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Moto X Pure Edition and Moto G hands-on: The pure Android phones you’ve been waiting for

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:03PM EST
Moto X Pure Edition Hands-On
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Google’s Nexus program is great. It sets the stage for Android and gives hardcore Android fans a selection of great pure devices that are free of vendor tweaks and carrier bloat. If pure Android is what you’re looking for, however, there’s a new smartphone duo that just rocketed to the top of your list.

Motorola on Tuesday unveiled the brand new Moto X Pure Edition and Moto G, and we just spent some time with both new smartphones.

DON’T MISS: 5 Gmail hacks you shouldn’t have to live another day without

Beginning with the flagship model, the Moto X Pure Edition is the U.S. version of the “Moto X Style.” Neither name really rolls off of the tongue, but that obviously doesn’t take anything away from what Motorola has accomplished here.

The 2015 Moto X sports a beautiful full HD display that measures 5.7 inches diagonally. It can’t quite touch the new 2K screens on Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, but then again, nothing else on the market can. The new X’s display is big and bright, though colors do seem a touch washed out unless you crank the brightness up.

As was the case with last year’s Moto X, the custom case backs are fantastic on this year’s model. The new woods, new leathers, soft-touch rubbers and refined metal accents are terrific, and the overall styling retains the same design identity as last year’s model.

The Moto X Pure Edition is easily one of the sleekest and most stylish Android phones on the planet.

Unfortunately, the biggest news beyond the look of the phone and the pure Android software pertains to things that I cannot test quite yet. Outstanding battery life, ridiculously fast quick-charging technology and a dramatically improved camera were all touted on stage by Motorola on Tuesday — we’ll see how those claims hold up in our review, which will run ahead of the phone’s launch this coming September.

At $399 off contract, I can’t stress how impressive the value is with Motorola’s new Moto X Pure Edition.

Head to this post for the Moto X Pure Edition’s full specs.

Next up is the Moto G, which has received a significant update for 2015.

The G is Motorola’s best-selling smartphone line of all time, and for good reason: The shockingly low price of $179.99 gets you a surprisingly capable smartphone with specs and style that compete with much pricier handsets.

Motorola’s 2015 Moto G adds an improved camera, updated hardware, a slightly refined design and a killer battery… all while maintaining the same $179.99 price tag. The phone has also been added to Motorola’s Moto Maker website, so buyers can customize their phones with a variety of color options during the buying process.

It’s beyond impressive.

While the Moto G doesn’t have the power and flash of a flagship phone, it will undoubtedly retain its position as Motorola’s best-selling handset thanks to its killer value and solid performance.

Head to this post for the 2015 Moto G’s full specs.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.