What's New in the 4G Moto G?
Motorola has announced a 4G version of the hugely popular Moto G, the best-selling Motorola phone to date. However, there's more to this update than just a new kind of network connectivity.
Here's how the new 4G Moto G compares to the original, and a look at which one you should consider buying.
Moto G 4G vs G – Price
The original Moto G is extremely aggressively priced. It's no surprise that Motorola has had to increase the price a little.
Where the 8GB Moto G sells for around £99.99, the 4G version of the phone costs £149 SIM-free. An extra £50 is not too much to ask, but it does push the new version above some key rivals like the EE Kestrel and Alcatel One Touch Idol S.
Both of those phones are 4G, but the EE Kestrel costs £99.99, the Alcatel phone around £129.99 if you shop around. The Motorola Moto G is no longer the cheapest candidate in town.
However, it is also possible that the 4G Moto G's price will come down a bit when locked to a specific network.
Moto G 4G vs G – Storage
Motorola has addressed one of the most common criticisms of the Moto G in the new 4G version. It has a microSD memory card slot, something missing from the original.
You'll find the memory card slot under the phone's plastic battery cover. It works just like the cover in the first Moto G – you simply pull it off.
The 4G Moto G only comes in one version – 8GB. The logic is simple: if you can add to the memory more cheaply with a memory card, you’re unlikely to want to pay the extra for 16GB of internal memory.
Motorola says the original versions of the Moto G will continue to be sold, meaning the full line-up will be comprised of the 8GB 3G Moto G, the 16GB 3G Moto G and the 8GB 4G Moto G.
Moto G 4G vs G – Is 4G worthwhile?
For some of you, adding a memory card slot may actually be more important than the new kind of connectivity – 4G. But for Motorola, 4G mobile internet this is the main event. Is it worthwhile?
We're now a couple of years into the UK roll-out of 4G, and SIM-free contracts are starting to come down in price.
From O2 you can get 1GB of data, 75 minutes and 500 texts for £15 a month. Tesco’s 4G tariffs start at £10 a month, although that only gets you 500MB of data. It does offer a cracking deal for £15 a month, though, which includes 2GB data, 1500 minutes and 5000 texts with a 12-month contract. This is one of the best SIM-only deals around at present.
There’s no longer an extra premium for 4G from most networks, but those thinking they can stream video super-quick thanks to their super-fast mobile internet will hit the allowance wall very quickly.
Speed is not the only reason to like 4G, though. Having 4G will also significantly increase coverage for some people, as some 3G blackspots are already covered by 4G zones. It’s a benefit many people don't consider.
Verdict
Is the Moto G 4G edition the original but better? Yep, pretty much. 4G brings the phone much-needed future-proofing, and having a microSD slot massively increases the phone’s flexibility as a portable media player. If networks chip away at the £149.99 price a bit, we’re looking a potential bargain of the year. Again.
Next, read our Moto G tips and tricks feature