The Moto X 2015 is official and Motorola is calling the device Moto X Pure Edition, which is exclusive for U.S. buyers, while elsewhere in the world it will be marketed as the Moto X Style. As expected, the near-stock Android flagship will come out way ahead of the Google Nexus 2015 release date.
In fact, the new Moto X is readily available from Amazon and Best Buy while its maker, Motorola, is also taking online orders. Now the big question: How is the Moto X 2015 compared to the Nexus 2015?
Spec-wise, the device is impressive enough. The front panel sprawls at 5.7-inch with a 1440p screen resolution. The Moto X comes to life thanks to a 1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 chip that is tapped to 3GB of RAM. The basic storage is 16GB with option to expand.
As of now there is nothing concrete to compare with the Nexus 2015 though this Google device is expected to out-spec the latest Moto X, at least on paper. But there are key Moto X specs and features that could convince Android fans to make a buy decision now and skip the upcoming Nexus altogether.
Nine of them are outlined below:
Upgraded camera
The Moto X 2015, according to Motorola, is designed to become one the best smartphone camera in the world and the apparently the aim hit its target. An advanced review from camera expert DxOMark listed the new Moto X as one of the three top performing phone shooters in the world, bested only by Samsung's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 4, The Verge reported.
The Moto X Pure Edition also adjudged as better than the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which many experts regarded as the best camera phone in 2014. The Nexus 6 was not found anywhere near the elite circle and it's highly unlikely that the Nexus this year will present a different story.
Vanilla Android
In the U.S., Motorola has decided to sell the Moto X Pure Edition, which means two things - the device runs on the latest and native build of Androids plus it is on the priority list for firmware updates. Out of the box, the new Moto flagship will have Android 5.1.1 Lollipop but will surely chew in Android M once it becomes available.
Wide array of customization
The latest Moto X is subject for nearly unlimited customization tweaks via Moto Make. Ars Technica said that personalization options available to buyers will make the Moto X Style suitable to users of all ages and personality. Obviously, this is one perk not available to Nexus device users.
Universal LTE
The LTE chip deployed with the Moto X is universally compatible, meaning it will work on all LTE network standards. This translates to superfast wireless Internet access for users anywhere the Moto X is available.
Water repellent
The Moto X Style may not be fully water-proofed but it is capable of withstanding water spills. It's a different story if the device is dunked underwater for extended period. Regardless, the Nexus 2015 having the same feature is highly doubtful.
Memory expansion
The starting built-in memory of the new Moto X is 16GB, which no doubt is claustrophobic by 2015 standard but Motorola compensates by designing the device with a microSD slot. This one feature will surely be missed by Nexus 2015 buyers.
Battery and charging
The 3000mAh battery packed with the device is more than decent but Motorola is not stopping there. To ensure that users enjoy long operating hours and charging convenience at the same, the latest Moto X is laced with Turbo Charging that will make the flagship phone recharge its power juice two times faster than the Galaxy S6, Ars Technica said.
Always on
From the original to the third Moto X instalment, the Always on has been a mainstay feature and expectedly enhanced with the latest build. The inclusion of natural language processor ensures that the devices responds to voice commands while the strategic placement of IR sensors around the Moto X will activate it by mere hand gestures.
Accessible price
The Moto X Pure Edition or Style is ready to take home for only $400, which is a snatch considering the premium package that the device is. As for the Google Nexus 2015, it said to carry a lower than $500 sticker price on release date but it remains unconfirmed.