Moto X Style review

Motorola's latest flagship packs a sizable punch

Moto X Style
Moto X Style

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The Motorola Moto X Style offers something a bit different to other mainstream flagship devices, with a larger display and more robust - if slightly less premium - design.

It's not as all encompassing as the Samsung Galaxy S6 or iPhone 6S, but for those looking for something a bit different the Moto X Style is a solid choice.

Motorola Moto X Style review

We liked

The pure Android operating system is free of bloat, and simple to use, allowing you to customise your Moto X Style experience to your taste without another manufacturer's interface getting in the way.

It looks great on the bright, vibrant QHD display which is great for movies and gaming, while the front facing speakers direct sound right into your face.

Performance is also strong, with swift app load times and fluid navigation and while the camera app was a little fiddly the Moto X Style can take some great snaps.

We disliked

There's not getting around the size and weight of the Moto X Style, it's both big and heavy and for many it won't be a good fit.

If you're looking for a big screened smartphone the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ offers the same size and resolution display is a more compact body, although the Moto X Style has price on its side.

I was also disappointed with the battery life on the Moto X Style, and I'm surprised Motorola wasn't able to squeeze in a bigger power pack. I didn't manage to get more than a day from the handset with moderate use - and at times it was dying before I came to plug it in at night.

Motorola Moto X Style review

Verdict

The Motorola Moto X Style is a great smartphone and I thoroughly enjoyed using it during the review period.

It's not a handset with universal appeal, for those looking for a big screen flagship at a decent price the X Style is an excellent option.

I do wish the battery life was better, but it's not hugely different to other 2015 flagship phones on the market so it's almost acceptable.

Are there better phones than the Moto X Style on the market? Absolutely. Can any of those rival it in terms of price? Absolutely not. It's the perfect phablet for those on more of a budget, and you don't have to sacrifice performance or core features.

First reviewed: October 2015

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.