New Moto G comes with a bigger screen, better cameras, MicroSD, and same $180 price

By Trevor Mogg September 5, 2014

When we got our hands on the mid-range Moto G for testing last year, we really liked what we saw. In fact, DT’s mobile commentator Andy Boxall called it “the bargain of the year,” praising it for its outstanding performance and “ridiculous” $180 price tag.

A quick glance at the specs of the new Moto G reveal a number of welcome improvements, including a larger display, better cameras, and MicroSD card support – a feature absent on the original device.

Available starting today in the U.S. and a number of European countries, the new smartphone comes with a 5-inch 720p HD display (up from 4.5 inches), an 8-megapixel rear camera (up from 5), and a 2-megapixel one on the front.

Related: Motorola launches new Moto X

The same 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor runs the show, and also as before, storage options include 8GB or 16GB. The impressive battery life we enjoyed with the original Moto G is also promised with this latest model, with the mobile company claiming users will be able to go a whole day without running out of juice.

Running Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box, Motorola guarantees an update to Android L just as soon as it becomes available.

Two front-based speakers instead of just the one should mean an improved audio experience for when the earphones aren’t in, though we’ll know for sure when we get to review the new phone.

The price will remain as ridiculous as before ($180), a factor that should help the phone to maintain its position as Motorola’s biggest seller.

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