Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) smartphone
Motorola

Motorola Moto G (1st Gen)

November 2013 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) was a groundbreaking Android smartphone released in November 2013, developed by Motorola Mobility. It quickly became a best-seller by offering a compelling combination of solid specifications and a near-stock Android experience at an exceptionally affordable price, particularly targeting emerging markets.
Display4.5" IPS LCD, 720p resolution
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 400
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
Battery2070 mAh non-removable
Starting from $3,798

💰 Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) Price

The Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) lowest price is $3,798, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size4.5 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Pixel Density~326 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.3 Jelly Bean, upgradable to 5.1 Lollipop
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 305

Memory

Internal8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM
Card SlotNo

Main Camera

Single5 MP, f/2.4, AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single1.3 MP
Video720p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2070 mAh, non-removable
Talk timeUp to 24 h (3G)

Body

Dimensions129.9 x 65.9 x 6.0-11.6 mm
Weight143 g
SIMMicro-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCNo
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedNovember 2013
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio at launch
  • Clean Android interface
  • Robust build quality
  • Good battery life for its class
  • USB OTG support

Cons

  • No LTE connectivity (original model)
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
  • Mediocre camera performance
  • Limited internal storage options
  • Non-removable battery
★ Our Verdict

The Moto G (1st Gen) earned its high rating by redefining the budget smartphone segment, offering a premium experience at an accessible price point that was unmatched by competitors at its release.

The Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) was a revolutionary device in its era, delivering outstanding value and a pure Android experience. However, as of 2026, it is an outdated smartphone that is not suitable for modern daily use. Its operating system (Android up to 5.1 Lollipop) is no longer supported, leading to significant security vulnerabilities and incompatibility with most current applications. The hardware, including its processor, RAM, and camera, is severely underpowered for today's demands. While it holds historical significance and might appeal to collectors, it is strongly advised to consider contemporary budget smartphones from Motorola's current G-series or other brands, which offer up-to-date features, security, and app compatibility for a much better user experience.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) Handset
  • USB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • Quick Start Guide
  • SIM Ejector Tool

Typically, a standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty covered defects in materials and workmanship at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

Is the Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) still usable today?

No, the Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) is not recommended for daily use in 2026 due to its outdated operating system, lack of security updates, and inability to run most modern applications.

What was the original operating system of the Moto G (1st Gen)?

The Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) originally launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Does the Moto G (1st Gen) have a microSD card slot?

The original Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) did not feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage. An LTE variant released later did include this feature.

What made the Moto G (1st Gen) so popular?

The Moto G (1st Gen) gained immense popularity for offering an unprecedented combination of solid performance, a vibrant display, and a near-stock Android experience at an incredibly affordable price, making quality smartphones accessible to a wider audience.

Can the Moto G (1st Gen) run modern apps?

Most modern applications are incompatible with the outdated Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system that the Moto G (1st Gen) runs, meaning it cannot effectively run current apps.

What are the main camera specifications of the Moto G (1st Gen)?

The Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) features a 5-megapixel main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video at 30 frames per second.