Motorola Moto X Pro Reviews

Almost everything about the new Moto X is improved over its predecessor, not solely for its specs, but for its overall performance. From call quality, design, and its camera performance, the new Moto X bears all of the incremental improvements to earn the rigid qualities of a true successor. The only thing that most people will face when deciding between the two is their size – where we feel that the old Moto X has the perfect one for comfort and usability. Now, if you currently own the original Moto X and you’re contemplating on making the switch, it’s a tough call because they have several superficial qualities that are similar. Unless you prefer a larger sized smartphone, it might not be all that logical to ditch the old for the new. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong picking up the new phone either because it’s priced affordably at $99.99 on contract. If you’re not up for an upgrade, it’s best to sit still with the original Moto X, though.

If you don't want to carry a gargantuan smartphone, you'll like this compact offering. You get descent image quality and fairly quick auto focus, though you won't get a top-of-the-line touch screen or the quickest burst mode. The gesture wake-up feature is handy, and the photo filters are well done.

With its fantastic screen, amazing battery life and premium build quality, the Moto X sets the benchmark for mid-range phones

Despite some flaws, I really like the Moto X. It has a lot of charm and offers up a great Android experience. Motorola has brought all its engineering expertise to bear and it shows in how well the phone is constructed and how thoughtfully the software is executed. Unfortunately, it missed on two of the most important features in a phone these days, battery and camera. With both being such a weakness, the Moto X becomes a hard device to recommend. When it was launched originally back in August 2013, it would has been much easier to sing its praises and indeed most people did, but all these months on and the market has moved forward. Motorola has also not stood still and with the release of the Moto G it seems to has almost negated the need for the Moto X. The Nexus 5 remains your quickest route to the best all-round stock Android experience while the Moto G is the cheapest and best value.

We are content with the default look because the Moto X's styling, build quality and ease-of-use are quite simply fantastic. For that reason it remains on the list as one of our favourite Android phones, and on contract - Tesco Mobile is offering £24 per month - it's sure to be attractive from a price perspective too.

Considering the specification which you get with the Nexus 5 and the fact it costs less than the Nexus 5, it wins over the Moto X for us.

The Motorola Moto X may be a little cheaper but if you can afford the HTC One, you're getting a much more premium smartphone.

Comparing the Moto G to the Moto X makes it fairly obvious that compromises have to be made in order to justify a price tag of $179 unlocked and free of any contract. The sacrifices made in texture, camera, and connectivity options make the Moto X a better phone. Still, that doesn't mean it's a better phone for everyone. The Moto G manages to offer a great design and a consistent experience that rivals what's available on the Moto X. I'd still recommend the Moto X because of its 4G powers and the enhancements enabled by its sensor, but those features speak to a more plugged-in portion of society. Someone who doesn't need Active Display or take a lot of pictures can easily get by with the Moto G. That person can get by for the price of $199, free and clear of any subsidies or contractual obligations to a carrier. The value offered by this phone is unprecedented and hard to overlook.

The Moto X adds some useful, unique tricks to a fast Android smartphone that's comfortable to hold in one hand.

Before the Moto X’s official announcement, it was rumored that the US assembled smartphone would bear a price point similar to last year’s Google Nexus 4, but that certainly wasn’t the case. Instead, the Moto X was priced exactly like any other high-end smartphone out there – $200 with a 2-year contract. As we’ve come to realize, it might not have an impressive specs sheet that thunders boldly over its rival, but it’s all about its customizable design that helps it to become so unique in the space. On top of that, even though it’s not the latest version of Android it’s running, the customized one on the Moto X captures our attention for its choice of focusing on key features that we actual use on an everyday basis – not to mention it’s a simple experience too. As we know, the Google Nexus 5 bucks the trend by being sold unlocked, and without the requirement of being put into a contract of some kind. Rather, it’s sold outright for the hard-to-beat price of $349 outright – a price point that easily demolishes the full $530 cost attached to the Moto X. Better yet, not only is it cheaper from an outright basis, but it’s also packing hardware that’s newer and more befitting of a smartphone that’s twice its price point. And of course, since it’s a Nexus smartphone, it gets the added benefit of having the latest version of the platform – Android 4.4 KitKat. So let’s cut to the chase people. The Moto X is great if you want to have a phone that can stand out in public, seeing that the vast color combinations available with it help to make it stand out more than the conventional design of the Nexus 5. However, at the end of the day, we can’t forget what the Google Nexus 5 brings to the table. Not only is it’s price point super impressive, but its most up-to-date Android experience helps to justify why it’s the more prized device between the two. It just seems as though that the Moto X is overpriced in comparison to the Nexus 5 – from a specs and cost point of view, of course.

In certain key areas, like the camera and speed, the iPhone 5S comes out on top. The two phones can be closely compared in many regards, yet the iPhone tends to edge ahead in many categories. Despite that, one could easily argue that the Moto X is the better phone depending on his or her needs. Even with the many improvements to iOS 7, currently under construction and more prone to crash, I'd still rather have Android 4.2 on the Moto X because of the flexibility of preferences, ability to communicate freely between apps, and initiate hands-free commands. The feel and daily performance in most areas other than screen and camera are better. People who value choice should gravitate to the Moto X. Others who just want the basics to be done well should opt for the iPhone 5S.

The Moto X delivers a great user experience. I really enjoyed the effort and the attention to detail that went into its software and settings. Thanks to Motorola’s efforts, Google Now is closer and more useful than ever, and it feels like every Android phone should work in such an unobtrusive way. In terms of design, there are some great things like the customization options and the nice white back plate design. However, the front rim could have been better and more elegant. In many ways, I think of the Moto X as being a cousin of the Nexus 4 with which it shares a similar hardware ancestry and the (nearly) stock Android OS. For those who have not tried it for themselves, I think that the customization is ultimately what separates Moto X from the others – this is the design point that will or will not sway you.The $199 pricing of the Moto X is probably something that is going to be hotly debated by prospect buyers who are accustomed to weigh the price in relation to the hardware features. In this instance, the improvements in user experience are very tangible, but difficult to quantify. It is clear that part of the public will find it to be too expensive, especially since much more powerful handset are coming online now. On the other hand, the market has shown us that hardware isn’t the answer to everything. In fact, the iPhone 5 is slower, has a smaller screen, less memory and still sells at a premium (esp. at 32GB) if you compare feature-for-feature. If pricing is the only thing holding you back, keep an eye for price drops in the near future, if you are still unsure, it’s probably best to at least check one out for yourself: it’s definitely worth a try.

I like the Moto X. I really, really do. It's the smartest smart object I'm currently carrying on my person and I'm too used to that Active Display to calmly resume life with my DNA. That affinity, however, doesn't necessarily mean I'd buy it if given the chance. The price is just too darn high for what's on offer. In a market where phones with higher-res displays, greater storage and faster processors are a mouse click away for $199, the Moto X just can't compete. But that prognosis changes dramatically when you factor in Moto Maker. I'm almost confident that the Moto X would be a runaway hit ($199 price be damned) if Moto Maker were a standard option for all five US wireless carriers. That it isn't is troubling and, for now, only AT&T subs will have access to the NikeID-like customizations come launch. And then there are the wood-backed Moto X variants coming this Q4, the tantalizing promise of which could keep consumers from buying in now. I like where this new Motorola's going: the personalization, the few, focused user-friendly enhancements, the stellar battery life and crowdsourced design. If only its launch execution were a bit smarter like the Moto X, a bit tighter (that wood option should've been ready) and a bit more accessible (Moto Maker for all!), regardless of carrier. Motorola, let this butterfly fly free.

There really aren't too many downsides to the Moto X. The rear 10MP camera isn't at the top of its class, and the lack of storage expansion will undoubtedly turn some people off. It's also frustrating that the Moto Maker website -- which allows users to choose the color and accent hues of their phone prior to shipment -- is only available to AT&T customers. Then, there's price. At $199 on-contract, it's priced much like any other higher-end, LTE-enabled flagship phone. Yes, it's available on the Big Four (AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint), but many have argued that a $200 price point should include the most powerful internals available.

Most of the other recent flagship Android smartphones try to overpower the iPhone with their mighty specs sheet and insane amount of software features. With that in mind, we’re naturally taken by surprise with the Moto X’s decision of offering us a simpler Android experience – one that doesn’t try to throw numerous features that might be perceived as redundant. Instead, it’s an Android phone that we feel closely mimics the total experience we normally find with the iPhone. Plus, it helps that we find its unique set of software features to be more practical than anything that iOS 7 has to throw at us. Without question, the iPhone 5s is going to be the smartphone that all other smartphones will try to overcome for the next one year. Some will falter at the process, while others will succeed with great progress. Honestly though, the iPhone 5s is the benchmark device that the competition looks at – mainly because it has that trifecta of what makes a smartphone great. Specifically, that entails a superb premium construction, strong performance in all categories, and a software experience that’s purely simple. Taking a gander at their pricing, which is that usual golden on-contract price point of $200, it seems as though that the iPhone 5s delivers the vital goods to make it the superior all around performer. It’s not to say that the Moto X is by default inferior, but it just can’t compete against Apple’s pride and joy on the same level. Still, there are certain qualities of the phone that make it more appealing than the iPhone 5s. For starters, we love the customizable aspect of its design – enabling it to stand out profoundly over its rival. And then there’s the practical software features, like Touchless Control, that shows its worth over the iPhone 5s. Ultimately, what we have here are two very simple smartphones that just work. So we’ll leave it at that.

I’m going to level with you: I was pretty underwhelmed by the Moto X based on what I heard and saw at the company’s product announcement. Even my first few hours with the phone left me scratching my head, wondering why I would want this device when wonderful, higher-end, stock devices like the One and S4 Google Play Editions were available. And frankly, I was wondering why anyone would want the device considering the relatively strong options out there if you’re in the market for a $199 Android phone right now. But once I used the phone heavily, I started to come around to the Moto X in a way I hadn’t expected. The additions to the software that Motorola has made are legitimately useful and really quite impressive. They add to the experience of Android without removing what is most vital in Google’s software, unlike the competition, which seems intent on obscuring what’s already a sophisticated and beautiful operating system. If Motorola ends up producing a Google Play Edition of this phone that retains the customizable hardware and software additions like Assist and Active Notifications — this could be as good an option as the S4 or One. And the phone is nice. I mean, really nice to use. It’s a reminder that the way something is built can be as important as what it’s made of.

The Moto X isn’t necessarily what we expected when we learned of Google’s plans to reboot the Motorola brand. In some areas, like its underwhelming camera and subdued hardware design, the phone gives off a decidedly midrange vibe. In others, like its futuristic software features and best-in-class voice performance, it feels more like the high-end phone Motorola wants us to believe it is. Still, if you don’t care where your electronics are made, the price might be a little high. But if you’re looking for a phone that bears the slogan “assembled in the USA,” now you have an option. If you’re looking for more than a handful of color and customization options on your smartphone, now you’ve got hundreds. If you’ve been wondering when Google’s platform would start sprouting some of the real-world usefulness its competitors have been churning out, without the hassle of a third-party UI on top, wonder no longer. The Moto X is here, and for better or for worse, it’s “Google’s iPhone.” If you think of yourself as a “regular person” and you’re looking for the best possible Android experience at a reasonable price, without all the frills, the Moto X just became your best possible option.

The Motorola Moto X is an excellent Android smartphone, but senseless carrier neglect will make this a tough sell on T-Mobile.

The few things that set the Moto X apart from other smartphones have nothing to do with the hardware at all. The Touchless Control feature will sure delight many people who've so far shied away from using their voices to interact with electronics gadgets. The Active Display brings notifications to the forefront in a way that's not intrusive but still manages to save power. Moto Assist can figure out when you're driving and will make sure you're not doing things with your phone that you perhaps shouldn't do behind the wheel. These three features may sound like minor upgrades or tweaks, but they have a profound impact on how people will use the Moto X on a day-to-day basis. As far as the hardware goes, the off-the-shelf black and white models are fine, if unexciting. The customizable colors should prove popular with Sprint customers once they become available. The screen may not be a full HD panel, but it still looks good. The wireless performance was quite good, and the Moto X is a good voice phone. Battery life was decent with just 3G, but might suffer a bit with 4G. The camera and video camera both do OK, but don't match the quality competing devices. The Moto X is being sold for $199 with a contract. That's the same price as the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Apple iPhone 5s. All three of these competitors have better hardware specs, and perhaps some superior individual features here and there. What does the Motorola Moto X have that they don't? A personality.

You have probably noticed by now, that the Moto X has no chance of matching its rivals in a hardware for your buck fight. It's nowhere near as impressive in terms of internal hardware as its price tag suggests and things will only get worse in a couple of months when the Snapdragon 800 monster army arrives. However the superior ergonomics, the unrivaled customization and the cool exclusive features still give the Motorola Moto X a lifeline. It now remains to be seen whether or not there will be enough AT&T subscribers who value those enough to pay the premium and turn the Moto X into a success.

The Moto X adds some useful, unique tricks to a fast Android smartphone that's comfortable to hold in one hand.

So which is the better smartphone if you’re looking to spend $200 on-contract, the Motorola DROID Ultra or the Motorola Moto X? When it comes right down to it, they are equal in many respects, such as the software features, processing performance, internal storage, camera, and call quality. Even though the DROID Ultra is made out of Kevlar and comes with a slightly larger display, we actually prefer the Moto X overall, as it has a more natural feel allowing it to fit more comfortably in our hand – not to mentioned that it’s made right here in the USA. Also with the Moto Maker coming to Verizon later this year, it will be an added bonus to create your own custom colored phone.

When the dust settles, it’s almost hard not to talk about the specs superiority of the LG G2, especially when the two flagship devices start at $200 on-contract. For the money and all, there’s no denying you get the most bang for the buck with the LG G2 – it’s simply a specs beast, donning all the latest hardware gear to make the geek in us squeal with joy! Performance wise, it’s also more than capable of showing us why it’s one of the snappiest devices out right now. Although it won’t impress people by looking at its specs sheet, the Moto X is still an Android smartphone to think about. First and foremost, the customizable aspect of its design is something that no other device offers – so it’s unique in that aspect. Secondly, the hardware in it isn’t the most intimating, but it’s not trying to be because it shows us that you don’t need the most cutting-edge hardware to run smoothly. And finally, it’s the kind of Android phone that’s simple to use and operate.

AT&T's Moto X is the best version of a very good phone, thanks to the Moto Maker customization options.

It might have a head start, but the Nokia Lumia 1020’s $300 on-contract starting price point is still tough to swallow – you’ll save a cool $100 picking up the base mode of the Moto X for $200 on-contract. Putting things into perspective, the biggest thing going for the Lumia 1020 is its superior 41-megapixel PureView camera, which is still unrivaled in the photo and video taking departments. Although it doesn’t make drastic strides in one particular category, the Moto X manages to capture our attention for its balanced performance and offerings. It still takes some sharp looking photos and videos to contend admirably, but when we take into consideration the practical enhancements found with its customized Android experience, it really makes us gravitate to its worth over what the Lumia 1020 has on the table with its Windows Phone 8 experience. To top it off even more, Android as a whole has a deeper ecosystem than Windows Phone 8.