Manuel Masiero (translated by Liala Stieglitz), 03/23/2016
Tough. According to Motorola, the Moto X is the very first smartphone in the world to have an unbreakable screen. However, our test shows that the 5.4-inch handset not only comes with a decent amount of resistance, but it also convinces with plenty of other first-rate configuration features.
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For the original German review, see here.
It is hard to imagine life without a smartphone and it is almost a catastrophe when the loyal companion falls down in an unwary moment and shatters irreparably. A whole industry thrives from selling screen protectors, leather cases and security glass for preventing just that or to at least enable the handset to survive an accident. The robust, premium Motorola Moto X Forcesmartphone doesn't need any safety nets. It is the world's first device to feature ShatterShield, which is to most definitely prevent the screen from shattering or cracking according to the manufacturer. The Moto X Force even tolerates moments of wetness without damage thanks to its water-repelling nano finish.
Despite its toughness, the 5.4-inch Moto is not an unhandy, ruggedized brick. It is a 169 gram lightweight with a classy aluminum casing and decent configuration. The smartphone delivers high-performance with 3 GB of working memory, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 octa-core processor and Adreno 430 graphics unit as appropriate for its class. A screen with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, an enduring and quickly recharged battery, extensive communication equipment and a 21-megapixel primary camera that shoots outstanding pictures in daylight are also part of this bundle.
Since the Moto X Force plays in the smartphone premium league, it has to compete with equally strong rivals. We used the following smartphones, all with a similar configuration and size, for comparing the Motorola: Apple iPhone 6s, LG G4, Microsoft Lumia 950, Samsung Galaxy S7 andSony Xperia Z5.
Motorola Moto X Force
Processor
Graphics adapter
Memory
3072 MB
, LPDDR4
Display
5.4 inch 16:9, 2560x1440 pixel, capacitive touchscreen, 540 ppi, AMOLED, 1440p quad-HD, ShatterShield, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB
, 23.2 GB free
Weight
169 g ( = 5.96 oz / 0.37 pounds), Power Supply: 30 g ( = 1.06 oz / 0.07 pounds)
Price
700 Euro
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Case
Motorola manages to install a virtually "unbreakable" screen in its smartphone with a self-developed ShatterShield system. It is based on five panel layers. An aluminum bezel creates the first or the lower-most layer. The second layer is an AMOLED screen that is to lessen shocks with its flexible build. Then a double-layer of touchscreens follows - when one malfunctions, the second takes over. The outer-most and fifth layer is a foil made of an especially hard plastic, which is to prevent dents and signs of use. In case it does scratch or display other minor bruises, it can be removed and replaced with a new screen protector. However, its price of 30 Euros (~$33) in the manufacturer's online shop is not exactly cheap.
Despite its special build, the screen does not feel different than those of other standard smartphones. The screen is embedded seamlessly into the elegant and stiff aluminum chassis. Its handling is just as smooth as the physical power and volume controls on the handset. In conjunction with the slip-proof back (more about that below), it results in a very high-quality total impression. The only compromises involving the ShatterShield are its slightly higher weight than those of the comparison devices, and its thicker display bezel makes it a few millimeters wider.
Buyers can select between white/silver and black/gray color combinations for the Moto X Force's front and bezel. The casing's rounded back, which gives the smartphone a height of 9.2 millimeters in the tallest spot, is black "Ballistic Nylon" by standard. It is weaved nylon textile that provides the fingers with good grip. However, its rough surface texture will unlikely appeal to everyone and is also difficult to clean. The Moto X Force is also available with a "Soft Grip" back like the Moto X Play, and for 20 Euros (~$22) more it comes with grained leather. The back cannot be removed and consequently the battery cannot be replaced.
Two nano-SIM cards can be inserted in Motorola's smartphone simultaneously. However, since the second slot is a hybrid slot also for a micro-SD card, the user has to decide whether two nano-SIMs are to be used or a combination of one nano-SIM and one micro-SD.
