Two years ago Rpeublic Wireless rocked the headlines with its unlimited smartphone plan for only $20 a month. Sadly their phones were medicore at best and didn't meet the standards of many potential (including me) customers. Fast forward to earlier this fall Republic once again topped the tech sites and brought on flocks of customers waiting eagerly for there new Moto. I have had my phone since the seat after launch and I'm here to answer the biggest question. Is it worth it?
Purchase Experience:
After seemingly years after Republic first announced the Moto I received the email: The Moto was available to purchase. I tried purchasing later that evening but the site was down so I had to impatiently wait to try again the next morning. Other then that the purchase was peachy. I got my Moto (and a short!) the next Thursday.
The Phone:
Screen: The screen is spectacular. Besides its relatively low resalution (that you can't even notice) it easily passed my screen test. I was/am mostly upgraded with the black's. They really are black, in a dark room I can't see where the screen ends and the begins. Yes, it's that good.
Performance: The Moto is also good in this respect. I was a little worried with its ageing processor on how it would perform but I am impressed. It's smoothly moves through homescreens and apps load quickly. It easily tackles any game I throw at it including Shadowgun: Deadzone and Riptide GP 2.
Active Notifications: I love this. You have no idea how much you hate pushing a power button to see the time before you get this phone. I'm not even kidding. Also a gently pulsing icon saying that I have a text can early catch my attention. I do have one problem that makes the screen flash red after the time pulses off but Republic is sending me a replcacement.
Touchless Controls: This is by far the most dissapointing aspect of this phones. I expected amazing and I got subpar in response. The Moto can't here me when it's in my pocket but it can here random people in fancy places *cough* Mcdonalds *cough*. I also just don't see the point of it so I have it turned off.
Camera: Both of the cameras are spectacular for the occasional Snapchat selfie and Instagram pics. The flick to open camera feature gets used every day. I only wish it was available for other camera.
The Service:
Customer Service: Not much to say about this. On Facebook they quickly sneer questions. On their request area place thingy on the site the answer usually within three days. They also are sending me a replacement phone becuase of my Active Display problem.
Phone Service: In small town Minnesota I have better service than I've had with either Tmobile and AT&T. 3G speeds are plenty fast for occasional web browsing just don't try streaming videos or music.
WiFi Technology: Everything works great. Switching between cell and WiFi is seamless on both ends and texts never fail to go through. I'm pretty happy about the added MMS support with all major carriers.
The Bottom Line:
If you are 99% of America I'd say to get this phone and plan. If you need texts that include shortcode or can't stand Sprints coverage then skip. The phone is great, the WiFi hybrid technology is great,, and the Facebook managers have a sense of humor. I'm paying $10 a month for unlimited talk and text. That's a steal of a deal.
Purchase Experience:
After seemingly years after Republic first announced the Moto I received the email: The Moto was available to purchase. I tried purchasing later that evening but the site was down so I had to impatiently wait to try again the next morning. Other then that the purchase was peachy. I got my Moto (and a short!) the next Thursday.
The Phone:
Screen: The screen is spectacular. Besides its relatively low resalution (that you can't even notice) it easily passed my screen test. I was/am mostly upgraded with the black's. They really are black, in a dark room I can't see where the screen ends and the begins. Yes, it's that good.
Performance: The Moto is also good in this respect. I was a little worried with its ageing processor on how it would perform but I am impressed. It's smoothly moves through homescreens and apps load quickly. It easily tackles any game I throw at it including Shadowgun: Deadzone and Riptide GP 2.
Active Notifications: I love this. You have no idea how much you hate pushing a power button to see the time before you get this phone. I'm not even kidding. Also a gently pulsing icon saying that I have a text can early catch my attention. I do have one problem that makes the screen flash red after the time pulses off but Republic is sending me a replcacement.
Touchless Controls: This is by far the most dissapointing aspect of this phones. I expected amazing and I got subpar in response. The Moto can't here me when it's in my pocket but it can here random people in fancy places *cough* Mcdonalds *cough*. I also just don't see the point of it so I have it turned off.
Camera: Both of the cameras are spectacular for the occasional Snapchat selfie and Instagram pics. The flick to open camera feature gets used every day. I only wish it was available for other camera.
The Service:
Customer Service: Not much to say about this. On Facebook they quickly sneer questions. On their request area place thingy on the site the answer usually within three days. They also are sending me a replacement phone becuase of my Active Display problem.
Phone Service: In small town Minnesota I have better service than I've had with either Tmobile and AT&T. 3G speeds are plenty fast for occasional web browsing just don't try streaming videos or music.
WiFi Technology: Everything works great. Switching between cell and WiFi is seamless on both ends and texts never fail to go through. I'm pretty happy about the added MMS support with all major carriers.
The Bottom Line:
If you are 99% of America I'd say to get this phone and plan. If you need texts that include shortcode or can't stand Sprints coverage then skip. The phone is great, the WiFi hybrid technology is great,, and the Facebook managers have a sense of humor. I'm paying $10 a month for unlimited talk and text. That's a steal of a deal.
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