A couple of big milestones for Google today.
Google is making two big jumps today, expanding its Android One program to the U.S. and also releasing the first non-Nexus or Pixel device on its self-operated Project Fi phone service. Both firsts come from a single device, the new Moto X4, which in this case gets the special naming convention of the "Android One Moto X4."
The designation is an important one, though, because the Android One Moto X4 has a different software setup than the standard Moto X4 announced back at IFA 2017. Motorola's generally loved customizations are gone, replaced by Google's slick an consistent Android One platform we've seen on many low-end devices and most recently in the nicer Xiaomi Mi A1. That means you get a Google-sanctioned, Pixel-like software experience with perks like guaranteed security updates — and Google says it will get Android Oreo before the end of the year.
The Android One Moto X4, priced at $399, will be a great addition to the lineup on Project Fi that has spent the last year only offering high-priced Google Pixels after the low-cost Nexus 5X dropped off of its store. With the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL rumored at high prices once again, it's necessary that Google offers a lower-priced phone for its network — particularly for those looking to start multi-line plans.
More: Moto X4 hands-on preview
At the same time, this level of mid-range phone is far more likely to do well in the U.S. when compared to the much cheaper Android One devices offered elsewhere in the world. The Moto X4 has very capable specs, solid hardware, a good screen and a dual camera setup that looks intriguing for the price. People won't necessarily be buying it as something they settled for, instead seeing it as a really good value — especially when paired with the often-inexpensive Project Fi service.
You'll be able to pre-order an Android One Moto X4 on Project Fi starting today, in either black or blue, and to sweeten the deal Google is also offering a new trade-in program for Nexus users that could save them up to $165 — plus an additional $50 in service credits if you buy before October 5. As always, zero-interest financing for 24 months is also available, pegging the Android One Moto X4 at $16.63 per month.
For those who aren't interested in switching to Project Fi, Motorola has subsequently confirmed that a U.S. unlocked model of the Moto X4, with Motorola's software, will be made available at some point this year.
Reader comments
Moto X4 coming to Project Fi as first Android One device for the U.S., priced at $399
Interesting to see if the Android One X4 comes to the rest of the world. Also if it doesn't and Moto are tardy with the updates for the regular model I am sure a method of flashing to Android One will be possible.
This interests me, but I'm not interested in using FI again. It's not a bad service, but it wasn't worth it to me. Now that I have wifi at work, this would be a better deal then Straight Talk, but since I use MintSIM, FI can't touch that deal. I'd rather this be on Google's website for purchase, and pick it up that way.
I hope the camera quality either remains the same, or improves with the Google-sanctioned software build. Would love to get some HDR+ love, but won't hold my breath.
This or wait for the Moto G6 which I'm sure it'll cheaper and come with Oreo and another future update. I really don't like the price of this Moto X
It is a real stretch to hope that waiting will provide an Android One/Fi compatible phone in the G6. It might be possible, I guess. Mostly, this is a nice alternative for those not wanting to spend on a Pixel and use Fi as their network.
I get what you mean... Still, don't you think the price is too much for a FI phone?
The G5 plus is almost identical to the new Moto X for less money. And Moto phones run almost true vanilla Android with nice features.
Guys the regular Moto X4 with Alexa built in will be available in the US. Motorola has an entire page detailing it on their site.
Does this lose the Motorola enhancements?
(Sounds like the new Google Play Edition)
You won't get Alexa or some of the other Motorola branded enhancements, but gesture based stuff like launching the camera with a twist of the wrist apparently still work.
Yeah i wanna ask if the android one AND motolenovo x4s will both be available in the US. Not if i want to deal with motolenovo again..
Yeah i wanna ask if the android one AND motolenovo x4s will both be available in the US. Not if i want to deal with motolenovo again..
There seems to be an irrational dislike toward Moto and there updates.
Moto does mostly mid range phones and tends to give them one major update and barely any security updates.
That's not very good but look around, is the Sammy J series getting two major updates? They can barely update there unlocked Galaxy phones. How about the Stylo series from LG?
They're subpar devices with no better track record for updates. I think people are comparing Moto to $700 phones.
With Moto you get a lot of bang for your buck for $200 and 1 major update, That's plenty for me.
Exactly.
OnePlus phones are an even better value. Flagship specs at a midrange price.
The J7 2016 did get 2 updates tho....
Hope they follow this up with a budget model, like the Moto E4 and Plus. Sub-$200 Android One's. 👍
Overpriced phone for overpriced network. Perfect match.
Seems pretty reasonable for $399. Why do you think it's overpriced?
I picked up an S8 from Samsung directly for $425 after trading in my phone. Sure, it was a promotion but flagship phones can be found at a reasonable price. This is a Moto phone which means a terrible camera and few updates, unless it's running the pixel OS and camera software. It's just not a good value compared to all the other options in this price range because let's face it, Google is not going to drop the price of these anytime soon. Picking up a 1st Gen pixel would probably be a better deal once the pixel 2 and X4 is released. I'm a big fan of the Moto X, having owned the 2nd Gen, but they killed the brand IMO. The G or Z play would probably be a better choice and the X is stuck in some weird middle ground that shouldn't exist.
So it didn't cost you $425 then. Thanks.
It did cost me $425 plus tax. I gave them a used phone that was just going to sit in a drawer. Without the trade in it would have cost $625.
You're welcome.
$400 is overpriced now?
I hope android central does a comparison article. I am curious which camera app is better. Also I was hoping Goggle would continue selling the pixel 1 at lower prices but looks like the Moto X is taking that price point.
Essentially this is Nexus back from the dead
Nice to see that it was effectively "dead" for only one year.
What about the unlocked standard version? Is that still coming? Or how about bringing it to other carriers too?
It's been released in Europe. Motorola nor Google has said anything about a "standard" non-Fi version in the U.S.
edit: Motorola got back to us on a statement, and has confirmed there will be a standard unlocked Moto X4 for the U.S. "this year."
Yes they have. Motorola’s website lists the standard unlocked version with built in Alexa.
http://www.androidcentral.com/e?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kqzyfj.com%2Fclick...
Super excited about this . This will be my next phone 👌🏽
Lol, Google carrier locking phones now. Nice.
Who said this was carrier locked? Every Nexus and Pixel sold through Fi has been unlocked up to this point.
This is good news....I love Fi and was worried Google wouldn't keep it around....the trade in is nice too.... hopefully this continues for all Fi devices
Now Google, if you can reduce data price per GB. it is just too much compared to others.
Fi is NOT for high data users by design.
Fi is priced reasonably and has many benefits for a whole lot of people — it's decidedly not for high data users.
Unless they have access to WiFi. I've used as much as 15 GB of WiFi data in a month and paid Project Fi nothing for it. A lot of that is at home where I already pay Comcast for 1 TB a month, but I also have access to WiFi in lots of other places. Google has over a million hot spots and Comcast has more than 18 million.
The whole point of Project Fi (it's in the name) is that it seamlessly uses WiFi where and when ever it is available, not only for data but for calls and texts as well. Last month I used 8 GB of WiFi data and 40 MB of mobile data. The previous month is used 9.19 GB WiFi and 376 MB mobile.
Can you buy the android one moto x4 and use it on other networks or does Google intend them to only be used with fi?
Was wondering the same. My MIL is using my old OnePlus One on Cricket. If this can be used on Cricket/AT&T I’ll grab one for her.
It's not like the regular moto x4 has bad software. Moto keeps it stock and usually adds useful features. It's just they have bad history with updates
Looks like it's project fi only. "The Android One moto x4 is priced at $399, comes in Super Black and Sterling Blue, and is available only in the U.S. on Project Fi’s network for pre-order on the Project Fi website starting today."
But they’re still releasing the regular Moto X4 with Alexa built in. The Motorola website shows it as coming soon.
Sounds like you'd have to go through the hassle of enrolling in Google Fi, buying the phone, and then turning around and cancelling the service to take the phone back to your old carrier. Not sure it's worth the hassle, especially if your current carrier is way more affordable than Fi, like mine is.
I expect it to work the same way as Nexuses and Pixels sold by Fi. That means it's unlocked and would work on other GSM/LTE networks just fine, but you have to be a Project Fi customer to buy the phone in the first place. AKA if you have a friend who uses Fi and can buy it, you can then take it elsewhere.
But that's kind of a hassle, really. And it means that your warranty coverage is all handled through Project Fi — so if you need to replace or repair your phone, it'd have to go through your friend with the Fi account.
Thanks.
That's about the only negative for me. I don't have a Fi account.
Doesn't this also support photo backup through the cloud similar to the Pixel program? Anything else?
Can someone use this as a traveling phone? My daughter wants to go to Europe in the near future - I'm thinking she could use this phone instead of her personal phone....
It doens't have the unlimited original photo backup like Pixels do. It just has the typical unlimited "high quality" backup like every other phone.
Project Fi is a great carrier for international travel. There's no fee or surcharge for using the phone internationally — you just pay the same $10/GB when roaming in hundreds of countries, and Wi-Fi calls are cheap or free.
It might have two years of unlimited photo backup like some other Motorola phones.
Having a Fi account is great internationally, data is still $10/GB internationally and their service works amazingly well all across western Europe. Some Eastern Europe countries are like a black hole still but I used my Fi service in Moscow and it was blazing fast. I guess the Russians need good access to the internets though :)
That's one of the main reasons I switched and keep my main number on Fi. International data use is the same as the regular US data (pay for what you use) and text/calls are as close to free as you can get. MY Nexus 6P battery is dying quickly so I'm trading it in for $165 + $50 Fi credit so the X4 will cost me under $200.
You can pause service on Fi, and they don't charge you a penny, and then turn it on when you travel. I have a fi account that I use only for travel. Our family goes to rural Wisconsin every summer, and they have practically no coverage there, so I just use Fi for that week. I haven't been overseas with a Fi phone, but the last time I was in Europe, I used Google Voice just fine, so I would *guess* that Fi would work with no issues.
I wonder if this means that it won't be sold as a regular Moto X4 in the US by Motorola.
It has to be because Moto’s website shows an unlocked version with Alexa.
If they come out with a T-Mobile Band 71 compatible version I would buy one.