Lenovo is making full use of the Moto[1] brand, attacking multiple market segments with different models. The latest diversification of this line comes in the form of the new Moto X, which isn't as premium as the Moto Z lineup, but still targets buyers who want to go beyond the mid-range. The emphasis is on style and camera quality, plus of course the stock Android experience that is now a core part of the Moto brand identity.
Unveiled[2] at IFA 2017, the Moto X4[3] definitely grabs attention with its looks. It's available in Super Black and Sterling Blue, and of the two options the lighter blue one catches the light better. Both have highly polished and reflective backs, which look great until you actually pick them up. This phone is a massive fingerprint magnet, and there's no way to prevent smudges on the back or front, both of which are made of Corning Gorilla Glass. This phone is clearly set apart from the Z series by its lack of support for Moto Mods.
The frame of the Moto X4 is a matte aluminium. It's 7.99mm thick (or 9.45mm including the camera bump), and weighs 163g. The phone is IP68 for water and dust resistance, which should keep you safe from occasional exposure. Moto reps were happy to dunk demo units into tanks of water to prove that the phone would continue to work.
The dual cameras are housed in a large raised circle on the rear, which is also becoming standard across the Moto lineup. The edges have a pattern that's meant to look like a watch dial. One of these cameras has a 12-megapixel sensor with dual-autofocus pixels and an f2.0 aperture. The other has an...