Update (2 January 2014): Moto G to Arrive in Malaysia on 13 January 2014
Two months after Apple unveiled the iPhone 5C, Motorola launched its own budget smartphone – the Moto G. The inexpensive smartphone, which is targeted at emerging markets like Brazil, India and Malaysia, was launched at a special event in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The phone, which costs only $179 (8GB) (~ RM 570), is also meant for budget buyers who want a smartphone with all the features of a premium smartphone.
The right price for those needing a fully functional but cheaper smartphone
When Apple launched the iPhone 5C as a budget phone, many people believed it to be true. But soon enough, they realized that the 5C is not as affordable as it is made to seem. But the Moto G, which is a premium smartphone at an entry level price, seems like it could be the right phone for consumers in emerging markets like Malaysia. Priced at less than $200 (RM 640+), the Moto G is priced at only one-third of the cost of iPhone 5C, which is priced at RM 1,999.
The idea behind the Moto G is to give consumers in emerging markets a cheaper alternative to the overpriced iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It will be launched in the US and Europe during the holiday season, and it will later be available in over 30 countries, from more than 50 carriers.
Impressive specs with the Google touch
The Moto G is the second smartphone launched by Motorola, after it was acquired by Google in 2012. It runs on the Android 4.3 the Jelly Bean OS and will automatically be upgraded to Kitkat, the next Android version 4.4 that Google plans to launch in January 2014.
Besides the impressive list of features and specs that can give mid-tier smartphones a run for their money, the Moto G also has a 4.5 inch screen with a resolution of 720p , a 1.2G Hertz quad core Snapdragon processor and two cameras – a 1.3 mega pixel front camera and 5 mega pixel camera at the back. What’s more, the phone also has a dual sim capacity, a feature that most consumers in emerging markets look for.
One thing that mayslightly disappointing is that the $179 Moto G has only 8GB storage, and the $199 phone comes with 16GB storage. However, Google has made up for this deficit by offering free Google cloud storage of 50GB for Moto G users.
Growing market for low-cost phones
There is a growing market for low-cost smartphones in developing countries in the east, especially India and Malaysia, where it will be launched in January next year. Apparently, there are 500 million consumers looking for low cost smartphones, said Dennis Woodside, the CEO of Motorola. Both contract and unlocked Moto G smartphones will be made available in Asia early next year, the company said in a statement.
Images and video of the Moto G
Would you buy a Moto G? Post a thought in the comments below.
RELATED: Moto G to Arrive in Malaysia on 13 January 2014
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