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Just saw the specs for the AT&T variant over on Android Central--short of having a different camera and LTE, it's basically a Nexus 4 without the benefits of the Nexus 4 (translation--waiting for software updates as with any other carrier branded device), and likely costing more off contract. Only 16 GB of storage? Consider me much less interested now.

Not a terrible device but no reason, IMO, to consider this over current (or recent) flagship devices.

As long as the build quality is good and the price is right, I'm still interested. I don't like any of the current flagships.
 
If this is $199 on contract, there is no reason to pick this over a GS4 or One. Outdated specs. It will sell well at a $99 price tag
 
OK, I've never owned a Galaxy S3 so wasn't immediately familiar with its specs but after taking a closer look, doesn't the Moto X basically carry the same specs? Basically same CPU, slight bump in camera, same RAM, similar batteries (2100 vs. 2200 mAh), same internal storage. Yes the Moto X doesn't have TouchWiz (a plus in my book) yet also doesn't have expandable storage and or removable battery.

Would everyone be getting this worked up over say, a freshly skinned S3?
 
OK, I've never owned a Galaxy S3 so wasn't immediately familiar with its specs but after taking a closer look, doesn't the Moto X basically carry the same specs? Basically same CPU, slight bump in camera, same RAM, similar batteries (2100 vs. 2200 mAh), same internal storage. Yes the Moto X doesn't have TouchWiz (a plus in my book) yet also doesn't have expandable storage and or removable battery.

Would everyone be getting this worked up over say, a freshly skinned S3?

Main reason I'm interested in this is it's relatively smaller size compared to Android flagships these days.
 
OK, I've never owned a Galaxy S3 so wasn't immediately familiar with its specs but after taking a closer look, doesn't the Moto X basically carry the same specs? Basically same CPU, slight bump in camera, same RAM, similar batteries (2100 vs. 2200 mAh), same internal storage. Yes the Moto X doesn't have TouchWiz (a plus in my book) yet also doesn't have expandable storage and or removable battery.

Would everyone be getting this worked up over say, a freshly skinned S3?


There's many things to be excited about. You've hit on one of them already.

-Near stock experience, and 4.2.2 out of the box.

-Potential for earlier updates. Motorola = Google. Why not? Especially if bought unlocked and carrier-free.

-Potentially lower unlocked price point sold from Google Play. How low can it go, is the question.

-It's prettier. Much prettier.

-Kevlar back. No cheap plastic -- a huge complaint of the Galaxy S series.

-Better camera and lens with that whole clear pixel thing (I'm wary of this given the overly hyped "Ultrapixel").

-I thought it has 2 GB of RAM? The S3 came with 2GB of RAM?!

-Smaller screen with on-screen buttons (puke on physical home buttons). Almost edge to edge, too.

-Plus, I think people are just excited that this is the first Google/Motorola phone after the acquisition. It's a lot of potential and an idea of the direction the two companies (one company?) are embarking on. And it's especially exciting for the mid-range arena.
 
Main reason I'm interested in this is it's relatively smaller size compared to Android flagships these days.

Same here. If anything toying around with Z10 last couple of days has proven that for me personally 4.3-4.5" is the comfortable size for my needs :)
 
-I thought it has 2 GB of RAM? The S3 came with 2GB of RAM?!

-Smaller screen with on-screen buttons (puke on physical home buttons). Almost edge to edge, too.

The international version had 1GB RAM.

I would much prefer the same casing of the Moto X without on screen buttons. Then just use the bottom bezel for capacitive buttons. Same device size, more screen real estate. Then people can still add software buttons if they want.
 
I notice no one's mentioned yet that the profile of the device is ugly.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks so?

I feel like it is shaped that way b.c of how it will feel in hand. Also, I think it is still a little too big. I was hoping for 4.5" screen with 4.3 usable screen.
 
There's many things to be excited about. You've hit on one of them already.

-Near stock experience, and 4.2.2 out of the box.

-Potential for earlier updates. Motorola = Google. Why not? Especially if bought unlocked and carrier-free.

-Potentially lower unlocked price point sold from Google Play. How low can it go, is the question.

-It's prettier. Much prettier.

-Kevlar back. No cheap plastic -- a huge complaint of the Galaxy S series.

-Better camera and lens with that whole clear pixel thing (I'm wary of this given the overly hyped "Ultrapixel").

-I thought it has 2 GB of RAM? The S3 came with 2GB of RAM?!

-Smaller screen with on-screen buttons (puke on physical home buttons). Almost edge to edge, too.

-Plus, I think people are just excited that this is the first Google/Motorola phone after the acquisition. It's a lot of potential and an idea of the direction the two companies (one company?) are embarking on. And it's especially exciting for the mid-range arena.

Oh, I understand there are differences and like many, I'm curious to see the direction Google/Motorola are headed but when you boil it down, they're really not that different and we're talking about a 1+ year old device.

- .1" smaller screen size is insignificant. On screen buttons--purely subjective preference. I prefer 'em as well but many don't.

- US versions of S3 had 2 GB RAM

- Prettier??? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally don't like the looks of recent Samsung offerings but have seen plenty of others who disagree. I also don't find the Moto X particularly stunning and am not sure about the hump along the rear spine.

- Price. Color me incredibly skeptical on this front. The only devices the have broken the typical pricing scheme are the Nexus (off contract) and I'm personally not getting a 'budget' vibe from all the leaks/rumors/speculation--certainly hope I'm wrong. I don't see Moto positioning themselves as the 'affordable' brand, just my opinion.

- Updates. Again, completely dependent upon there being an unlocked version available via Google Play. I'd guess most versions of the Moto X will be carrier branded and they're going to be subjected to the same problems we see on all carrier branded phones.

I'm sorry but I just think many of you are being blindly optimistic about this device--"if it has XYZ features, AND it gets quick updates, AND is only cost $X, then it'll be awesome!" Where's the precedent to expect all of this to actually happen, especially with Moto? When was the last time the stars aligned to give us everything we hoped for in a device? Heck, the jubilation over the GPE versions of the One and S4 was squashed to a certain degree when it was revealed that Google would be responsible for the updates but rather the manufacturers.
 
Oh, I understand there are differences and like many, I'm curious to see the direction Google/Motorola are headed but when you boil it down, they're really not that different and we're talking about a 1+ year old device.

- .1" smaller screen size is insignificant. On screen buttons--purely subjective preference. I prefer 'em as well but many don't.

- US versions of S3 had 2 GB RAM

- Prettier??? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally don't like the looks of recent Samsung offerings but have seen plenty of others who disagree. I also don't find the Moto X particularly stunning and am not sure about the hump along the rear spine.

- Price. Color me incredibly skeptical on this front. The only devices the have broken the typical pricing scheme are the Nexus (off contract) and I'm personally not getting a 'budget' vibe from all the leaks/rumors/speculation--certainly hope I'm wrong. I don't see Moto positioning themselves as the 'affordable' brand, just my opinion.

- Updates. Again, completely dependent upon there being an unlocked version available via Google Play. I'd guess most versions of the Moto X will be carrier branded and they're going to be subjected to the same problems we see on all carrier branded phones.

I'm sorry but I just think many of you are being blindly optimistic about this device--"if it has XYZ features, AND it gets quick updates, AND is only cost $X, then it'll be awesome!" Where's the precedent to expect all of this to actually happen, especially with Moto? When was the last time the stars aligned to give us everything we hoped for in a device? Heck, the jubilation over the GPE versions of the One and S4 was squashed to a certain degree when it was revealed that Google would be responsible for the updates but rather the manufacturers.

Fair points, but I don't think you understand what the Moto X is trying to do. Maybe none of us do. Not until August 1st.

Anyone who is hailing the Moto X as this be all and end all super phone will, indeed, be disappointed. But that's really their own fault.

What's wrong with speculating and hoping based on rumors, anyway? What's wrong with saying "if it has this and that it'll be awesome"? People getting their hopes too high -- that's really their own problem. We're on a rumors site discussing rumors.

I, myself, have said I can't foresee myself trading in my HTC One for this. Just that this is exciting.

----------

- US versions of S3 had 2 GB RAM

Yeah, I completely forgot that the US versions got 2GB RAM. However, 2GB of RAM running TouchWiz, I think, is different from 2GB of RAM running near-stock, almost unskinned version of Android.

At least I would hope so!

Regarding your other points, I was simply answering your question on the differences of the S3. You seem to think there aren't that many.
 
Heck, the jubilation over the GPE versions of the One and S4 was squashed to a certain degree when it was revealed that Google would be responsible for the updates but rather the manufacturers.

I was worried about this too. What eased my fear was watching the Google keynote where the S4 GPE was announced. He specifically says "This is Googles take on Android" and that the "It will receive updates promptly with every Android platform update".

I hope he didn't lie to me. But with the builds already leaking or spotted for the GPE editions that is a great sign that Samsung and HTC will be ready once Google makes 4.3 available.
 
OK, I've never owned a Galaxy S3 so wasn't immediately familiar with its specs but after taking a closer look, doesn't the Moto X basically carry the same specs? Basically same CPU, slight bump in camera, same RAM, similar batteries (2100 vs. 2200 mAh), same internal storage. Yes the Moto X doesn't have TouchWiz (a plus in my book) yet also doesn't have expandable storage and or removable battery.

Would everyone be getting this worked up over say, a freshly skinned S3?

I've bought or considered every flagship Android phone that has been released in the last three years. So far, I've returned every Android phone I've ever bought within 14 days and went back to the iPhone. My last purchase and return was the GS4. Maybe the Moto X will turn out to be my next return, but right now it is the only device on the horizon that I'd consider buying.

I have no idea what the specs are of my iPhone 5. I'd have to look it up to tell anyone. I don't even care what the specs are of my phone as long as it meets my specific needs. I switched from Mac to Windows earlier this year, and I've been ready for a while to move on from iOS, but there are specific things that I'm looking for in a phone to make the move. The Nexus 4 came very very close, but there were a few things I couldn't accept. That is why I'm anxiously awaiting August 1.
 
I've seen a lot of people post about how the rumored specs of this will warrant a $200-$300 price off contract. But then on Engadget I saw a review of the GS4 Mini.

The Mini has half the amount of storage, smaller screen, worse resolution, smaller battery, worse camera, worse CPU, worse GPU, and less RAM. Yet it is $520 off contract.

Motorola needs to make money just like everyone else. It is just unrealistic to expect Nexus 4 prices on the Moto X.
 
Let me be clear, I'm not trying to disparage anyone off the Moto X. I'm as hopeful as anyone that we're going to be introduced to something different than we've seen in the past. I guess I've just seen too much over promising and under delivering (Apple, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, even Google) in the past to immediately believe THIS time will be different. I guess just I'm taking the conservative approach on this and expecting the worse, hoping for the best.

Nobody would be happier to be mistaken than me, so here's hoping I'm way off target. ;)
 
I've seen a lot of people post about how the rumored specs of this will warrant a $200-$300 price off contract. But then on Engadget I saw a review of the GS4 Mini.

The Mini has half the amount of storage, smaller screen, worse resolution, smaller battery, worse camera, worse CPU, worse GPU, and less RAM. Yet it is $520 off contract.

Motorola needs to make money just like everyone else. It is just unrealistic to expect Nexus 4 prices on the Moto X.

The difference is that samsung can afford to do that. If Motorola tries that the phone will be dead from the get go. $450 is the max this phones needs to be in order to succeed
 
The difference is that samsung can afford to do that. If Motorola tries that the phone will be dead from the get go. $450 is the max this phones needs to be in order to succeed

No it wouldn't. Most people go to a carrier to buy their phone. Meaning they pay carrier subsidized prices. A price like the GS4 Mini would mean $100 on contract, which to the average buyer is very cheap.

The iPhone 5 is $200 on contract and $650 off. A price of $450 off contract would mean it could be free on contract. And I highly doubt the Moto X will be free on contract.

But we don't have much longer to wait. My guess is that it will be more than $450 off contract. We will see who is right :D
 
Let me be clear, I'm not trying to disparage anyone off the Moto X. I'm as hopeful as anyone that we're going to be introduced to something different than we've seen in the past. I guess I've just seen too much over promising and under delivering (Apple, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, even Google) in the past to immediately believe THIS time will be different. I guess just I'm taking the conservative approach on this and expecting the worse, hoping for the best.

Nobody would be happier to be mistaken than me, so here's hoping I'm way off target. ;)


And I would actually agree. I made a post earlier saying something along the lines of "once again, Google is in a position to knock it out of the park with a one-two punch (Nexus 7 and Moto X)." In that same post, I went on to express wary and concern given Google's past history (with specs, launches, etc.).

So I feel you, too.
 
I've seen a lot of people post about how the rumored specs of this will warrant a $200-$300 price off contract. But then on Engadget I saw a review of the GS4 Mini.

The Mini has half the amount of storage, smaller screen, worse resolution, smaller battery, worse camera, worse CPU, worse GPU, and less RAM. Yet it is $520 off contract.

Motorola needs to make money just like everyone else. It is just unrealistic to expect Nexus 4 prices on the Moto X.

Let me be clear, I'm not trying to disparage anyone off the Moto X. I'm as hopeful as anyone that we're going to be introduced to something different than we've seen in the past. I guess I've just seen too much over promising and under delivering (Apple, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, even Google) in the past to immediately believe THIS time will be different. I guess just I'm taking the conservative approach on this and expecting the worse, hoping for the best.

Nobody would be happier to be mistaken than me, so here's hoping I'm way off target. ;)

My expectation at this point is for it to be between $400 and $500 off contract. That seems reasonable to me. My hope is that it is closer to $400, but I'd be surprised if it was higher or lower than that range. They want to make money but they also want people to actually consider it when compared to the competition.

It seems that right now the tech sites are downplaying it based on specs. I hope that attitude changes once it is released. In this thread people are asking why they should buy it instead of another phone. Even if it is priced right, people will still have to be convinced to buy it. I think what will really make or break this phone is the marketing.
 
My expectation at this point is for it to be between $400 and $500 off contract. That seems reasonable to me. My hope is that it is closer to $400, but I'd be surprised if it was higher or lower than that range. They want to make money but they also want people to actually consider it when compared to the competition.

It seems that right now the tech sites are downplaying it based on specs. I hope that attitude changes once it is released. In this thread people are asking why they should buy it instead of another phone. Even if it is priced right, people will still have to be convinced to buy it. I think what will really make or break this phone is the marketing.

I have to agree with appledes7 on this one. I'd guess >90% (maybe higher) of US customers buy their phones on contract--show them a $399-$499 off contract phone and they'll quickly ask to take a look at the cheaper on contract devices. There is no way carriers could sell this phone for $199 if retail was only $400. AT&T is still selling the Galaxy S3 for $465 full retail, $99 on a 2 year contract. If you think the Moto X will be priced lower or equal to that, I fear you're going to be sorely disappointed.
 
I have to agree with appledes7 on this one. I'd guess >90% (maybe higher) of US customers buy their phones on contract--show them a $399-$499 off contract phone and they'll quickly ask to take a look at the cheaper on contract devices. There is no way carriers could sell this phone for $199 if retail was only $400. AT&T is still selling the Galaxy S3 for $465 full retail, $99 on a 2 year contract. If you think the Moto X will be priced lower or equal to that, I fear you're going to be sorely disappointed.

The new Droids are going to be announced tomorrow. If they price them the same as last year, that will put the Droid Mini, Ultra, and Maxx at $99, $199, and $299, respectively. I expect the Moto X to be between $99 and $199. I don't think that is an unreasonable expectation.

There is still one big part of the equation that is unknown. We know that it will be customizable, but we don't know how you do so. If you have to order directly from Motorola/Google in order to customize it, perhaps it will be cheaper when ordering it that way while still being priced like a flagship on the carriers.

I won't be disappointed regardless because I'll pay whatever they charge for it.

Edit: Oh, and I think that off-contract pricing is important. I bet that starting next month AT&T and Verizon are going to be pushing their new plans to compete with T-Mobile. If that is the case, then people will be looking more closely at the off-contract price. While those of us who add it up know that it isn't a good deal, when people are told at the store that they can get a new phone every year, and not have to make a down payment, they might just go for it.
 
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