Launch report · Motorola
Moto G (1st gen): The 2013 phone that redefined what a cheap phone could be.
SpecEagle Editorial·Nov 2013·$179·Score 26/100
The first Moto G proved a cheap phone need not be a bad one, with HD display and clean software for $179. A genuinely important budget device — now history.
Key specs at launch
Display
4.5" HD LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon 400
Memory
1 GB · 8 GB
Main cam
5 MP · f/2.4
Battery
2,070 mAh
Weight
143 g
What stands out
- Redefined the budget phone — a usable HD device for $179.
- Near-stock Android with timely updates (reached Android 6).
- Sharp 720p display for the price.
- Swappable back shells.
What to watch
- Weak 5 MP camera; no LTE on the original.
- 8 GB base storage; no microSD on first model.
- Plastic build.
- Discontinued — a vintage budget device.
The phone it has to beat
Redmi 1S
$120 · score 66/100