Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) smartphone

Photo: AnVuong1222004 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Motorola

Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen)

September 2014 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen), also known as the Moto G 2014, was a popular budget-friendly Android smartphone released in September 2014. It offered a larger 5-inch HD display, improved cameras, and front-facing stereo speakers compared to its predecessor, running a near-stock Android experience.
Display5.0" HD IPS LCD
ChipsetSnapdragon 400
Main Camera8 MP
Battery2070 mAh (3G) / 2390 mAh (4G)

💰 Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) Price

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📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.0 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

OSAndroid 4.4.4 KitKat, upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8226)
CPUQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 305

Memory

Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot), up to 32 GB (officially), some sources suggest up to 150 GB
Internal8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM

Main Camera

Modules8 MP, f/2.0, autofocus
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Modules2 MP
Video720p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion, non-removable
Capacity2070 mAh (3G variant), 2390 mAh (4G variant)

Body

Dimensions141.5 x 70.7 x 11 mm (5.57 x 2.78 x 0.43 in)
Weight149 g (5.26 oz) for 3G, 155 g (5.47 oz) for 4G
SIMSingle SIM or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM)
BuildPlastic body, splash resistant coating

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB Host

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 2014
StatusReleased September 2014

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent value for money at launch
  • Clean, near-stock Android UI
  • Good software update support (for its time)
  • Front-facing stereo speakers
  • Expandable storage
  • Splash-resistant build

Cons

  • Limited internal storage (8GB base model)
  • Only 1GB RAM can lead to performance bottlenecks
  • No LTE on the initial release model
  • Average camera performance in low light
  • Battery life could be better on the 3G variant
★ Our Verdict

The Moto G (2nd Gen) offered exceptional value at its price point, combining a large HD display, stereo speakers, and a clean Android experience, making it a standout budget smartphone of its time.

The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) was a groundbreaking budget smartphone in 2014, but it is now an outdated device. While it offered a great user experience with its clean Android and stereo speakers, its specifications like 1GB RAM and a Snapdragon 400 processor are very basic by today's standards. It might still be suitable for extremely light use, as a backup phone, or for collectors. However, for daily use, even budget phones released in recent years will offer significantly better performance, camera quality, and battery life. Consider newer, entry-level smartphones for a more satisfying and secure experience with modern apps and operating systems.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) Handset
  • Wall Charger (often with fixed micro USB cable)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety and Warranty Information

Typically includes a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty, subject to regional terms and conditions.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) released?

The Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) was initially released in September 2014.

Does the Moto G (2nd Gen) support 4G LTE?

The initial release of the Moto G (2nd Gen) did not support 4G LTE. However, a separate 4G LTE variant with a slightly larger battery was released later, around December 2014/January 2015.

What operating system did the Moto G (2nd Gen) run?

The Moto G (2nd Gen) launched with Android 4.4.4 KitKat and was officially upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Does the Moto G (2nd Gen) have expandable storage?

Yes, the Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) includes a microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the internal storage.

Is the Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) still a good phone to buy today?

While it was excellent for its time, the Moto G (2nd Gen) is now significantly outdated. Its performance, camera, and battery life are very basic compared to modern smartphones, even budget ones. It's generally not recommended for daily use in 2026.

What were the main improvements of the Moto G (2nd Gen) over the first generation?

Key improvements included a larger 5-inch HD display, upgraded 8MP main camera, 2MP front camera, and the addition of front-facing stereo speakers and a microSD card slot.