Skip to main content

FCC docs show new Motorola devices: Kinzie, a mid-range Droid, and the third-gen Moto G

Motorola has historically refreshed its various smartphone lineups in late summer, and new evidence suggests it’s sticking with this precedent. FCC device testing documents, the type of paperwork that typically goes public shortly before a press event or formal launch, reveal a trio of Motorola smartphones headed for carriers large and small.

One of the FCC filings reveal a phone — codenamed “Kinzie” according to sleuths at Droid-Life, and potentially pictured above — that seems likely the spiritual successor of last year’s Droid Turbo. It measures 153.6×75.3 and 161.8mm diagonally, or slightly taller (by 10.11mm), wider (by about 2mm), and longer (by 7.31mm) than the Turbo, and features connectivity out the wazoo. Networking highlights include 802.11ac MIMO WiFi, LTE Advanced, and compatiblity with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon LTE bands. The last bit’s notable — with the exception of the Nexus 6, phones on Verizon typically don’t play nicely with other carriers.

Recommended Videos

That’s not all the FCC documents revealed about Kinzie. Motorola’s latest sports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 hardware — the phone’s been tested with a standard AC plug, Motorola’s Turbo Charger, and a third, mystery power adapter — as well as with a microSD slot in some configurations.

Somewhat less exciting than Kinzie is a mid-range phone bound for Verizon. Its specs are harder to come by — the FCC filing shows a removable back cover and a glaring lack of 802.11ac WiFi — but the dimensions (it’s slightly smaller than the Turbo) and carrier exclusivity suggest an addition to Motorola’s enduring Droid lineup. It’s an admittedly peculiar one — Motorola hasn’t made an entry-level Droid phone since the Droid Mini in 2013, and it isn’t clear why the company would want to risk cannibalizing sales of its mid-specced Moto G — but it is a phone that might be positioned as an affordable, compact alternative to the Turbo for buyers inclined to the Droid series.

The dimensions of the third and final Motorola phone detailed in the FCC documents hint heavily at its identity — its measurements match those of the second-generation Moto G. Assuming it is, indeed, a new and improved Moto G, it’ll lack a few of the bells and whistles of its pricier cousins but will carry a subsequently lower price tag (last year’s Moto G retailed for $179 unlocked). The FCC tested the Sprint variant, but it’ll likely hit all four carriers at launch if history is any indication.

The FCC filings give no indication of when and at what price to expect new phones, of course, but the wait probably won’t drag on for much longer. Assuming Motorola adheres to its informal timeline, we’ll hear about the new phones in September at the latest.

Kyle Wiggers
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
Motorola’s two new budget phones shouldn’t look this good
The Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G phones in a render.

While not as flashy as flagship phone announcements, it's always worth keeping an eye on new phones in the budget range being launched. Motorola was the long-time king of this particular area but was largely unseated by particularly strong efforts from manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus into the budget market.

So, it might no longer be the sole king, but that doesn't mean it's throwing in the towel. Far from it, in fact. Motorola has just announced two new smartphones in the sub-$300 bracket: the Moto G Power 5G (2024) and the Moto G 5G (2024). Here's everything you need to know.
Moto G Power 5G (2024)

Read more
Motorola just launched 3 new Android phones, and they look incredible
Motorola Edge 40 Neo color choices.

Following Apple's recent iPhone 15 event, Motorola has launched a line of impressive new smartphones that offer sleek, modern designs at affordable prices. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo, Moto G84 5G, and Moto G54 5G are available in several markets, including the United Kingdom.

With a starting price of 300 British pounds ($375), the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a slim device with curved edges and IP68 protection for added durability. It features a 50MP Ultra Pixel camera sensor with all-pixel focus technology, which should offer solid photo quality. The camera also provides 16x faster lowlight performance, making it perfect for nighttime photography.

Read more
If you like cheap phones, you’ll love these 2 new Moto G options
The Moto G Stylus 2023, standing upright on a couch, with its display turned on.

The budget smartphone market is a bustling space right now, with great phones from Nokia and Samsung making big waves. Motorola is the unofficial king of the budget smartphone, but its throne is looking quite shaky right now. That might be why it's decided to remix some classics this year, releasing new versions of the Moto G 5G and Moto G Stylus.

While there are definitely some improvements in the 2023 versions of both phones, Motorola has also made some cutbacks for both, making these new versions remixes of past classics rather than pure upgrades. Here's everything you need to know about the Motorola Moto G 5G (2023) and Moto G Stylus (2023).
Moto G 5G (2023)

Read more