Motorola Moto G (2014) Pro Reviews

The 2014 Motorola Moto G doesn't flatten last year's model in every respect. It's bigger and less comfortable to hold but a much-improved camera and larger screen make it a worthwhile update.

This is absolutely the best mid-range smartphone you can buy at a decidedly low-tier price.

As far as I see it, the updates to the Moto G are enough to keep it as my recommended budget smartphone. Motorola brings a lot of value to the table for the low price of $179, and even though there are still some downsides to the device, it’s undoubtedly a great buy.

In looking at their specs sheet, there aren’t a whole lot of changes to the new model. Heck, it features the same processor and battery capacity as its sibling, but it comes in a larger package. Quite simply, that’s going to be the differentiator when looking at these two, since the new Moto G is equipped with a more spacious 5-inch screen – in comparison to the original’s 4.5-inch one. Sure, there are also other reasons why you ought to choose the newer model, like the fact that it has a microSD card slot, dual speakers, and better call quality, but for some folks, the humbler performance and offerings of the 2013-made Moto G are enough to keep them content.

Do you really want a Moto X but hoping the Moto G would suffice? Then, no, you shouldn’t. I would even be hard-pressed to recommend this over the Nexus 5 as LG’s Google device comes with a faster processor in a slim package. But the Moto G is incredibly cheap, and within that frame of mind, there’s no reason this phone should be this good. If you’re moving down the smartphone ladder from a previous flagship to the Moto G, you might notice its sluggish performance in some spots, but you'll still be satisfied using it as a temp until that next bank-destroying handset comes along. If you’re moving up from an even cheaper phone, updating from a 3- or 4-year-old flagship, or finally ditching that flip phone, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.

After playing around with the new Moto G, there’s no hiding who is the target audience that Motorola is trying to cater to with the phone. Sporting the same $179.99 outright price as before, we’ll hand it to Motorola for keeping its cost very low and affordable. The Moto G is a simple, yet customizable designed phone that presents users with all of the core features of Android – without the redundancies of overbloated software features in tow. Therefore, if you’re looking to get something basic, preferably one that doesn’t require your signature on a contract, the Moto G is an option that you should check out. Indeed, it’s not for everyone, but for those on a pinch, it certainly gets the job done. Even though it’s not one hundred percent in all categories, the overall package, combined with its low cost, makes it a formidable option in the entry-level segment.

Motorola does it again with a top value phone - our only concerns are the ageing internals and the lack of 4G

With a bigger screen, much better speakers and improved cameras, the new Moto G is a great budget smartphone. It isn't without its rivals, but if you're specifically looking for a budget dual-SIM Android phone, it's a good choice.