Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Review
The Moto G Pure comes with a large, 6.5" screen, Android version (11) and solid overall features for a budget smartphone.
The Pure, released at the end of 2021, also has a very affordable price which makes it even more enticing. But there is competition from another great budget device, the Moto G Play, which was also released at the beginning of 2021, and has many of the same features, but a few key differences.
If the Pure is intended to replace the Play, is it worth it? We'll include a look at which of these two devices is better, in this full review of the Moto G Pure from Tracfone.
Don't forget to keep up with all the latest smartphones released from Tracfone to know what is newly available.
Now, let's look at the pro's and con's list:
Moto G Pure Quick Facts
What we Like:
-Large screen
-Latest Android OS
-Great price (under $100)
What we Don't Like:
-MediaTek processor
-Base-level internal storage and RAM
For a budget phone to be useable for most people, it generally needs at least 32 GB internal space and 3 GB RAM and the Moto G Pure brings those base numbers at a sub $100 price.
The updated Android 11 OS is also a good feature, but the downside to this smartphone is the mediocre MediaTek processor. How does the Pure stack up, especially compared to the Moto G Play it seems to be replacing? Let's look closer at the full specs and features:
Tracfone Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Features and Specs
Below are the features followed by the technical specs
- Android 11
- 4G LTE compatible (Verizon)
- Access to the Google Play Store with over 1 Million Apps
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
- Bluetooth 5
- Alarm Clock
- MP3 Player
- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
- Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
- SMS/MMS
- USB Type-C 2.0 connection
- USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
- Fingerprint reader
- Water-repellent coating
- Hearing Aid Compatible
Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Specs
Size: 6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in (6.63 oz)
Camera: Dual rear camera - 13 MP main camera, 2 MP depth sensor. 5 MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD touchscreen with 720x1600 resolution (270 ppi)
Processor: Octa-core (MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25) Processor
Memory: 3 GB
Storage: 32 GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 4,000 mAh with about 36 hrs usage time (non-removable)
Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.
During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year.
Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. The Moto G Power is also available unlocked and can be used with any service provider.
Based on the specs sheet, the Moto G Pure will continue this trend but let's take a closer look in our full review
Tracfone Moto G Pure Review (XT2163DL)
Touchscreen
A generous 6.5" IPS LCD screen comes with the Moto G Pure with a resolution of 720x1600 and ratio of 20:9. The pixel density is 270 ppi which is to be expected from a budget phone. More expensive devices typically have full HD screens with 350 ppi and up, which delivers a sharper, clearer image. But the screen on the Pure is adequate and the colors and brightness are both good for watching videos and more.
The top of the screen has a center notch for the front facing camera.
Performance - Storage, RAM and Processor
The Moto G Pure comes with the base level amount of RAM and storage for a phone to still be useable for most people these days with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. This allows for reasonably good performance overall and enough storage to hold a variety of apps and media. There is also a dedicated MicroSD card slot for additional storage.
The MediaTek Helio G25 Octa-core processor in the Pure is definitely a corner Motorola cut to keep the cost down. It's performance is acceptable for most activities, including gaming, but users may experience some lag and other issues.
It is surprising that the somewhat older, Moto G Play (2021) features a better processor in the form of the Snapdragon 460. It delivers better performance, better battery life, and also benefits form most developers optimizing games for Snapdragon processors. For those looking for a device for gaming and other resource intensive activities, it would be better to look at a more robust device.
Camera
A dual rear camera at 13 MP and 2 MP is featured as the main shooter on the Pure along with a 5 MP front facing camera. They capture adequate images, and even offer portrait mode thanks to the depth sensor, but don't expect too much form them, especially in low light conditions. Both the front and rear facing cameras can shoot full HD video.
Check out our Smartphone Photography Tips to get the most from any cell phone camera!
Battery Life
Long battery life continues to be a standard for Motorola devices and the Pure has almost 2 days of life on a single charge thanks to the 4,000 mAh non-removable battery.
Android OS
A highlight of the Pure is the Android 11 OS it comes with which is the latest version at this time. Tracfone will sometimes update older models when a new OS version is available, but they are inconsistent and it is best to look for devices that already come with the latest version.
Android 11 brings a number of new features as well as security and efficiency improvements. Some of the features include chat bubbles, screen record function, and improved media controls.
The Moto G Play, by comparison, has Android 10. But it may get an upgrade to 11 in the future.
Design
The overall design is quite good for the pure, with a higher than average screen to body ratio of 80% compared to other low-end devices. There is some empty space at the top and bottom of the device. On the back is the fingerprint reader, which is a nice feature to have. The bottom of the device has the speaker, charging port (USB Type-C 2) and 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Pure also comes with Bluetooth 5 for connecting to other devices.
While the construction is all plastic for the Moto G Pure, it is still feels solid and features a water repellant coating. We still recommend a cover or case to help protect it from any possible drops or falls.
Conclusion
The Moto G Pure has all the basics covered that most users want from a budget phone. It has the latest Android OS, Enough performance to handle daily use, and battery life for up to two days.
And at under $100 from Tracfone it is hard to beat as a low cost device.
That being said, for users who want a good camera, or want more storage for additional apps, consider spending a little more and give this device a pass.
Moto G Play VS Moto G Pure
The Moto G Pure is undeniable similar to the slightly older Moto G Play. They share the same storage, RAM, and screen. They have very similar form factor, and almost the same cameras (the Play has slightly wider aperture). Where they differ is the Play has the better Snapdragon 460 processor and a larger, 5,000 mAh battery, and the Pure has the newer Android OS.
It is a close call, but we would actually suggest the Moto G Pure, because it is currently available for a little less than the Play.
For those who want a little more performance and battery life, the Play is a good option. But it may be worthwhile to go with something even more powerful, like the Moto G Power or Stylus, for just under $200.
Where to Buy the Tracfone Moto G Pure
The Pure is available from a variety of online retailers:Get the Moto G Pure on Amazon
Find the Moto G Pure with airtime bundle on HSN
View the Moto G Pure on eBay
Buy the Moto G Pure with airtime bundle on QVC
For a little more flexibility, there is also the unlocked version of the Moto G Pure available on Amazon but it is more expensive. It can be used with almost any network provider.
For additional information see the Moto G Pure User Manual and Device Tutorials.
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