Saturday, April 1, 2017

Moto M Unboxing And First Impressions

The Moto M by Lenovos Motorola was officially introduced for the Philippine market yesterday. Its a handset that appears to be Moto G4 Plus sidegrade which packs better build and design.
Moto Ms box

In particular, Motorola is targeting customers whos in-need of a well crafted handset with nice cameras without sacrificing performance and afforda bility.


Now the question is, are those new traits enough for this device to compete with the very best of its class? Lets check it out!

Moto M Specs

Display: 5.5 Inch FHD IPS 1920 x 1080 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass at 401 ppi
CPU: 2.2 GHz 64 Bit Helio P15 octa co re processor
GPU: Mali T860
RAM: 4 GB
ROM: 32 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128 GB
Back Camera: 16 MP f/2.0 w/ PDAF and LED flash
Selfie Camera: 8 MP
Battery: 3,050 mAh w/ rapid charge tech
OS: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, HSPA+, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, A GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, light, e-compass, gyroscope
Others: Fingerprint scanner, Dol by Atmos, USB Type C, Colors: gold, silver
Dimensions: 151.35 x 75.35 x 7.85 mm
Weight: 163 g
Price: PHP 14,999

Disclaimer: This Moto M was only borrowed during the event for this unbiased unboxing and impressions article. Again, this is not a sponsored post.
Unboxing / Accessories
Generous package
Generous package

Whats inside the box of the Moto M is definite more premium and a whole lot be tter than what we saw with the Moto G4 Plus. The company included a 2A wall charger, regular USB to USB Type C data / charging cables, IEM w/ mic for calls, and SIM ejector too. As a bonus, Motorola threw a FREE screen protector and case inside the box as well.

Build Quality / Design

All metal build is tough!
All metal build is tough!

The Moto M is constructed in a very nice way in terms of materials used. The metal used reminds us of the very tough ones found with the Huawei G8 but slimmer and curvier. Edges are chamfered too and its equipped with a 2.5D curved glass.
Construction and materials used in on point!
Nice rounded corners! Mic and headphone slot on top!
Nice rounded corners! Mic and headphone slot on top!
Only one speaker works
Only one speaker works, USB Type C port is present below
Hybrid SIM slot at left
Hybrid SIM slot at left
Power button and volume rocker at right
Power button and volume rocker at right

However, theres no mention of Gorilla Glass or any sort of protection against accidental drops or even light scratches.

Critics will say that the design of this device looks old. Partly, we agree with them as this is the type of shape we saw even from the older Samsung phones in the past, ageing Huawei phones, and lower-end Asus devices. The main camera is also slightly protruded. But, Moto made this slightly different and refined most of the great things those other companies did. How? This device is slimmer and curvier.

In particular, apart from the easy to reach button and ports placement of the device, this phone sits very well in my palm. It is very comfortable to hold.

Initial findings

1. The Moto M has a close to outstanding construction and refinement even with the use of an ageing design. The FHD 2.5D screen looks bright and good, but the no-mention of scratch resistance is a bummer.
2. The higher-clocked 2.2 GHz 64 Bit Helio P15 octa core processor is intriguing. Theres a chance that this device has a spee dier performance than the likes of OPPO F1s, J7 Prime, V5, and can compete with GR5 2017. The 3,050 mAh w/ rapid charge tech looks promising too.
3. It has a 16 MP f/2.0 PDAF main camera now has pro-camera mode, but Im not as convinced yet compared with what we saw coming from the G4 Plus. The 8 MP f/2.0 wide angle selfie camera tells a different story though, it looks natural and very good right off the bat!
4. This device highlights a single loud speaker below w/ Dolby ATMOS audio software enhancement. Well test it out.
5. The fingerprint scanner is now located behind and USB Type Cs addition is welcomed.

Camera teaser

This daylight shot isnt as detailed and accurate
This daylight shot isnt as detailed and accurate
This indoor shot is fine
This indoor shot is fine
Very good selfie cam!
Very good selfie cam!

As of the moment

At PHP 14,999, this Moto M looks decent and close to prom ising on paper. In our first look, we generally find its good build and nice selfie camera pleasing. The use of Helio P15 octa core processor is intriguing but unproven.

Well thoroughly test this device in our full review soon. Stay tuned!

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