The day is here: Motorola has finally unveiled it's long rumored and much-hyped Moto X smartphone.
Much was made of its customizable qualities, but upon reveal we've learned that only AT&T will let consumers choose between 18 different back colors, seven accents and the option to include a personal message on its rear. Moto says there are over 2,000 combos users can create, but for now, only Ma Bell customers can enjoy them.
The device that's made in the USA has a so-so set of specs, and some features that could either freak you out or hook you in. But enough blather: Below you'll find just what the TechRadar team makes of this phone from a knee-jerk perspective.
Marc - Reviews Editor, Mobile Devices
It's a nice smartphone, but the hype eventually caused a letdown. Internally, it has specs you'd expect from a decent, modern-day smartphone. But its key features - always-on microphone for voice commands and customizability - aren't features I'm interested in. The customization options are also limited to AT&T, and 32GB models of the device are only available online. I see no reason to choose the Moto X over the HTC One or what we've heard about iPhone 5S.
Knee-jerk score: 3
Gareth - Phones and Tablets Editor
I can't understand what Google is doing with the Moto X. It must surely know that, no matter how well implemented, consumers are always swayed by headline specs. While the 'innovations' seem interesting, there's nothing there that grabs me from the outset. It looks like a phone you really have to spend some time with to get to grips with it... And that's always a hard sell. It doesn't even seem to be competing on price, so while I like the ideas there's nothing on the Moto X to really get that excited about.
Knee-jerk score: 2.5
Michelle - US News Editor
I am completely underwhelmed by the Moto X. Its specs are paltry and its price too high when put next to what you get for the same money elsewhere. While the camera features pique my interest, little else about the Moto X excites me. The sort-of customizations (you have to be an AT&T customer, after all) mask an otherwise mediocre phone. Perhaps this will lead to a new way to shop for a handset in the future, but for now and for me, no thanks.
Knee-jerk score: 2
Lily - Assistant Editor
Motorola has taken the Moto X to a whole new level...of creepy. A phone that's listening to me all the time? Really? I understand the need for immediacy, and definitely the need for hands-free, but always waiting for my voice is a little disconcerting.
But, on the flip side, it sounds quite cool; I could be driving in my car and wouldn't have to worry about texting someone a question about directions or plan changes. The wood grain back option is also pretty interesting. Actually, the amount of customization is pretty crazy. I'd also like to see how the camera functions work in person to see if this phone is really as cool as Moto is making it out to be.
Knee-jerk score: 3.5
Kate - News Editor
Voice commands, interchangeable cases, camera-based bells and whistles - it's like Motorola looked into my brain and picked out all the things I care least about having on a phone. Still, pure Android's all right even if it is 4.2 not 4.3, and the phone looks pretty nice in its regular white and black forms. Doesn't really matter though, does it? It's not coming to the UK and that's where I live. Well done everyone.
Knee-jerk score: 2
Hugh - Staff Writer
The Moto X - another perfect demonstration of the dangers of pre-release hype. It's not hard to see why people are jumping on the mediocre specs and lack of Android 4.3. And with the whole ongoing NSA business, you'd think that someone might have thought "You know what? A phone that listens to you all the time might be a tough sell to people right now." Then again, smartphones need to get smarter, and Google's "context aware" ambitions with the X are a step in the right direction. But look at the handset in itself (and the price) and there's not much to get excited about.
Knee-jerk score: 2.5
Total knee-jerk score: 2.6
See what else the TechRadar team is reacting to: