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Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
...


8.2/10
Informr score
The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) currently has an Informr score of 8.2 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 56 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Improved photo quality
  • Good battery life
  • Decent performance during everyday tasks
  • Good overall screen sharpness

What's bad

  • Internal storage limited to 8GB
  • Processor cannot handle graphics-intensive games
  • Tinny sounding speakers

The Moto G 2014 is Motorola's follow-up to their highly successful budget smartphone – the Moto G. Despite sharing the same name, the Moto G 2014 comes with some new upgrades, most noticeably a larger screen. The 5-inch display retains the same 720p resolution, which drops the pixel density to 294ppi. Although not up to par with retina displays, reviewers were satisfied with its overall sharpness though they add that they display doesn't have the best viewing angles and contrast. Still, Ars Technica notes, "The screen is great for the price…"

Besides the larger screen, the Moto G 2014's design doesn't differ too much from its predecessor. It retains the same plastic chassis, interchangeable shells and slightly arched back cover. While slightly wider and taller, the Moto G 2014 offers the same 0.4 inch thickness as the original and is a tad heavier at 149 grams. The speakers, however, have moved from the back of the phone to the front. When reviewers compare the speakers to the previous version, they notice a jump in volume but describe the sound quality as "tinny." PC Advisors adds, "They're not great for music, but when playing games and watching videos…you'll appreciate both the stereo separation and decent quality."

The new Moto G sports a fairly basic spec sheet: a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 2070 mAh battery. It isn't going to win any performance awards, but critics found it suitable enough for everyday tasks like browsing the web, playing casual games and checking emails. They do warn that it isn't capable of handling graphics or processor intensive games or apps. Due in part to the lower less powerful processor, reviewers note that the 2070 mAh battery can provide a solid one day's worth of juice during moderate usage. Internal storage is limited to 8GB though the phone does come with a microSD slot.

Besides the screen, the other big upgrade for the Moto G 2014 is the camera. Instead of a 5MP snapper, Motorola has increased the camera's resolution to 8MP. In comparison to the previous version, critics note huge improvements with color reproduction, low and indoor images and details.

Although Motorola doesn't really stray too far from the original formula, critics still recommend it as an excellent budget phone choice. Phone Arena states, "The handset screams value from every face." ZDNet adds, "As far as the new Moto G is concerned…we see no reason why it shouldn't continue the success of its predecessor."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2070 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

While not quite matching the raw performance of the Asus Zenfone 5, Motorola's latest effort is still a contender thanks to its features and software. The 16GB versions of both phones are priced at Rs. 12,999, but there's an 8GB Zenfone 5 option if you need to save a little money. For us, the choice...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Beta News
Beta News

Topping the original Moto G is a big ask -- this was the handset that disrupted a notoriously competitive market and catapulted Motorola back under the global spotlight.However, the 2014 edition isn't so much a "topper" but a rather delicious "topping". The lack of 4G combined with the lack of proce...

- Alysia Judge, Beta News
Reviewed
Reviewed

You don’t have to search long to uncover the Moto G’s shortcomings, but if you meet them in the middle, it’s easier to embrace the phone for what it is. It’s not the market-changer like its 2014 predecessor, but that’s only because it’s upholding its predecessor&r...

- Michael Desjardin, Reviewed
AndroidPIT
AndroidPIT

Two years ago, the Moto G was the best budget handset around, offering a good screen size and a quad-core Snapdragon 410 chipset that were ahead of its time for the price. Six months ago, the Moto G (2014) kept the same internals, while increasing the screen size to still feel like a great budget op...

- Robert Zak, AndroidPIT
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

The Moto G 4G 2015 edition it is a great device, at a decent price, with a great display, a Micro SD and some front facing speakers and a pretty decent rear camera. Yes it would be an amazing device with just a little bit more internal memory, but that would cost more. The spec difference between th...

- Jp_hero, Coolsmartphone


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Motorola backs up the Moto G (2nd Gen) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Moto G (2nd Gen) has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)'s screen size is 5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8226 Quad core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8/16 GB

Internal memory is 8/16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2070mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2070 mAh battery. Motorola's performance ratings are 16.7 days standby time, 780 minutes, 432 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Moto G (2nd Gen) Specs

Overview
Release Date September 5, 2014
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8226 Quad core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 8/16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.52 W/kg
Body: 0.894 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, BPP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama, Burst shot, HDR
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 294 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2070 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 365 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 432 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 780 minutes
Standby Time Up to 16.7 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.2 x 7.1 x 1.1 cm (5.6 x 2.8 x 0.4 in)
Weight 149 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Motorola Moto G (2014), Moto G2

Variants

- Dual-SIM model with 8/16 GB of storage.

- Dual-SIM model with Digital TV with 16 GB of storage
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) Reviews
Where to buy Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)
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