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Motorola·Budget · Released Nov 2013

Moto G (2013)

The phone that redefined what a budget Android could be.

46/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$179
Color · Black
Display
4.5" LCD 60 Hz
Chipset
Snapdragon 400
Memory
1 GB · 8 GB
Main cam
5 MP
Battery
2,070 mAh
Weight
143 g
Quick answer

The Moto G (2013) is a budget Motorola smartphone released Nov 2013, with a launch price of $179. It pairs the Snapdragon 400 with a 4.5" LCD 60 Hz display, a 5 MP main camera and a 2,070 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 46/100 — The budget phone that changed the rules. Standout strengths: near-stock android with timely updates. and hd screen at a sub-$200 price. Main trade-off: only 8 gb, no microsd on base.

AI Snapshot

The budget phone that changed the rules.

The first Moto G proved a cheap Android phone didn't have to be terrible — near-stock software, timely updates and a clean HD screen at $179. It was a watershed that forced the entire industry to take the budget tier seriously.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display60
Camera46
Performance50
Battery56
Build56
Value80
  • Near-stock Android with timely updates.
  • HD screen at a sub-$200 price.
  • Swappable back covers.
  • Got to Android 5.1 — rare for budget.

Full specifications

Type
IPS LCD, 60 Hz
Size
4.5 inches
Resolution
1,280 × 720 px (HD)
Main
5 MP, f/2.4
Selfie
1.3 MP

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v4
Δ class avg -99.0%
This
17,000
Class avg
1,620,000

How the Moto G (2013) compares

Moto G (2013)iPhone 6 PlusMotorola Droid
SpecEagle score464646
ChipsetSnapdragon 400Apple A8
Display4.5" LCD 60 Hz5.5" LCD 60 Hz3.7" LCD
Main camera5 MP8 MP · f/2.25 MP
Battery2,070 mAh2,915 mAh1,400 mAh
Launch price$179$749$560

Frequently asked questions

When was the Moto G (2013) released?

The Moto G (2013) was released in Nov 2013.

How much does the Moto G (2013) cost?

The Moto G (2013) launched at $179 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the Moto G (2013) screen size and type?

The Moto G (2013) has a 4.5" LCD 60 Hz display.

What chipset does the Moto G (2013) use?

The Moto G (2013) is powered by the Snapdragon 400 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Moto G (2013) have?

The Moto G (2013) ships with 1 GB · 8 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Moto G (2013) battery capacity?

The Moto G (2013) has a 2,070 mAh battery.

How fast does the Moto G (2013) charge?

The Moto G (2013) supports 5 W wired charging.

What is the Moto G (2013) main camera?

The Moto G (2013) has a 5 MP main camera.

Does the Moto G (2013) have a headphone jack?

The Moto G (2013) has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

How long will the Moto G (2013) get software updates?

The Moto G (2013) update policy: To Android 5.1.

How much does the Moto G (2013) weigh?

The Moto G (2013) weighs 143 g.

What colours does the Moto G (2013) come in?

The Moto G (2013) is available in 2 colours: Black, White.

Is the Moto G (2013) worth buying?

The first Moto G proved a cheap Android phone didn't have to be terrible — near-stock software, timely updates and a clean HD screen at $179. It was a watershed that forced the entire industry to take the budget tier seriously. SpecEagle gives the Moto G (2013) an editorial score of 46/100.

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