AnandTech: Moto X (second generation) Review

[Ry]

AnandTech | The New Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) Review

At best, the new Moto X is equal to its peers. For those that strongly value the concerns I’ve talked about will likely find the new Moto X to fall short of its peers. However, those that strongly value software, design, and software support may find the new Moto X to be right for them.

 

[Ry]

Some key points:

Re: Moto Voice (Touchless Controls)

First, we see the ability to assign new keywords other than “Ok Google Now”, which is nice. I’m not really sure how this is enabled, as based upon some digging Motorola is still using a TI C55x DSP to enable low power hotword detection.

Re: Moto Display (Active Display)

If I’m honest, I’m not really completely sure how this new feature is implemented either. TI’s MSP430 is gone, and the part that seems to take its place is an STM401 sensor processor, which could be the solution used to enable Moto Display and also acts as a sensor hub. I'm not really sure what drove a change, but it's possible that the MSP430 limited feature expansion.

 

[oldDummy]

In my view he basically trashed it.
Makes one wonder how the new iPhone will do......
That is where there might be a problem.

 

[cgardnervt]

In my view he basically trashed it.
Makes one wonder how the new iPhone will do......
That is where there might be a problem.

Guess I will see if this review is right when the device gets here next month!

 

[Ry]

AnandTech | The New Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) Review

While the new Moto X doesn't quite top the previous Moto X in random write speeds, it's unlikely that the storage solution is worse. I found that the data and system partitions now use ext4, which means that the performance gains we saw with f2fs are gone. I'm not sure why Motorola decided to change back to ext4 given the performance gains that come with f2fs, but possible reasons include unforeseen conditions where f2fs could result in data loss compared to ext4 or difficulties in integrating f2fs support on Android. At any rate, the new Moto X is one of the best performers in this category, which should keep performance high after a year or two of use.

 

[delrey1900]

It's a good read. Very technical. I do like the picture comparisons though.

 

[Citizen Coyote]

A fairly critical review, and for how technical it gets the author injects a fair amount of his own curious bias. His preference to using his smartwatch over Moto Voice stood out in particular, since just about every other tech reviewer I've read who has looked at smart watches has the opposite reaction. He also makes no mention of the "value" prospect, comparing the X to its peers in a price vacuum. It has lots of good information though, and includes stuff that other reviews have glossed over or completely ignored.

The takeaway will vary on how you feel about the X prior to reading the review. For me, pretty much everything he pointed out as good or bad I already knew, so this was merely confirmation that the X is a great buy with a few caveats, just like any smartphone currently available. For someone who is down on the X for whatever reason, they'll find plenty of additional ammo for internet arguments.

 

[delrey1900]

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/moto-x-review-i-freaking-love-this-phone-97575964474.html

Another quick review. They liked the screen a lot and the software. Some camera comparo shots with the S5.

 

[oscarnyc]

The takeaway will vary on how you feel about the X prior to reading the review.

Truer words have never been spoken.

The one thing I was interested in were the battery tests, and I was happy with what I read. Because of the better antennas, I'll get similar life on LTE to what I get on wifi with my current X. That will get me through the day, which I can't now.
Now it's just down to how comfortable it is and whether I can feasibly use it with one hand when needed.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[John Doe86]

I've read that review, and it was fairly disappointing (to a first-gen Moto X owner). Most particularly, the mediocre battery life, which is not significantly better (and in some case it's actually worse) than the battery on first-gen Moto X... And the Motorola seems to be not giving proper attention to the camera - while the new sensor is a definite improvement it's still not a match (in terms of actual picture quality, not just specs) to other flagship models. Which is again, somewhat disappointing. Oh well, I'm sure many people will be satisfied with it (which is perfectly fine), personally I'll hold on to my first-gen Moto X a little bit longer and see what new Nexus and Xperia devices will bring.

 

[SteveISU]

How does a company who made the droid max "F" up the battery so bad 2yrs in a row?

 

[Eden Xu]

Damn, after this review I'm actually glad that I held off purchasing one yesterday...

 

[Jonathan Lin1]

How does a company who made the droid max "F" up the battery so bad 2yrs in a row?

How many hours did you get out of last year's moto x?

 

[SteveISU]

How many hours did you get out of last year's moto x?

10-12 if I was lucky.

 

[John Doe86]

10-12 if I was lucky.

That's actually not bad. I got less when I tried to play games while waiting for someone, or when using Moto X as hotspot during power outages.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Damn, after this review I'm actually glad that I held off purchasing one yesterday...

Same here.

There's no way to spin it -- Motorola misstepped here with the battery life. Everyone keeps commending that they are offering more in terms of bigger screen, etc., but in many of those tests, the new X actually does worse than the old X. This is not something to be commended. They could have, and arguably should have, made the battery bigger to put aside any doubt that this was an upgrade. The new Moto X should do better on all fronts, not just on some fronts. Those who find it acceptable, no one's trying to change their mind. But those who don't find it acceptable, this can only be viewed as a big strike against Motorola.

It's a damn shame because I was really looking forward to upgrading from my Nexus 5 to this.

Add in the mixed camera results/reviews (another sore spot of the original Moto X that seems to also only have been moderately improved) and suddenly this device isn't so desirable anymore. The comparison photos show the new Moto X's stills to be washed out and dull. Again, for shame.

Value compared to the competitor's prices or not, I'm not going to drop $500 for a phone that I know will have such shortcomings. Shortcomings that Motorola should have known to do better. Motorola's decision with the new MX makes my decision to pass on it easier. And with Anandtech's authoritative review, it seals it.

 

[Jonathan Lin1]

10-12 if I was lucky.

Mmm not bad. my current nexus 4 gets like 2 hour of screen time before dying... I'm hoping i can get 3 hour of screen time on new moto x before it dies.

 

[anon(464338)]

I'm not taking pics that need to be the best so I don't need the best camara on my phone. I also live around power so I can plug it in when needed. Or get a power pack if not. The features of the phone out weight the minuses to me. Can't wait to get this phone. Its the best out imo right now. Sorry it disappointed some but not me by far!

Posted via Android Central App

 

[delrey1900]

Same here.

There's no way to spin it -- Motorola misstepped here with the battery life. Everyone keeps commending that they are offering more in terms of bigger screen, etc., but in many of those tests, the new X actually does worse than the old X. This is not something to be commended. They could have, and arguably should have, made the battery bigger to put aside any doubt that this was an upgrade. The new Moto X should do better on all fronts, not just on some fronts. Those who find it acceptable, no one's trying to change their mind. But those who don't find it acceptable, this can only be viewed as a big strike against Motorola.

It's a damn shame because I was really looking forward to upgrading from my Nexus 5 to this.

Add in the mixed camera results/reviews (another sore spot of the original Moto X that seems to also only have been moderately improved) and suddenly this device isn't so desirable anymore. The comparison photos show the new Moto X's stills to be washed out and dull. Again, for shame.

Value compared to the competitor's prices or not, I'm not going to drop $500 for a phone that I know will have such shortcomings. Shortcomings that Motorola should have known to do better. Motorola's decision with the new MX makes my decision to pass on it easier. And with Anandtech's authoritative review, it seals it.

It seems you just summed up what Ry quoted with this post. I see your points and concerns. I am curious though, what other phones, if any, are you considering instead?

 

[Vaas]

I found the review very critical of Moto X but not really highlighting what makes it so good. Yes, there are concerns with the battery but it should last you a day and there is also the quick charge ability. Moto also has key chain mini battery if needed. The camera is an improvement but most of us already know it will not stand up to the higher end cameras. What about the software and other features, he touches on but seem lacking to me. I have also not read anywhere else that there are stability problems with the ROM.