Hello!
Today's article from the 'Not for Russia' series will not be entirely ordinary, due to the fact that it will overlap with the 'Ex flagship. Second Life'.
Today we are going to talk about the once very popular among Russian lovers of on-line shopping, Motorola X 2014 (2nd gen).
The smartphone was introduced a long time ago, but despite this, thanks to excellent software optimization, it still remains relevant.
This model was not officially sold in Russian retail, which, however, could not stop enthusiasts, fans Motorola and lovers of everything unusual. The device was transported to Russia in suitcases, sent in parcels and through intermediaries. In general, I found my Russian buyer Moto X 2014. Rather, the Russian buyer found Moto X 2014 (at online auctions, through ads, from dealers, etc.).
Features:
Why was he so remarkable?
The very first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the name of this model is a bamboo case back!
Moto X 2014 continues the line of customizable devices from Motorola. Before ordering, in the official store Motorola, the customer could choose several options for colors and materials of the back cover, the shade of the main frame, the color of buttons and frames around the camera, as well as order a couple of words engraving on the back of the device. Exotic materials such as the aforementioned bamboo, ebony, and even genuine (football) leather were also available among the back cover materials.
Among other things, the device received an extremely ergonomic shape and became a worthy successor to the 'X' line in this respect. With a diagonal of 5.2 inches, the device fits perfectly in the hand, it seems and feels less than it actually is.
Since the device was released in 2014, you can find a huge number of reviews, operating experiences and all kinds of comparisons on the Internet, so I won't repeat myself.
Let's move on to the essence of today's material. Why Moto X 2014?
Firstly, it is relevant, although it is not equipped with the most outstanding hardware for today.
Secondly, the price. You can buy it today for $ 120-160 for the 16GB version (there are versions with different memory sizes). For used devices in excellent condition and even less – $ 90-100.
Thirdly, this is one of the last devices of the very same real one Motorola.
Risks
In addition to the natural risks characteristic of the remote purchase method, such as being lost at the post office, or the seller's dishonesty, there is another one that we talked about in a previous article (about buying Galaxy S7 abroad) – regional features of the device's firmware and compatibility with Russian cellular networks. operators.
Motorola X 2014 has several modifications, differing from each other both in the list of supported frequencies and in the possibility of flashing.
Before describing the modifications and their features, I must clarify one important and positive point – a full-fledged Russian language is available in all stock firmware of all modifications of Moto X 2014.
The list of variants of the device is as follows:
XT1092 (European)
The most problem-free, however, and the most expensive version.
The unambiguous advantages include:
- The ability to unlock the bootloader and install various custom firmwares.
- Availability of a charger compatible with our sockets.
- Fully working LTE in the networks of Russian operators.
- The stock firmware has a 4G-3G-2G switch.
There are no downsides except for the price.
The XT1095 (Pure Edition) is second on my list of favorites.
The advantages of this model:
- The ability to unlock the bootloader and install various custom firmware;
- Lower cost compared to the European version;
- Starting from version Android 5.0 Fully working LTE in the networks of Russian operators;
- The stock firmware has a 4G-3G-2G switch.
This model has only one drawback – it is difficult to find on sale.
XT1097 AT&T (операторская версия)
Pros:
- Low cost (one of the most inexpensive modifications);
- The most customizable version – there are many devices on the secondary market in a wide variety of colors;
- Fully working LTE in the networks of Russian operators;
- Receives software (security) updates faster than all other versions.
This version has the most disadvantages:
- A large number of operator software in the firmware, which is very problematic to remove;
- Complex and paid bootloader unlocking;
- Maximum available version Android 5.0;
- Необходимость отвязки от сетей AT&T;
- There is a risk of buying a device that cannot be 'unlocked';
- The stock firmware does not have a 4G-3G-2G switch (auto-switch only).
XT1096Verizon (operator version)
Pros:
- The ability to unlock the bootloader and install various custom firmware;
- Low cost typical for operator versions;
- Also a frequently customized version – there are many devices in the secondary market of a wide variety of colors;
- Not locked version – no need to unlock the GSM module;
- Working LTE in the networks of Russian operators (only with reliable coverage);
- Can be used on CDMA networks (when traveling).
Minuses:
- Maximum available version Android 5.0;
- There is no forced selection of the type of networks (2G-3G-4G);
- There are devices with the operator's logo on the front panel.
AmericaMovil XT1097 Claro
Essentially a copy of the XT1095.
Unlike the XT1095, the AmericaMovil XT1097 Claro version exists only in the 32GB version.
XT1093 (US Cellular)
Pros:
- The cheapest device.
Minuses:
Inability to unlock the GSM-module, which means that it is impossible to use this device in the networks of Russian operators.
It is highly not recommended for purchase.
On some forums, you can find messages about unlocking the GSM module on this modification, however, this is most likely a hoax. At the moment, there are no methods or instructions.
XT1085 China
Apparatus for the Chinese market. Essentially a copy of the XT1095, except for the CDMA support of the XT1085.
Among all the versions mentioned, I chose the XT1095 version for myself, as the most optimal in terms of complexity / cost ratio.
Firmware
The first thing to remember when flashing Motorola is that the devices of this company are one of the most capricious in terms of firmware. Installing the wrong firmware can turn Motorola into a brick. And unlike devices of other brands, it will hardly be possible to restore it after that.
As we learned earlier, you can officially unlock the bootloader for free on all versions of this device except for the XT1097.
On the XT1097 model, unlocking the bootloader is also possible, but it is done on a paid basis through a special program (Sunshine – $ 25). You can read more about this on the specialized forums.
Image taken from http://www.pocketables.com
With an unlocked bootloader, any Moto X 2014 modification can be turned into a Pure Edition. The most important thing in this case is to follow the instructions exactly.
The advantage of turning one version into another is that you will have access to a lot of modifications that allow you to expand the capabilities of the device and add functions that are not provided by the manufacturer.
However, if you decide to turn any other version into the Pure Edition, you should remember that after such manipulations, when you receive an official update, it is strictly forbidden to install it using standard methods – you will get a brick.
conclusions
At first glance, it may seem that the model is very problematic and there is a high risk of wasting money. This is both so and not so at the same time. For relatively little money, you will get a very ergonomic, unusual design, nimble and responsive device with a good camera and FullHD Amoled display. And a nice addition to this list will be the opportunity to buy back covers from natural materials. Your Moto X 2014 will definitely not go unnoticed.