We have already seen today the new Motorola mobile that aims to be the king of the mid-range of its generation. However, we have also seen the two new high-end phones that will compete with the big smartphones. The Motorola Moto X Style will be the flagship, while the Motorola Moto X Play It will be the sportiest version and focused on autonomy.
A true flagship?
The new Motorola Moto X Style is the big smartphone that the company is going to launch in this batch. It aims to be the great high-end which will compete with other rivals such as the flagships of Samsung or Apple. However, it remains to be seen if it will really be of such a high level, since previous generations of the Motorola Moto X have left mixed feelings. Although the company develops mobile phones very well with a very cool features, in the end, its technical specifications have always been somewhat inferior to those of its more expensive rivals. Something similar happens with the Motorola Moto X Style, a smartphone that has truly attractive features, but falls somewhat short in terms of pure numbers compared to more ambitious top-of-the-range models.
The best of the flagship
The most notable thing about the Motorola Moto X Style is not so much its technical features as it is other aspects of the experience. For example, one of the main things to highlight is the lots of customization options offered through Moto Maker in compatible markets: different colors, textures, and even materials like leather or wood for the back. It's something already seen in other Motorola devices, and even in the new Motorola Moto G, but in the case of this Moto X Style it becomes a differentiating argument.
In addition to customization, you also have to consider the 21 megapixel main cameraAnd if we take into account the brand's good tradition, it's very likely that it's not just a matter of resolution, but of actual high quality. In the Style, the camera offers clear advantages over the Play: 4K video recording, 1080p at 60 fps options with HDR and a flash frontal for better-lit selfies, features that put it above those who prioritize photos and videos.
All this without forgetting the great work in design and use of the front. The new Motorola Moto X Style features a 5,7-inch Quad HD display, but with a small body size for its diagonal, achieving a very high panel presence. Added to this is a TurboPower fast charging which, according to the brand, significantly speeds up the time required to recover hours of use compared to rival solutions.
Aside from that, we have a smartphone with features that, while only considered high-end, are not the best available. For example, the processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 six-core, like some balanced top-of-the-range chips, somewhat more conservative than chips with eight cores or with more aggressive frequencies, but stable in temperature. Along with the RAM memory of 3 GB, should offer us good performance in intensive use and multitasking.
The price of the new Motorola Moto X Style should be noticeably lower compared to other classic high-end phones. Although exact figures may vary by market, it's positioned as a very competitive option for those who want premium features without paying the price tag of more expensive models. Still, for yet another year, we see a Moto X Style that, despite being high-end, doesn't aim to lead in raw specifications, but rather in overall balance.
A sportier version
The other will be the Motorola Moto X Play, a curious version that changes size and other features to adapt to what more sporty or practical users are looking for. This is the case, for example, of the battery, with 3.630 mAh, larger than the Moto X Style. If we add to that the fact that the screen is smaller (5,5 inches) and with a resolution Full HD, the autonomy will be noticeably greater in real use. By the way, its processor is also more modest, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 mid-range, with 2 GB of RAMOf course, it's also more affordable and attractive for those who prioritize battery life and a reasonable price.
In terms of connectivity, both models rely on LTE / 4G, NFC and dual-band Wi-Fi, integrate slot microSD to expand storage and boast certified splash resistance IP52K (water-repellent). The Play also maintains the front-facing audio philosophy, although it's worth remembering that the bottom speaker is the one that emits sound; it's not a full stereo system.
In any case, below you have a full table prepared by our colleagues from another blog with all the features of the two smartphones.
Screen, design and sound
The Moto X Style mounts a panel Quad HD (1440 x 2560) 5,7 inches with a very high density, aimed at those who consume multimedia or want more detail in text and images. The Moto X Play opts for a panel Full HD 5,5 inches with 403 ppi, enough for no pixels are distinguished at a normal distance and with the advantage of lower energy consumption. Both use LCD panels with Gorilla Glass to protect them from scratches.
Regarding design, the Style sports a metal frame and more careful finishes (with the possibility of rear panels in leather or wood using Moto Maker in available markets), while the Play opts for a textured back cover with a great grip and interchangeable cover. In practice, the Style feels more premium; the Play, more resistant to daily use. On the front, both rely on user-oriented speakers; however, only one emits on the Play, so the sound is not true stereo.
Performance and storage
In everyday life, the Snapdragon 808 Style along with 3GB of RAM offers faster response when opening heavy apps, occasional photo editing and heavy multitasking. The Snapdragon 615 The Play easily handles browsing, messaging, social networking, productivity apps, and even 3D games at medium quality, although its Adreno GPU 405 may require lowering details to maintain fluidity at 1080p. Both models offer versions with 16 / 32 / 64 GB (depending on the market) and expansion via microSD, something key compared to rivals that do not offer it.
If you are concerned about touch sensitivity and the fineness of the system, Motorola is betting on a almost pure Android layer, which reduces lag and speeds up the delivery of updates. In synthetic tests at the time, the Play delivered solid performance for its range, while the Style came out on top, but where it really shows is in the overall smoothness and faster app loading times on the Style.
Exclusive Motorola software and features
Both phones maintain the essence of Android without overdoing it, and add very useful features from the company. The Active Screen (Active Display), which subtly displays notifications when you pick up your phone or receive alerts, without turning on the entire screen. Also, quick gestures: Double-tap your wrist to open the camera, or the "chop" gesture to activate the flashlight. The app Motorcycle allows you to configure these options, and are accompanied by utilities such as Immigration to transfer your data from another mobile phone and Connect to manage the brand's accessories. It is a discreet but really practical In day to day.
Cameras: How They Differ
Both Moto X Style and Moto X Play share a sensor 21 SM with dual LED flash and a front 5 SM. Where they separate is in video and extras: the Style can record at 4K and offers 1080p at 60 fps, while the Play stays at standard 1080p. On the front, the Style adds flash, useful for indoor selfies. In good lighting conditions, the results are sharp and with natural color; in night scenes, the lack of optical stabilization penalizes it compared to top-of-the-range models with OIS, but the Style performs better thanks to its most ambitious processMotorola's camera software is minimalist and speedy, with touch shooting, rapid bursts, and auto HDR, though more advanced manual control is missed in certain scenarios.
Autonomy and charging
The Moto X Play is the king of the drums of the family thanks to its 3.630 mAh and its Full HD panel. With mixed use, many users manage to cross the day and a half with margin and even two days if they do not abuse games or mobile data. The Moto X Style, with 3.000 mAh and QHD screen, completes the day without hassle and shines for its TurboPower fast charging, capable of recovering hours of use in just a few minutes with a compatible charger. Both lack wireless charging as standard, and the presence of the fast charger in the box may vary by region; in any case, TurboPower support is there and makes a difference compared to slower solutions.
Connectivity and extras worth knowing
Both models come well served: LTE / 4G with good speeds, Dual band Wi-Fi, NFC for quick payments and matching, Bluetooth 4.x, FM radio and micro-USB port with USB OTG for peripherals. They do not include an infrared emitter or fingerprint reader. One detail to keep in mind on the Play is the absence of Notification LED in some variants, offset by the Active Display. Its IP52 resistance means that repel splashes, but they are not phones to submerge.
Quick comparison: key points
- Screen: Style 5,7″ QHD with a very sharp display; Play 5,5″ FHD with a powerful display that’s sufficient for everyday use.
- Unlimited: Style (Snapdragon 808 + 3 GB) more capable in multitasking and editing; Play (Snapdragon 615 + 2 GB) solvent in general use.
- Cameras: both 21 MP; Style with 4K, 1080p at 60 fps and front-facing flash; Play oriented to standard 1080p.
- Battery: Play excels with 3.630 mAh; Style compensates with very fast TurboPower.
- Designer: A more premium style with metal and leather/wood options; Play with a textured back and great grip.
Context in the Motorola family
Motorola's strategy of dividing its high-end range into two models works well to cover different profiles: the Style as a balanced flagship with multimedia aspirations, and the Play as a sports phone with a great battery and a reasonable price. In this scenario, it is worth remembering the existence of a third model aimed at extreme resistance within the same generation, the Moto X Force, with screen technology ShatterShield Designed to withstand knocks and falls. Without competing directly with Style or Play for positioning, it serves to understand that the brand segments by use and priorities (design/screen, autonomy, or robustness).
If your priority is the autonomy and a reasonable price, the Moto X Play is a success. If you are looking for a top screen, better video, a more polished design, and a bit more power, the Moto X Style gives you that jump without forcing you to pay like you would with more expensive flagships. Both maintain the clean Android experience and Motorola's smart features that, in real-world use, make the quiet difference that makes you want to keep using them day after day.
