Even though I've got a shiny new phone, I'll try to answer as objectively as possible.
I have a GS3 and I'm thinking about upgrading to the Moto X. Would you consider this a major upgrade or just incremental? In other threads, people were saying it was a night and day upgrade and even compared it to going from a flip phone to a smartphone. Looking at the specs, it looks like a minor upgrade.
IMO, going from the S3 to the Moto X is an incremental upgrade. "flip phone to a smartphone"? Not even close. If you have the money to spare and are an Android device enthusiast, I think it's a justified purchase. If not, then you should wait for the next round of phones.
In a few reviews, the Moto X performs favorably alongside the S4. The S4 in some reviews is not considered a big leap from the S3. If the S4 can't eclipse the S3, how can the Moto X?
As far as on-paper specs, I agree with what most are saying in that it's not always about the numbers. My Moto X runs noticeably smoother than my S3 for day-to-day tasks.
My GS3 has terrible battery life, which is probably because I don't have a good signal at work.
When I first got my Moto X, battery life was great. Easily the "no need to charge during the day" type of phone. As of 1-2 weeks ago, something changed and I can't figure out what. Battery life is actually WORSE than my S3 under similar conditions (WiFi only, sitting idle on my desk). Motorola is talking to customers and is aggressively trying to figure this out. To be clear, the phone is still very usable on a daily basis, but I'm just not seeing the battery life I did as when I first got it. Additionally, not all Moto X owners are seeing the same mysterious battery drain issue.
I didn't like how the GS3 was so slippery so I have a case for it which makes it kind of bulky now but at least it's less likely to fall.
On a scale of 1 to 10, the form factor and feel of the Moto X is a 9. The S3 is a 5. While I use those "quicksand" polycarbonate textured cases on both phones, the Moto X in-hand feel is far superior to the S3.
Could you list some pros/cons with the Moto X compared to the GS3? Would you recommend upgrading? I've only had my GS3 for less than a year so I don't know if it's worth it.
It's tough to list the pros and cons of both phones since what's important to one user might not be that big a deal for another. Here's what I like about either phone:
S3
- usable screen real estate (larger physical display, no soft buttons)
- SD card
- removeable battery
- still very much a valid device
Moto X
- all the "hyped" features (active notifications, always listening) actually work as advertised and are surprisingly very useful
- battery life (before the latest change)
- speaker sounds a lot better
- in terms of user interface response time and overall "snappy" feel, the Moto X is a lot smoother than the S3
- form factor - the contours of the Moto X sits better in the hand without giving up much physical screen size
- support and direct Google connection. Multiple people have been complaining about battery drain that started a couple of weeks ago. Motorola support team members have personally been involved in Google+ threads and forum discussions and communicating back to Motorola engineering teams. I've never seen that with Samsung.
In summary, if you're an Android enthusiast the Moto X is a good purchase. If you're a casual user then I think you would be better off saving your money for the next generation of devices.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram