Moto G (1st gen)
The 2013 phone that redefined what a cheap phone could be.
The Moto G (1st gen) is a budget Motorola smartphone released Nov 2013, with a launch price of $179. It pairs the Snapdragon 400 with a 4.5" HD LCD display, a 5 MP · f/2.4 main camera and a 2,070 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 26/100 — The phone that fixed the budget category. Standout strengths: redefined the budget phone — a usable hd device for $179. and near-stock android with timely updates (reached android 6). Main trade-off: weak 5 mp camera; no lte on the original.
The phone that fixed the budget category.
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.
Read the full review- 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.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Moto G (1st gen) compares
| Moto G (1st gen) | Galaxy Note II | Moto X (1st gen) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 26 | 26 | 30 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 400 | Exynos 4412 | Motorola X8 |
| Display | 4.5" HD LCD | 5.5" HD AMOLED | 4.7" HD AMOLED |
| Main camera | 5 MP · f/2.4 | 8 MP · f/2.6 | 10 MP · f/2.4 |
| Battery | 2,070 mAh | 3,100 mAh | 2,200 mAh |
| Launch price | $179 | $649 | $579 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Moto G (1st gen) released?
The Moto G (1st gen) was released in Nov 2013.
How much does the Moto G (1st gen) cost?
The Moto G (1st gen) 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 (1st gen) screen size and type?
The Moto G (1st gen) has a 4.5" HD LCD display.
What chipset does the Moto G (1st gen) use?
The Moto G (1st gen) is powered by the Snapdragon 400 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Moto G (1st gen) have?
The Moto G (1st gen) ships with 1 GB · 8 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Moto G (1st gen) battery capacity?
The Moto G (1st gen) has a 2,070 mAh battery.
How fast does the Moto G (1st gen) charge?
The Moto G (1st gen) supports ~5 W wired charging.
Does the Moto G (1st gen) have wireless charging?
The Moto G (1st gen) does not support wireless charging.
What is the Moto G (1st gen) main camera?
The Moto G (1st gen) has a 5 MP · f/2.4 main camera.
How much does the Moto G (1st gen) weigh?
The Moto G (1st gen) weighs 143 g.
What colours does the Moto G (1st gen) come in?
The Moto G (1st gen) is available in 2 colours: Black, White.
Is the Moto G (1st gen) worth buying?
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. SpecEagle gives the Moto G (1st gen) an editorial score of 26/100.
Owner opinions
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