can try to reboot the phone. Of course you can install third-party video players that have their own media scanner, for example, VLC for Android.
Is it possible to change font style in moto g 2nd gen...if so hw...?
You have to use other third-party launchers if you want to try different fonts. The pre-installed launcher does not have this option.
I am hearing more outside voice when i am taking
Is the sound coming out from the earpiece or the bottom speaker?
Bottom speaker.
You probably turn on speaker when in the all.
When you are in a call, under hang up (in red background), you have the option to use/disable speaker.
Is it possible to exchange Moto G first gen mobile with Moto G second gen?
You need check with local distributors. Motorola doesn't have such a scheme currently.
Hi Simon,
I am using moto g 2nd Gen (XT1068, purchased on 2014 when it was first released in flipkart). I would like to know which Sim card slot we can use for 3G? (Whether SIM 1 or SIM2)
Both sim cards can use 3G. But at any time, only one of the two cards can use 3G. So, the card slot doesn't matter. You can set it in settings - dual sim settings.
You can try to put the sim card that for 3G in slot 1. It's a preferred placement. But it's not a requirement.
one month before i purchase moto g (1st gen) so i am missing all features.
is there any option can i get benefits of 2nd Gen except purchase NEW device.........???
Advantages of the new Moto G: SD card support in all models (for the old Moto G, only the LTE mode has SD card support), bigger screen, front-facing speakers and slightly better camera.
If the phone can meet your needs, there is no reason to upgrade.
Is moto g 1st gen getting android l upgrade
Yes, the software on Mot G 1st Gen and Mot G 2nd Gen is almost identical.