Moto X4 is Coming to Android One and Project Fi
- Paul Thurrott
- Sep 20, 2017
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As rumored, Motorola’s upcoming Moto X4 smartphone will be offered in an Android One configuration via Google’s Project Fi service.
“Many of you have asked us for more options for high-quality, affordable devices that work with Project Fi,” the Google Project Fi blog reveals. “We’ve heard you and we’re excited to launch our newest phone for Project Fi: The Android One Moto X4.”
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As you may recall, Google recently reimagined its Android One family of offerings by turning it into a Signature PC-like program for pure Android phones made by third parties. The Moto X4, which is already offered in non-Android One configurations internationally, will be the first non-Google handset offered on Project Fi. And it will be the first Android One handset offered in the United States.
And it looks like a great phone: The Moto X4 packs a high-end, octa-core Snapdragon 630 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of (expandable) internal storage, and a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display. But what has me the most interested is its dual camera system: The X4 offers a 12 MP Dual Autofocus Pixel sensor (f2.0, 1.4um) and an 8 MP ultra-wide angle sensor with a 120-degree field of view (f2.2, 1.12um). So if this camera is any good, I could have a new option for my next smartphone. (The Pixel 2 XL may simply be too expensive.)
What the X4 lacks, of course, is a modern bezel-less and wide-aspect ratio design; this thing still has healthy forehead and chin areas. I will be OK with that … but only if the camera is superior.
(But even if this doesn’t pan out, it looks like Project Fi is going to open up to more and more third-party handsets in the future. Today, it works only with Nexus 6, 5X, and Pixel/Pixel XL.)
“The launch of Android One Moto X4 on Project Fi is the next step in our commitment to work with more partners and expand Android One to new places,” Google says.
The Android One Moto x4 is priced at $399, which is great. It comes in Super Black and Sterling Blue colors, and is available only in the U.S. on Project Fi. You can pre-order starting today. In an interesting move, Google is also allowing upgrades from older Nexus phones via a new trade-in program that will give you up to $165 for select Nexus devices. And if you start your trade-in by October 5, you’ll get an extra $50 Fi credit.
Sounds good to me. I just need to know how well the camera works.
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Conversation 21 comments
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Bats
<p>Finally. A phone Paul can afford!</p>
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wocowboy
Premium Member<p>Paul is just fine with the HUGE top and bottom bezels on this device, but I remember many articless where there has been automatic derision for Apple and the iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and now 8 for their "old-fashioned and outdated design" that includes the very same type of bezels. The Pixel phones are a glaring example of bezels just for the sake of bezels, as they serve no visible or useful function. The Pixel doesn't have a fingerprint button on the front, and yet there is a giant bezel at the bottom for no apparent reason. At least this Motorola phone uses the space for a fingerprint reader. </p><p><br></p><p>Google needs to allow more new devices onto its Fi service. It is a great service but their list of acceptable phones now consists of models from many years ago.</p>