[Rumor] Motorola May Be Planning a Smartphone Even Cheaper than the Moto G

[dgstorm]

It seems that Google may not be the only company looking to create even cheaper mobile handsets. According to some new intel, Motorola may be planning to offer a new device which is actually cheaper than their already very affordable Moto G. According to docs from the Brazilian version of the FCC, Moto registered three devices using Motorola XT 102(x) name variations: XT 1021, XT 1022 and XT 1025 specifically.

One is a high-end device, one is a mid-tier device, and the other is a budget-friendly device. The source of this intel speculates that the cheapest version of this new Motorola phone could have a street price that is less than $150. This would make it even more affordable than the Moto G. Some specs were leaked of the lowest end of these devices. Here's a quote with the details,

Thanks to Brazilian-based Tecnoblog, we have learned that three new Motorola handset models have passed through Anatel — Brazil’s equivalent of the FCC: the XT 1021, XT 1022 and XT 1025. All three models are basically said to be the same device but with the first having just a single SIM slot, the second with dual-SIM and the third with both dual-SIM and a digital TV tuner. It’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first evidence of the new Motorola XT 102(x) series, as the XT 1021 actually passed through the FCC a little over a month ago, rocking AT&T-friendly 3G capabilities.

So what exactly can we expect from the Motorola XT 102(x)? If Tecnoblog’s leaked details prove correct, this could be a very modest entry-level handset. Specifically the phone is said to offer a 1.2Ghz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, a 4.3-inch display, 4GB storage and a 1900 mAh battery. Reportedly the handset will also offer Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box.

What do you guys think? Do you think this downward pressure on mobile device pricing will eventually bring costs for all smartphones down?

Source: AndroidAuthority

 

[UltraDroid]

No, I think the downward trend will deliver less satisfaction to the buyers and less revenue for Samsung. Below a certain threshold you are no longer offering a "smartphone" but more of a semi useful feature phone. Obviously we're not there yet, but the trend is disturbing. Buyers of the ultra low priced phones will find that they simply can't *do* the things that a top level smartphone can, and they'll be disappointed with the performance of the phone.

I think that all of the phone manufacturers should establish a "bottom line" for performance (and price - because they go hand in hand) and simply not go below that.

 

[kodiak799]

The specs on that device are basically what my 2-yr old Rezound has. And it's still an excellent phone (which sells used on EBAY for @ $80-$100).