Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) vs. Moto X40: A Clash of Generations

The Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) was a beloved device, known for its design and solid performance. Now, the Moto X40 arrives boasting cutting-edge technology. But does the newer phone justify the upgrade? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which device comes out on top.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Moto X40 is the clear winner, offering a massive upgrade in performance, charging speed, and camera capabilities. While the Moto X (2nd Gen) holds nostalgic value and offered impressive battery life for its time, the X40's modern features and power make it the superior choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen)	Motorola Moto X40

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU, AT&T, Verizon	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 17 - XT1097 AT&T, XT1095 T-Mobile	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66
5G bands	-	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	1, 3, 7, 20 - India	CDMA 800

Launch
Announced	2014, September. Released 2014, September	2022, December 15
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, December 22

Body
Build	-	Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions	140.8 x 72.4 x 10 mm (5.54 x 2.85 x 0.39 in)	161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	144 g (5.08 oz)	199 g (7.02 oz)
	Water resistant	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)
Size	5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~73.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED	OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)	Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 330	Adreno 740
OS	Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow)	Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MYUI 6.0

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM (AT&T, T-Mobile)	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
	eMMC 5.0	UFS 3.1 - 128GB UFS 4.0 - 256GB/512GB

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR	Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.2, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.13µm, AF	-
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR
Single	2 MP, f/2.2	60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX	5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
Radio	No	No
USB	microUSB 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	Ready For 3.5 support

Battery
Charging	15W wired, QC2	125W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 50% in 7 min 15W wireless 5W reverse wired
Type	Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 4600 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Black, Blue
Models	XT1097, XT1096, XT1095, XT1092, XT1085, XT1093	XT2301-5
Price	About 320 EUR	About 540 EUR
SAR	1.46 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body)	-
SAR EU	0.49 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body)	-

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -93.8dB	-
Battery life	Endurance rating 48h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 72dB	-
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1176Basemark X: 11855	-

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -93.8dB	-
Battery (old)	Endurance rating 48h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 72dB	-
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1176Basemark X: 11855	-

Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen)

Excellent battery life (48h)
Compact and comfortable design
Reliable performance for basic tasks
Affordable (used market)

Outdated processor
Lower resolution display
Limited camera capabilities
Slow charging

Motorola Moto X40

Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
Stunning high-refresh-rate display
Exceptional camera system
Ultra-fast 125W charging
Wireless and reverse wired charging

Potentially higher price point
Battery life may not match the X (2nd Gen) despite fast charging
Larger size may not suit all users

Display Comparison

The Moto X40 boasts a significantly superior display. It likely features an OLED panel with a high refresh rate (likely 144Hz), offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. The Moto X (2nd Gen) had a smaller LCD display with a standard refresh rate, which feels dated by comparison. Expect better outdoor visibility and overall visual clarity on the X40.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Moto X40's camera system is expected to be significantly more advanced. Expect a higher resolution main sensor, improved image processing, better low-light performance, and potentially features like optical image stabilization (OIS). The X40 likely supports 4K video recording, whereas the X (2nd Gen) may be limited to 1080p.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Moto X40 is a generational leap over the Snapdragon 801 in the Moto X (2nd Gen). The X40 delivers vastly superior processing power, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and effortless handling of demanding games. The X40's octa-core CPU and advanced architecture provide a noticeable performance advantage.

Battery Life

The Moto X (2nd Gen) was known for its impressive 48-hour endurance rating. The Moto X40, despite likely having a larger, higher-resolution display, benefits from more efficient components and incredibly fast 125W charging. While the X40's battery capacity might be similar, the charging speed provides a significant advantage, allowing for a full charge in under 30 minutes.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen)? Those seeking a budget-friendly, reliable phone for basic tasks and who prioritize long battery life. Who should buy the Motorola Moto X40? Users demanding top-tier performance, a stunning display, fast charging, and a high-quality camera experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Moto X40 worth upgrading from the Moto X (2nd Gen)?

Absolutely. The Moto X40 offers a massive upgrade in almost every aspect, from performance and display to camera and charging. It's a worthwhile investment for users seeking a modern smartphone experience.

❓ What is the battery life like on the Moto X40?

While the Moto X40 might not match the 48-hour endurance of the Moto X (2nd Gen), its fast charging capabilities more than compensate. You can quickly top up the battery when needed, minimizing downtime.