Skip to main content

Moto X+1 news: Mystery 3D system and optical zoom feature leaked (Updated)

motorola fights back jony ive criticism moto x maker header 3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
News of the Moto X+1 has been spreading online for  a while, and Motorola upped the excitement about the new phone by announcing it will hold an event on September 4 in Chicago, which based on the teaser invites, looks as though the Moto X+1 will launch alongside a new Moto E, the Moto 360 smartwatch, and perhaps another device.

Updated on 8-25-2014 by Andy Boxall: Added new rumors about the X+1’s screen and camera.

Leak suggests 3D display and “Super Camera”

A leaker from Hong Kong has posted several possible new Moto X+1 features on a dedicated Moto Facebook page. The first stated the phone would have something called “3D recognition,” along with the same Active Display and handsfree controls seen on the Moto X. It’s not clear what the 3D recognition feature will be, but it may relate to a Fire Phone-like 3D menu system.

Additionally, we’re told to expect the phone to have a “Super Camera,” featuring an optical zoom, if the leak is correct. We’ve seen a few phones with optical zoom systems in the past, most notably Samsung’s Galaxy K Zoom, but it’s still not a common feature. The leaked photo of the device does show an unusual camera lens design, but we’d expect the optical zoom to be more noticeable.

Finally, there’s also discussion about being able to answer the phone from either the top or bottom of the device, thanks to dual speakers and microphones. None of these features are confirmed or official yet, although a matching patent has been seen for the latter feature.

A look at the Moto X+1’s design

Our first look at the Moto X+1 comes from almost-retired phone leaker @evleaks. Posted on his Twitter account as a “retirement gift,” the image shows a phone very similar in style to the Moto X, complete wit Verizon branding on the rear. The phone is pictured in both black and white, and with a wood-look rear panel. The camera lens appears to have a metal surround, giving the back of the phone some visual flair.

Motorola Moto X+1 Leak
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Moto X+1’s full specifications leaked

A leak through benchmarking website GFX Bench indicates that the Moto X+1 will feature high-end specs, but it won’t have the most cutting-edge technology onboard.  The X+1 will likely have a 5.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is Full HD, but not Quad HD like other leading flagship smartphones. Motorola packed a 2.47GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor in the X+1 alongside the Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM. The Moto X+1 will also probably come with 16GB of built-in storage and a 13-megapixel back camera, according to the post.

Related: Moto 360 rumors and news

Additionally, it’s rumored to run Android 4.4.4 KitKat and include Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity. Several sensors are also listed, including a gyroscope, light, and proximity sensor. There is some speculation that the Moto X+1 will also have a built-in pedometer to better connect with the Moto 360 smartwatch.

Benchmarking tests show considerable potential

The GFX Bench post shares benchmark results from several tests, including T-Rex and Manhattan. The Moto X+1 managed 1,562 frames (27.9fps) in the onscreen test and 1,494 frames (26.7 fps) in the offscreen test. Samsung’s Galaxy S5 yielded similar results in the GFXBench 2.7 T-Rex HD C24Z16 test with 1,559 frames (27.8fps) in the onscreen test and 1,523 frames (27.2 Fps) in the offscreen.

Of course, benchmarks aren’t everything and only real-world tests of the Moto X+1 will prove whether it’s a worthy Galaxy S5 competitor. We expect to see the Moto X+1 in September, so stay tuned for further analysis and all the details.

Updated on 8-22-2014 by Andy Boxall: Added in a leaked photo, said to show the Moto X+1.

Article originally published on 08-15-2014

Editors' Recommendations

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
How to turn off Activity Status on Instagram
Instagram on an iPhone.

Instagram is a popular social networking site that allows users to communicate through text, photos, and videos. One of its features is the app's Activity Status, which lets users know when someone was last active on the app or if they are currently online.

Read more
Grab a 4-pack of Apple AirTags while they’re on sale
Person holding an Apple AirTag.

If you're one of those people who always keep misplacing their stuff, then you may want to take advantage of Walmart's offer for the Apple AirTag. Four of the Bluetooth trackers, which will make sure that you never lose anything again, are available for just $80, following a $19 discount on the bundle's original price of $99. There's no telling how long this lowered price will last, so if you think you'll find some use for these tracking devices, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Apple AirTag
The Apple AirTag is highlighted in our roundup of the best Bluetooth trackers as the top choice if you're invested in the iOS ecosystem. In addition to a quick and easy one-tap setup to link the tracking device to your iPhone or iPad, the Apple AirTag uses Apple's Find My network to keep track of your things. Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology will lead you to your Apple AirTag, with the help of the millions of devices in the Find My network that will work together to locate your missing item when you activate Lost Mode.

Read more
Huawei’s gorgeous Pura 70 phones just got expanded availability
Huawei Pura 70 pink, green, white, and black colors.

Huawei Pura 70 Huawei

After being announced for China in mid-April, the Huawei Pura 70 series is now confirmed for the EU market. Those in the European market can expect to preorder the Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, and the top-tier Pura 70 Ultra starting May 2 for 999 euros, 1,199 euros, and 1,499 euros, respectively. This pricing is in line with what we saw in China, with the Ultra coming in at 9,999 yuan ($1,400) and the base Pura 70 at 5,499 yuan ($760).

Read more