5 things that other Androids should learn from Motorola

Motorola has been a constant to the mobile industry. A company that has released all-time successes since the days of the flip phone. The phone maker hasn’t quite seen the same success as it did with the now-historical Motorola RAZR, but it has managed to stay relevant and has found an equation that is granting it the position it deserves.


Motorola is taking some huge steps with devices like the Nexus 6, the Droid Turbo, and of course that Moto line-up. This includes some of the most innovative and successful smartphones Motorola has ever created. How did they get back on their feet and find a way back to success in one of the most competitive markets out there?
Let’s take a look at what Motorola has been doing, and how other manufacturers could learn from this authoritative company.

Disclaimer: This is not a “fanboy” post. This article is part of a series that aims to highlight what multiple manufacturers are doing better than others. All companies fail in certain ways, and it’s important to point out ways to improve a company, its devices and customer experience. We have also published HTC and Samsung versions.

Taking over the affordable smartphone category

Motorola took the world by surprise when they first announced the Moto G. A phone that looks good, works well and actually has fair specs for under $200? Such a feat was impossible just a couple years ago.

The Moto G and Moto E now lead the affordable smartphone market with prices that make it possible for anyone to have a decent Android smartphone. Yes, they are not the best phones out there, but they are quite amazing considering their price tags. I used the first-generation Moto G for months, and must say the experienced offered very few compromises.
I mean, the Moto E is only $130 and offers fair performance. Comparable devices are cheap, badly built and will lag for everything.

Making your devices really yours

Motorola has taken customization to the next level with the Moto X and the Moto G. The former can be customized via Moto Maker with a variety of colors and designs. You can even opt for wooden materials.You can really make make this device your very own.

The Moto G and Moto E are not as customizable as the Moto X, but the company does offer colored back plates (“shells”) you can purchase separately. This makes it easy to switch between colors as you wish. Even on a daily basis, if that is what tickles your fancy.

You don’t need metal to make a well-built smartphone

A recent trend suggests metal is imperative for making a solid smartphone. Motorola is here to prove everyone wrong – plastic can feel just as premium as metal if done right. And Motorola has been doing this over and over.
Motorola’s devices feel both sleek and strong. You will be hard pressed to find any loose buttons or “flappy” parts. No parts bend or dent easily, either. When you hold these phones, it really feels like they can actually take a beating. And yes, all these phones are made with mostly plastic.

Stop it with the heavy software UI

Motorola (along with others) learnt that a heavily modified user interface creates nothing but mess, confusion and battery drain. Take a look at any recent Motorola device and you will find a very sleek and clean interface. No bells and whistles.
Using a Motorola phone will actually be very similar to using a Nexus device, which takes us right to our next point.

Get those updates out on time

Motorola is setting an example to the whole industry. While others take months to update their devices to the latest Android versions, Motorola is updating its devices right along with Nexus smartphones, if not just a couple or few weeks later. At least most of the time, that is.
The fact the manufacturer UI is much closer to stock definitely helps, and we can’t deny Motorola is also putting in its effort. Updates are important. We must keep our devices relevant as Android evolves.