At $299, should I grab the Moto X?

[RobertB-DC]

I'm needing to replace my Samsung Relay Slider soon - in fact, I bought a Moto E last month but had to return it because of a bad screen. I had the E long enough to decide I wanted more than the absolute base model, so I was going to get a Moto G, largely because they've added an SD slot to the LTE version.

But when I got on the Motorola site, it turns out they're running a sweet $100 off deal on the Moto X. $299 for the 16GB version, if you let them send a Net10 SIM along for the ride. The phone is still unlocked, so as far as I can tell, I should be able to pitch the Net10 SIM in the trash and put in my T-Mobile SIM.

$300 for the Moto X vs. $220 for the Moto G seems like a pretty sweet deal. The only thing that has me on the fence is the SD card slot. I've got the 32GB SD card that I bought for the E staring me in the face, mocking me.

I'm really leaning toward the G at that price... and I only have until 7/16 to decide, apparently, because that's when the Net10 deal ends. Should I go for it? Or will the price on the X drop even more when the X-1 comes out? Or will I be disappointed with the 16GB of internal, non-expandable memory?

Update: I couldn't take the suspense, so I ordered the phone. So please use this thread to let me know if I made a mistake! (There's always the 14-day return window...)

 

[mogelijk]

If you made a mistake, you aren't alone, as I also took advantage of the sale. I've heard that this is the XT1053 (same as the unlocked T-Mobile version), so I believe it will be a carrier free unlocked version. I also was made to feel better that it shows on the receipt that the Net10 SIM Kit is a bonus, listed the same way the Skip is.

I decided the Moto X is well worth the extra money, starting with the X8 architecture as opposed to the quad core 1.2 Ghz processor. You then have added features like Touchless control (including how it is always listening), the driving feature of Moto Assist (while the Moto G has Assist, it is missing the driving module), Active Display, and the NFC antenna (which makes the Skip work).

I can't wait to play with it, though I have to wait another week (not due until next Tuesday, the 22nd). And, as you point out, there is always the 14 day return window if we aren't satisfied.

 

[jhawkkw]

I haven't seen many people who can say they didn't like the Moto X. Only the fact that it's successor is going to be out in the next 1-3 months could be the only reason to have buyer's remorse, but it won't make the Moto X any less of a great phone.

 

[mogelijk]

I haven't seen many people who can say they didn't like the Moto X. Only the fact that it's successor is going to be out in the next 1-3 months could be the only reason to have buyer's remorse, but it won't make the Moto X any less of a great phone.

I've been seeing that, both from users here and the reviews I've looked at. I decided not to wait. I fear the new version will have a much higher price tag, both because (if rumors are true) it will compete with other high end phones with specs and that it will be priced by Lenovo rather than Google.

In my case, I really like what I know about the X and don't care that I won't have the fastest processor. My only issue is that the Moto X will have been out almost a year before I'll have it in hand. Of course, I'll hope the new version is announced before my 14 day return period ends so, if it is really great at a great price, I can still get the new phone.

 

[BigCiX]

I'd wait for the new version.

 

[doogald]

I'd wait for the new version.

That said, there's no way the new one will be $299 anytime soon.

 

[mogelijk]

I got my tracking number tonight. I hope to have the phone in hand on Saturday.

 

[Medion]

Get the Moto X. If the $100 off applies to all storage variants, then try to get the 32GB for $349 (or 64GB for $399, if you can swing it). The Moto G is nice in that it supports expandable storage, but many things ONLY use internal storage, and that roughly 5GB available storage will fill up very quickly.

Given your tolerance of lower end phones, the Moto X might last you years. Go with the 32GB model, 64GB if you can afford it, and you'll be set for a long time.

I'd wait for the new version.

Anyone considering a Moto E or G doesn't care about having the latest and greatest.

 

[mogelijk]

Get the Moto X. If the $100 off applies to all storage variants, then try to get the 32GB for $349 (or 64GB for $399, if you can swing it). The Moto G is nice in that it supports expandable storage, but many things ONLY use internal storage, and that roughly 5GB available storage will fill up very quickly.

Given your tolerance of lower end phones, the Moto X might last you years. Go with the 32GB model, 64GB if you can afford it, and you'll be set for a long time.



Anyone considering a Moto E or G doesn't care about having the latest and greatest.

Actually, the deal he was going to use has ended but has been replaced with an even better offer. The current offer requires you to use promo code "MBXISMOT" at checkout, but it appears to work with any of the non-subsidized Moto X. It gives $100 off the 16 GB phones (makes the price $299) or $125 off the 32 GB ($324) or 64 GB ($374) versions.

 

[Medion]

Actually, the deal he was going to use has ended but has been replaced with an even better offer. The current offer requires you to use promo code "MBXISMOT" at checkout, but it appears to work with any of the non-subsidized Moto X. It gives $100 off the 16 GB phones (makes the price $299) or $125 off the 32 GB ($324) or 64 GB ($374) versions.

I paid $439 due to $60 off student credit (from my wife) for the 64GB version. I think that, all things considered, the 32GB/64GB Moto X is the best phone a person can buy today, even with the newer stuff out. Obviously, there's a lot of personal preference (IE, someone who wants a larger screen). But if you can afford it, you need a new phone, and the Moto X isn't opposite your preferences in a phone, then this is a deal that someone should jump on.

 

[RobertB-DC]

Mine is here - it came Monday, but I just got back from vacation. Had to stop by T-Mobile for a $10 *nano* SIM - not the micro SIM that the E needed. Apparently, SIM cards are carrier-specific, so there was no way to repurpose the Net10 nano SIM for use in my phone.

But it's working very nicely so far... I'll know more when I go back to work tomorrow and start using it for real. I haven't really set up the bells and whistles, like the always-on "OK Google Now" (which I thought was just "OK Google"?). I wonder if it can be configured to respond to a custom activation command, so I could say something like "Arise electronic slave, and call my wife." Maybe I should just stick to the default.

 

[mogelijk]

Mine is here - it came Monday, but I just got back from vacation. Had to stop by T-Mobile for a $10 *nano* SIM - not the micro SIM that the E needed. Apparently, SIM cards are carrier-specific, so there was no way to repurpose the Net10 nano SIM for use in my phone.

But it's working very nicely so far... I'll know more when I go back to work tomorrow and start using it for real. I haven't really set up the bells and whistles, like the always-on "OK Google Now" (which I thought was just "OK Google"?). I wonder if it can be configured to respond to a custom activation command, so I could say something like "Arise electronic slave, and call my wife." Maybe I should just stick to the default.

I'm loving mine, which I also got Monday. I really like the size of the phone and how it fits in my hand, as well as being able to use the phone one handed.

I like the active display and notifications, how just lifting the phone to look at the screen (or even just bumping my desk) shows me the time and if I have notifications.

Assist is interesting; I'm trying to decide what I think about it. I set my phone to recognize when I'm home and to tell me who's calling. I'm not sure that I care for that, since my phone talks to me rather than ringing. That takes some getting used to. It is rather cool that it knows when I'm driving, though, that is a nice feature.

"OK Google" is the Google Search command, which they recently improved to work as long as the phone is on. The Moto X phrase is "OK Google Now", which works even while the phone is asleep. Additionally, the Moto X does a much better job of recognizing your voice and not responding to anyone that says the phrase.

I'm mixed on it, somewhat. It can work well and I really like how you can ask what's up. OTOH, I wish it recognized commands better; one example, I wanted to turn Google Navigation off while I was driving today; instead of turning off navigation, it did a Google Search of how to turn navigation off.

The ability to change the phrase seems to be something a lot of people want but that Motorola hasn't added. Beyond being able to have cute phrases, many people don't like how awkward "OK Google Now" is.

I'm also mixed about Moto Connect, because it doesn't always connect. It didn't work for me all day Monday and, apparently, it is an issue on Motorola's end. Connect lets you see and type text messages and who is calling from your computer through a Chrome add on. This is one case, since Motorola apparently has days like Monday where it doesn't work for several hours, where I'd be just as happy still using another app, like MightyText; though apparently Moto Connect keeps those apps from working on the Moto X.

Hope you have fun with your new phone tomorrow, would like to hear a report of what you like and/or dislike.

 

[RobertB-DC]

Quite impressed so far. Since I have T-Mobile, I'm used to crappy data rates, but the added LTE frequencies make it like going from dialup to DSL. And I was able to reinstall a long-forgotten purchase of Beautiful Widgets for my lockscreen.

Having some glitches with connecting via USB to my Win7 box at work. It doesn't want to charge unless it's connected directly to a port (not a hub), and even then it doesn't show up as a device. Works fine on Win7 at home. Online support page suggests I reboot my box, but I've got work to do, so maybe later.

I got a 10% off accessories coupon from Motorola today (coupon code JUSTBECAUSE10, valid through August 31), and it turns out they're also having "50% off all Moto X and Droid cases and 25% off screen film protectors." Unfortunately, the Otterbox "Defender" for Moto X is out of stock - at $24.97, I can see why. I'll have to check back and see if it comes back into stock. (If not, I'll probably grab a "Commuter" from Amazon.)

 

[Medion]

Having some glitches with connecting via USB to my Win7 box at work. It doesn't want to charge unless it's connected directly to a port (not a hub), and even then it doesn't show up as a device. Works fine on Win7 at home. Online support page suggests I reboot my box, but I've got work to do, so maybe later.

When you first connect it to a Windows 7 PC (and likely other boxes as well), it installs a driver that helps the PC recognize it as an XT1053. More than likely your work box has a policy that doesn't allow for driver installs without administrator rights. Just a guess (that's how it is where I work).

 

[RobertB-DC]

You could be right about the driver. But it might be my cable after all. I found an explanation that pointed out the fifth conductor on the micro USB. I suspect the voltage/signal on that conductor is what is causing the issue. When I plug it into a wall wart, the phone turns itself on if it's off, and then acts like it's not charging.

Meanwhile, I came across some case discussions, and decided to grab a Trident Cyclops case (Trident Case - Motorola Moto X). The red one is $11 bucks at Amazon (retail $40), and it has good reviews for being tough enough but not too bulky (compared to their multi-layer Kraken AMS).

Update: I used a different cord and it installed drivers and charged just fine. It's something about the other cord, which is actually quite a nice one with Velcro and everything. Guess it's just too good for me.

 

[svensett]

I ordered the 32GB VZN dev. ed. last night to replace my Galaxy S3. None of the current flagship phones wowed me enough to spend $600+ to keep my unlimited data. I figure this should keep me going until the next round of super phones hit the market.

 

[mogelijk]

I ordered the 32GB VZN dev. ed. last night to replace my Galaxy S3. None of the current flagship phones wowed me enough to spend $600+ to keep my unlimited data. I figure this should keep me going until the next round of super phones hit the market.

Congrats! Hope you enjoy yours as much as I've been liking mine. It is a great phone, especially at $324 for the Developer Edition.

 

[tf442]

I ordered the 32GB VZN dev. ed. last night to replace my Galaxy S3. None of the current flagship phones wowed me enough to spend $600+ to keep my unlimited data. I figure this should keep me going until the next round of super phones hit the market.

I received my VZN developers edition last Friday the 25th. I ordered it on Sunday the 20th. Bought my wife the 16 gig Moto X. We have been on T-Mobile for years and our signal has gotten worse. We dropped calls all the time. Went with prepaid VZN. Since we don't use a lot of data it is a nice savings. I will just buy my phones full price from now on. I just won't have the lastest and greatest phone but the Moto X is a great phone for being just about a year old. Also coming from and Galaxy S3.

 

[hisense]

I have the same view as you. I looked at it from a price perspective. Whatever comes out, will be much higher priced. And then lets say they drop the price of the Moto X how much lower than the recent sale price can it go down (i.e. current $299 to maybe $250 at best by Christmas time).

 

[RobertB-DC]

I'm ridiculously happy with the phone so far. Virtually all my music is on Google Music, and even with offline listening of like 200 songs, I'm showing 7.2GB used, 4.7GB free.

The only glitch that the screen/digitizer is edge-to-edge, so the case I got makes it hard to swipe off-screen left and right, or to hit the on-screen keyboard characters on the far sides. I wouldn't have minded a little more bulk, or a little less screen, but that's not going to be on the agenda of anyone in Marketing! It's a little bit better now that I removed the additional screen protector that came with the Trident Cyclops - it was even making it difficult to swipe down from the top, which made no sense.

 

[hisense]

If you buy online and select T-Mobile as your carrier, Motorola is supposed to send you a free nano sim. Then you call T-Mobile and they activate it for you. At least that is what the moto x website says.

 

[hisense]

Do you know how many gigs are free on the 16gb version. I mean considering the OS taking up space, how much is left for the user?

 

[RobertB-DC]

If you buy online and select T-Mobile as your carrier, Motorola is supposed to send you a free nano sim. Then you call T-Mobile and they activate it for you. At least that is what the moto x website says.

The deal I got was that I get $100 off, and they send a Net10 SIM with an unlocked phone. I couldn't get the $299.99 price otherwise.

But today, the Motorola home page has $300 for 16GB, $325 for a 32GB *developer's edition*, and $375 for the 64GB. Dang it, I guess I should have waited... I'd have sprung for the extra $25 to get the double memory *and* dev edition. On the other hand, I don't have time to really play with the root features, so I'm going to declare myself "satisfied".

 

[mogelijk]

The deal I got was that I get $100 off, and they send a Net10 SIM with an unlocked phone. I couldn't get the $299.99 price otherwise.

But today, the Motorola home page has $300 for 16GB, $325 for a 32GB *developer's edition*, and $375 for the 64GB. Dang it, I guess I should have waited... I'd have sprung for the extra $25 to get the double memory *and* dev edition. On the other hand, I don't have time to really play with the root features, so I'm going to declare myself "satisfied".

That sale started, though with a promo code, right after the Net10 deal expired. The week after, they kept the price but you no longer needed the promo code to get the price. That was supposed to end yesterday but they have extended the sale again. It sounds like they are trying to get rid of their Moto X inventory to prepare for the X+1.

 

[hisense]

Yep. By the way there is a 14 day no hassle return policy. They pay the shipping. So not sure if yours is less than 14 days old but if so you could return it and buy the 32gb.