DPReview smartphone reviews are written with the needs of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance, and image quality.

Introduction

The 2nd generation of the Motorola Moto X is, despite the unchanged name, a very different device to its predecessor and has been improved in almost all areas. With its 5.2-inch 1080p OLED screen, thin bezels and aluminum body it has a much more premium feel than the original Moto X, launched in 2013. As before, leather and wooden back covers are available through the Motomaker customization service which originally started out in the US, then expanded to Germany and is now available in the UK and France. 

Under the attractive-looking exterior an almost pure version of Android 4.4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with 2.5GHz quad-core CPU and 2GB of RAM. You can choose from versions with 16 or 32GB of built-in memory, but unfortunately there is no microSD slot. In the camera department the new Moto X offers a 13MP sensor and F2.25 aperture, 4K-video and a dual-LED ring flash but the new model still has to make do without an optical image stabilization system.

We've put the new Moto X through our usual comprehensive testing routine. Read the full review to see how it performed and if the 2014 model is a better choice for mobile photographers than the original Moto X.

Key Photographic / Video Specifications:

  • 13MP Sony IMX135 1/3.06-inch CMOS sensor
  • F2.25 aperture
  • 31mm equivalent focal length
  • Dual-LED flash
  • ISO 50 - 1000
  • 4K-video
  • 2MP front camera

Other Specifications:

  • Android 4.4
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC with quad-core CPU
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16/32GB storage
  • 5.2-inch 1080p OLED display (423 ppi)
  • 2300 mAh battery

Our 8-page review

We've considered every aspect of the Motorola Moto X (2014) camera, with the photographer in mind. We examined the user interface of the native camera app and its special features. We experimented with the camera's performance when taking stills and video, and had a play with the device's many special feature modes. Click any of the links below for more information of specific functions and continue to our conclusion for a final summary of our findings.