Moto X 2014 vs Moto X 2013 | Pocketnow

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Learn more about the new Moto X! See our full review at Pocketnow, with more videos, photo and video samples, and our final review score, available here: /2014/09/18/moto-x-2014-review
The Moto X was Michael Fisher's favorite Android phone of 2013. See how the sequel fares against its predecessor in our Moto X 2014 vs Moto X 2013 comparison, and stay tuned for our full review coming to Pocketnow.com during the week of September 15!
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Moto X 2014 vs Moto X 2013 | Pocketnow
• Moto X 2014 vs Moto X ...
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[@Gravage]

Leave it to Michael to make an annoying ad funny. That was the first ad I didn't mind watching in years. Thanks, Michael. You rock.

[@Pocketnow]

Thanks! ^M

[@gaivoron]

His Ebay page is full of star trek things, Epic

[@KingGeorge7]

That was an ad? I didn't notice...

[@ellamaran4912]

Pocketnow hey ! michael v love yuh here n India :)

[@jeremiahb9541]

He reminds me of Robert Downey.

[@MaryNaomi2]

I am always so amazed when I learn something new about my MOTO X 2013. I was thinking about buying a 2014, but the other day I was texting my granddaughter in Holland on Hangouts and BAM I touched the phone symbol and there she was, I could see her and she saw me. :) it was a wonderful experience. I just wanted to share that. I have had this phone since 11/13. I know I should know more then I do, but I am learning on my own. I was 72 when I received this Phone, I will have to start learning All over again on a 2014, I think I will wait now, it is almost time for A newer model. Should I?

[@TomMcCarthyTKIB]

MARY RIGMAIDEN-MARIZETTE Actually, it is fairly straight forward, even to the new Moto X Style coming out in a couple of weeks.

[@franminach]

good luck bestie i hope you're doing well

[@ZaneBlalock]

I don't appreciate watching an ad, then having the first portion of the video repeat said ad....

[@Pocketnow]

Sorry about the double-ad; that was a mistake. Should be corrected now. ^M

[@mrmustard67]

You're reviews are consistently concise and helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@utubedano]

Moto x 2013 was the right size. Now it's just too big.... For some of us one handed use is important. It's supposed to be a phone first.

[@omniexistus]

utubedano u got that right

[@Marquuus]

Having gone from smaller to larger phones myself, I would've agreed with you a few years back. I'd really urge you to reconsider though - whilst you might think that it would limit one-handed use, or be annoying in other ways - it really works out well. It will take a week or so to get used to, but after that, you won't want a smaller phone again. I'm prepared to bet on it!

[@utubedano]

Marcus Frölander Actually I have and I'm not entirely happy. I have gotten used to it (no choice) but I'm still not satisfied like the iPhone 4 I had before. I think 4.6 or 4.7 inches should be max. One handed use is more important for me as its easier while you're on the go. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and iPhone 6 look perfect. Other 'mini' phones are good sized but compromised on spec and hence performance. Its comes down to personal choice of-course and what you do with phones. My point is manufacturers and people are forgetting that its supposed to be a phone first not a media consumption device. For that just get an iPad or iPad mini or some other capable tablet.

[@Marquuus]

utubedano Fair enough! I got a Nexus 5 myself, which is the right size in my opinion. It's easy to use one-handed. Personally, what I wish for, is a slide-out physical keyboard. Not many phones offer this today unfortunately.

[@Fiat500Lover]

utubedano you really should give it another go and try it for around 3months or more. I know have a phablet and I love it

[@mayankbarad7263]

I miss the Michael days of PocketNow. Still, there's Mr. Mobile.

[@SanketPardeshi]

Please test the battery life too !

[@ultraszgb]

I am sure he will in full review

[@Pocketnow]

ultraszgb He sure will. :) ^M

[@mattbarrett3618]

I heard 2300mah but they are selling a charger that fully charges it in 15 minutes.

[@CeeOmega]

I thought I missed the part he mentioned battery. Now I can't wait to hear about it.

[@SanketPardeshi]

Im close to my charger most of the time Fast charger sounds good!

[@TheLib28x]

Whenever I see a video by Michael Fisher pop up on my homepage I cheer loudly inside. Love his videos!

[@MusicIan423]

45 seconds of ad for a TOTALLY DIFFERENT PHONE (and a direct competitor no less) edited into a video I would have watched multiple times but now I will only watch once, thanks.

[@TechWorld786]

Good comparison review hope you have included battery life real world test. Waiting for your review of iPhone 6 and 6 plus and comparison with HTC m8.

[@facundor12]

for now ill keep the 2013 moto x, i thought the new moto x camera was much better, but seems not.

[@kdog350]

It's better than the htc one m8 plus.google.com/u/0/photos/103879265800925397987/albums/6057975368469853281?sqi=116517178872973348174&sqsi=075ea1e6-6a1a-40eb-bbb6-fcfcd877bfd6

[@zephyr679]

As an owner of the Moto X (2013), the wave over the phone feature works if you wave it closely above the proximity sensor on the front.

[@titienne1937]

I currently own the 1st gen Moto X, but I want this one so bad !! It looks a lot better than the previous one !!

[@gmaster45612374]

The 1st gen has the feature where you can wave over your phone to activate active display. I do it all the time

[@Silverdeamon92]

Yes Mine also respond to wave activation,.of course I recently aquired mined(a month ago) so perhaps that feature was added in lieu of the new Moto X release.

[@rcarkk]

Hey Pocketnow. The older 2013 Moto X reacts to hand movement. You don´t need to wobble the phone to activate "active display" when siting in a table. You can pass your hand through the IR sensor like the new 2014 Moto X. Please, correct that information on your video, because there are lots of people who still consider buying the 2013 version.

[@sonicfan23]

You always have the best phone videos. Great work, thanks.

[@antiheroes7972]

I just upgraded to the motoX(2014) And my only notable complaint is the the voice control sometime activates when I'm talk or even watching TV. Regardless of changes to the command phrase. Other than that I'd like to see a WiFi enabled call feature and removable battery. This video seem accurate one the general characteristics of the phone. Pros: speakers in the front, better internals, new features, and continued customizability. Con's: bigger phone(if I wanted a huge tablet-esk phone I'd buy a Samsung ), camera, and bulker features. I look forward to see how the next motoX addresses these and other aspects of the phone

[@BDM4972]

I've had a few Moto X 2013, but now have a Nexus 6p. I still have a Moto X 2013 as my backup though. it was something special and could teach some more modern phones a thing or two.

[@overcianixTUTORIALS]

totally agree!

[@sowhat249]

MIchael, your reviews and comparisons are awesome!!! I really enjoyed the video!!!

You can also do the air gesture to show on the active notification in the old moto x!!!!

[@charleysturbos7320]

Bruno Damián How? Try explaining how please, thanks.

Try with the screen off waving your hand over the proximity sensor. Sorry for my bad english :)

[@charleysturbos7320]

Yea i had tried that because it was the obvious way to see but it diddnt work. Thanks for the help anyways. And It's fine about your english because im sure it's 100 times better then me trying to speak whatever you speak fluently so good job on that. Best way to learn ive heard is watch movies with english and subcaptions and speak the everything the way they say over and over again.

I've realized that the secret is understand what that word / sentence means. Memorize is not that important.

[@ShadowCode]

DAT INTRO ANIMATION *drools*

[@danyeldanes]

Michael Fisher is probably one of the best gadget reviewers out there. He's unbiased unlike the folks at The Verge. -_-'

[@humayun176]

this guy is clearly the best reviewer on youtube........ welldone sir

[@keetatay]

this is what i did to prevent my phone from sliding out of my front pocket. I attached the fuzzy side of Velcro strips to the back side of the phone (centered) which makes it silent when setting it down on a hard surface ,easier to pick up and of course won't slide out of your front pocket anymore even when netting a trout

[@iamerror-q1b]

I love my 2013 Moto X. I encrypt all my phones and I have to say, the speed of the Moto X has slowed down since I got it.

[@MarauderShields]

I love Michael, I always seek out his and MKBHD's reviews first.

[@tobiashubner4810]

the old moto x didn't need motion to trigger the active display ._. you could also approach or put your hands above the phone when it was flat on the table ._. broke with lollipop tho :(

[@LoganWangsgard]

I knew you were in The Hub. I recognized the armory on Highland in your photo. Cool. Hey neighbor! PS thanks for the comparison. Well done. The new version is definitely nice, but I'll be getting the 1st gen due exclusively to the size and and form factor. Bummed they didn't keep it hand sized.

[@MalcolmHill]

Video gets thumbs up for the, "Hello computer" bit. Awesome.

[@kopiko102277]

Men how I like this guy reviewing no bias feel on his opinions. Speak his mind out. Like the comparison men keep it up and I'm buying one moto x 2014.

[@juliogol80]

Hey Michael on the original Moto X it also detects proximity to light up active notifications!

[@vijayreddy2253]

Mr. FISHER u r awesome as always.... Waiting for the full review.....

[@maxjape]

Note: The hand wave active display stuff worked on the OG moto x too.

[@TranceJuju]

You made a mistake. In the Moto X (2013) you can activate the active display by waving your hand over it. In the video you said you can only use motion. Source: I have a Moto X (2013)

[@sayantanutbe]

Now that we have the Nexus 6 announced, I'd like to see a Moto X vs Nexus 6 reviewed with Android L on both. Not quite as straightforward comparison as you might think.

[@UltrAMArIn3prOph3cY]

I'm not into the bigger size but hopefully they keep gen 1 updated as well. I'm afraid they'll forget about their loyal first customers. I love everything about my phone and all I really need are the moto voice updates.

[@AvonleaMontague]

Even with active display I still *really* want an LED notification light. There's just something about a blinking light... Takes me back the good ole BlackBerry days. Ah, BlackBerry...

[@nilfisktun]

You state the old Moto X dosent react on "reach" and the new one does. Thats incorrect. The old Moto X also actives the screen if you wave your hand over it. I have one.

[@rajibahmed2684]

Hi Michael it's nice to see you back and I hope you're the one going to do the moto 360 & moto X review , after your review I'm going to decide that am I going to buy it or not.

[@dragos-lucian]

It would be nuts to change the launch phrase of the Moto Voice to "Valar morghulis" and see the device shoot lasers to everyone around you. That would be a "killer device".

[@fsaraivahs]

Hi the active screen on moto x 2013 is also with reach you can pass with you're hand and it will react the same way. I have the moto x 1st gen and it's the same Reacts on movements like the moto x 2nd gen.

[@smartishtv]

I usually find Amoled a little too oversaturated but gawd that thing looks beautiful. Very nice comparison too. How long does it usually take you to film these?

[@LeandroJack]

All these complaints about the bigger dimple. Do you guys think having that same size dimple on a larger phone would have the same effect?I doubt it. You would be fishing to find that small dimple on this new size. Also I prefer this implementation of the camera flash so with that size camera ring with the 2013 size dimple, I really don't think that would've worked better aesthetically. Having that metal looking finish in the dimple also adds another dimension of texture which boosts the overall design in my opinion also.

[@giantzucchini]

One thing that bugs me a little about the Moto X is the AMOLED display. How bad is the burn-in on the 9 month old 2013 model so far?

[@aweiss1215]

I cant believe non of these guys from tech companies know this. You CAN wave your hand across the moto x 2013 and active display will come on. They all seem to make a big deal about this "new" feature.

[@oscarhalder]

When you guys do the Call Quality test, who do you call? Did the pizza guy ever give any feedback ? Just wondering, love the videos :D

[@mike20pr]

Waiting for the Moto G version of this video

[@LucasAndradeHD]

Michael , I'd love to see a Moto X (leather) durability report. Please do it.

[@WesleyPardue]

My friend, who is an avid photographer, took one look at the ring flash and said "that will likely lead to a lot of red eye". Looking at Michael's test shots (and those I've seen on other reviews), this seems to be true.

[@iamthanos554]

Nice video Michael. But you didn't talk about price.

[@dugusmc]

Michael, would you move "up" from my current Galaxy S 4, to the new 2014 Moto x? I love the Moto X first generation, but had already gotten the S4.

[@stevestamps3173]

I have them both & I like them both! I switch back & forth!

[@ichigouzumaki324]

Nice comparison...waiting on the full review :-)

[@dosquest]

i love this phone, i'm going to buy this is nexus 6 isn't announced anytime soon

[@thearpit1995]

Michael is the best reviewer of pocketnow

[@mariokid2115]

Dear phone manufacturers: Bigger phones aren't always better. I loved the small bezels of last years phone.

[@GalanDestroyer]

2:51 Thank GOODNESS the 2014 version doesn't have that nasty yellowish tint on the screen like last year's model. Compared to some of the newer LCDs, that's my only real gripe with the 2013 version (sans the abysmally slow shutter).

[@chriscem]

Please! pocketnow, let Michael do the iPhone 6 review. For the love of god, don't let Taylor do it.

[@hardikjain7063]

How is the battery life of moto x 2014?

[@sheldonxwilliams]

Where can I find some glasses just like that?

[@zenweapons1822]

I'm surprised you didn't mention battery life really but I guess that's going to be part of the full review. The problem with the Moto X 2014 is that they didn't address to the core complaints about the Moto X 2013 with the camera and battery life. They did improve the camera more than the battery but not enough to make either factors the biggest cons of the phone yet again. The other complaints people had were about specs on paper which they addressed primarily with the 1080p and upgraded processor but these were never a real issue to people who owned the phone.

[@123x234]

the biggest complaints by far were the processor and screen. Most people liked the battery life.

[@zenweapons1822]

I've never seen anyone who owned the phone complain about the screen or processor but I've seen plenty of people wish the battery were better than average. I'm going by what I read in the Moto X subreddit and xda forums. The only people who complain about the processor and screen were the reviewers like I said, not the people who bought and owned the phone. I've never had performance issues and the smaller screen and resolution certainly helped it with performance, most users also favored the smaller screen size due to the 1 hand usability. See how many people are complaining about the increase in screen size now. The Moto X and Nexus 5 have similar batteries, Moto X being Li-Ion 2200 mAh and Nexus 5 is Li-Po 2300 mAh. The Nexus 5 actually gets better screen off battery life but the Moto X is slightly better with screen on due to the lower screen size and resolution, it's a negligible difference though and people cried about the battery being so terrible for the Nexus 5. The 2014 model is only a 100 mAh improvement yet it's screen is now 5.2 and it's 1080p resolution, though the upgraded processor should help. If you thought the screen and processor were worse than the Moto X's camera though then you've clearly never used the camera or seen any pictures taken by it in low light situations, it's very noisy. It is definitely the biggest con on the phone far more than the screen/processor and it sounds like they tried to improve it but didn't succeed very much. Low light pictures look even darker on the 2014 than the 2013.

[@123x234]

I own the moto x and I'm fine with the camera. I barely use it and hdr photos are good enough for me. I DO notice stuttering and lag on high end games, which I play a lot of, so there you go, I guess.

[@zenweapons1822]

With how big a deal people made about the nexus camera and battery life, the moto x is about the same or worse when it comes to those. Games actually perform better than some other higher end devices for me because of the smaller resolution and screen. If you check how games perform on other devices they'll never use more than 2 cores so the quad cores are usually over kill for most tasks and just part of the specs game that manufacturers are playing like they are with QHD right now. The one area most manufacturers are still underperforming in is camera and battery. To support my claims here is a professional review stating there is no lag while gaming www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phone/3462820/motorola-moto-x-review/ and here is a post on xda to illustrate that your experience is the exception not the rule forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/how-moto-x-gaming-t2455395 and a reddit post www.reddit.com/r/motox/comments/1mmesz/_/ If you're going to say it lags you at least have to mention relative to which 2013 device that performs fine with the same game. Even with bleeding edge processors some devices can still have lag, in many cases due to the Android skin they use which is another factor for why the Moto X can perform as smoothly as it does. Of course if you barely use the camera you won't be as aware of its faults but that doesn't mean it's not the least impressive aspect of the device. Now for some support on the camera being poor, I can find way more posts complaining about the camera than the performance of the device or the screen. forums.androidcentral.com/moto-x-2013/359311-moto-x-camera-phone-absolute-joke.html www.reddit.com/r/MotoX/comments/20ew46/on_the_fence_about_the_camera/ www.reddit.com/r/MotoX/comments/1twdwn/is_the_camera_really_this_bad_or_am_i_doing_it/ www.reddit.com/r/MotoX/comments/29y70b/looking_to_buy_motox_how_does_the_camera_compare/ The battery life and camera are average which make them the biggest issues with the device, it doesn't do anything particularly bad though. It's still a great device especially for the price plus the frequent sales.

[@SH3player]

This MotoX is definitely on my mind for buying, a $300 OLED good quality phone. The cameras on Motorolas usually just are awful though! I have a Nexus 5 already which includes a way better camera. Why do I have to compromise? The new Moto X Style which is coming out got rid of their OLED display for reasons!?!?!

[@Grenyas]

Such a shame with that camera. The camera was a main point for me leaving the original X after 2 months. Software updates can only do so much to improve it. Leaning more towards the Note 4 or the Z3 if rumors are true that it's coming to Verizon.

[@ariadhikarayendra5111]

Shame that Motorola doesn't make phones like these again, they focused too much to the Chinese market now

[@esaedvik]

It's a shame they went over 5" too :( And the camera is seriously underwhelming. Nice software features though.

[@saadi703]

I hate the android stock dialer look. Waiting for Android L which might change it. It's too old now. This is why I like phones with custom skins such as HTC One M8, Xperia etc. They look decent.

[@EdwardBliffin]

I like bigger phones..I dont have one yet, but I think I will miss being able to do what Michael did at 7:30...actually put it in the cellphone pocket

[@joesheehan5540]

im really interested on how the leather will hold up

[@sski66]

Awesome! They updated everything from last year, it's not huge, I think perfect 5.2", & for me it's the most customizable beautiful phone there is, & from Twit, & other Tech sites they all agree the pics are better from last year + 4K, definite buy, way to go Moto!

[@Noobioh]

the Moto X 2014 does look nice but i think they should've kept the 4,7 inch screen size. I was very satisfied with my Moto G, so i was thinking of purchasing a Moto X, it is around the same size as an iPhone but the screen is bigger which i liked a lot about it. Sadly the screen is bigger by half an inch. Which is just too big for me. :(

[@oromoto]

Hey Mike, is it worth the upgrade if I have to spend $100 ?

[@1alexxutzzu91]

Damn...only 360p youtube better put their shit together

[@somethingelse25]

I have a Moto G first gen and this Moto X would be a great upgrade. Still, my phone now is adequate.

[@Walleby1]

Is it still worth buying the moto x 2013?

[@hackneyman]

Good video. What's you average screen on time? Thanks.

[@daninduwakista3061]

Moto X vs Ascend Mate 7 What should I buy?

[@doublea422]

Wish they hadn't made it so much bigger...

[@Fiat500Lover]

5.2 Inches isn't that big but I do have a 5.5 INCH Phablet

[@doublea422]

Fiat500Lover I have now gotten a phone with a 5.5 inch screen too :P it actually isn't too bad.

[@TomMcCarthyTKIB]

doublea422 Nooooo you should have gotten the Moto X Play.... :(

[@doublea422]

Tom McCarthy The camera quality wasn't good enough for me.

[@TomMcCarthyTKIB]

doublea422 But it's 21MP :O

[@MrSaintGoat]

I love the 2013 moto x. hands down the best and most useful smartphone I have ever bought. I will be getting the new one eventually. When my old one dies. But if Motorola keeps making phones like this they will have me as a customer for life!

[@SnoutBaron]

Just me or are the latest pocketnow clips encoded in at a higher quality? They seem clearer/cleaner now. You guys encoding at a higher bitrate now?

[@albertherrera5718]

but did you notice that Michael Fisher changed outfit?

[@e.fyhren2932]

Will the Moto X be launched in the same fashion as last year? A U.S only device? Or will it launch in Europe to?

[@MosheKashani]

A moto x 2014 VS xperia Z3 compact would be nice

[@AF1R]

9 megapix 16:9 ratio is a bit of a let down. So if you want a wider angle you need to 13 megapix but it's only 4:3 ratio? Is Motorola purposely putting faults in this phone?

[@benbauer7866]

I have read that the new Moto x uses the same Sony Imx135 sensor found in the Galaxy S4. Is camera performance comparable between the two?

[@gerardhdzc]

I'll buy it, but still keeping my old moto x, both are amazing

[@Wonder184]

Ohh man, on Moto X 2013 the motion to triger active display is NOT required. It works just the same (reacts to the reach as you say)

[@joshuaduarte4505]

Nope it doesn't have the s Sensors

[@Wonder184]

I have Moto X 2013 so I know what I am saying. If it lays on flat surface you can triger the active display without touching it.

[@joshuaduarte4505]

Nope

[@Wonder184]

OK, when I have the time I'll record a video to show you the proof if you don't believe me...my god..

[@joshuaduarte4505]

Nope

[@michaellafollette9602]

This dudes name is Michael too and he chose the same 2013 MotoX color scheme 0-0 he better not have gotten the same engraving.

[@zachstrayhorn9115]

Woah woah woah, slow down dude, as I'm typing this on the first gen moto x, I know perfectly well that a lot of the features said to only be on the 2014 moto x (as by the video) ARE on the first gen, for example, waking it up by waving your hand in front of the proximity sensor, silencing calls, and a lot of other things he mentioned

[@IceTom87]

in the end of the video we see Joe Levys poorely lit computer desktop. Lets hope you get a more cleaner and brighter environment for the full review video.

[@Pocketnow]

... kind of like the environment we shot the rest of the video in? :) ^M

[@123x234]

Pocketnow ooooohhhhh, someone bring the aloevera!

[@cromtuiseagain]

I wanna hang out with Michael's voice.

[@fiksman911]

What car game was that on the review? Great review btw

[@fiksman911]

Thanks buddy

[@dareG]

Which one is better - Moto. X (2014) or Samsung Galaxy s5 or iPhone 6 or 5s

[@apurvagoodthinking]

i got MOTO X2nd gen black leather version love it

[@ПашаМатроскин]

Moto x my favoryt phone. With this phone a have a best experience

[@axrs550]

I loved this video, i would appreciate a lot something like this for the moto G

[@39exposures]

excellent review

[@ThungStudios]

Well shit looks like I'm getting the Moto X... Do you think the price will make this a better competitor to the G3 or M8? I totally dig the speakers, ring flash and screen size. "Stock" android is also nice.

[@danielvicol8645]

love ur reviews and videos! thank u very much!

[@ptgarraty]

Have you noticed any changes in battery life?

[@AlexandruBalan1997]

Just try to wave your hand above moto x(2013) and you will be surprised that the active screen turns on.