Motorola recently launched its budget Moto G smartphone, which is expected to be the biggest threat for the iPhone 5c in emerging markets.
On November 13, Motorola launched the Moto G, a handset primarily aimed at developing markets. The iPhone has been one of the most popular smartphones in the global smartphone industry; however, the prohibitive price tag of the handset has kept many buyers at bay. In September this year, Apple launched the budget friendly iPhone 5c aimed primarily at emerging markets.
The iPhone 5c is supposed to have a budget friendly price and the 16GB version sells for $549 without any contract. With a two-year contract, it starts at $99. However, the carriers in most developing countries don't offer this subsidized rate. On the other hand, the 16GB model of the latest Moto G sports a price tag of only $199. Unlocked. Even with such a big price difference, the hardware specifications of both the iPhone 5c and the Moto G are very similar.
The iPhone 5c is categorized as a pocket friendly handset; however, other smartphones such at the Moto G, which are available for nearly one third of the price of the iPhone 5c may attract more customers. As customers in emerging markets are very likely to be price sensitive as such, the Moto G may have an edge over the iPhone 5c.
Customers looking for better network connectivity may opt for the iPhone 5c, which also supports 4G LTE connectivity. The Moto G on the other hand supports 3G GSM and CDMA connectivity.
The Moto G comes pre-loaded with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system. However, Motorola has confirmed that the latest Android 4.4 Kitkat, which is currently available only on select Android devices, will be released for the Moto G by January 2014.
The latest Moto G will hit the shelves in Brazil and some parts of Europe within this week. The company also confirmed that the smartphone will be available within the next few weeks throughout Latin America, Europe, Canada and select parts of Asia. The Moto G will also be available in the U.S., India, the Middle East and rest of Asia in early January.
U.S. customers will be able to buy the handset directly from the company's website without any contract for $179/$199 for the 8GB/16GB storage option. The handset will also be available from various retailers and carriers in the U.S.
