Innovations in packaging that are long overdue for the Android ecosystem.
Until now, the only mainstream all-carrier device has been iPhone. Thanks to Apple’s largess, it was able to negotiate a nifty contract with Qualcomm: Ship every iPhone with CDMA, but only pay for it on the devices that it’s actually used on.
That allowed Apple to ship a single model that worked worldwide, and on every carrier. It saved Apple millions in device adaptation costs too. It was literally cheaper to ship multiple variants of iPhone, than any other phone, thanks to this one little change.
But it now seems Qualcomm is willing to open the floodgates, ahead of VoLTE, and the inevitable phase out of both CDMA and GSM 3G voice networks. And that’s what makes the new Moto X models (Pure and Style) such game changers.
For the first time, you’re going to be able to buy an Android phone at retail, unlock it, and use it on any North American carrier – without strings attached. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile stateside. With the Nexus 6 we came close, but Verizon and AT&T last-minute lockdown issues caused problems. For example, buy a Nexus 6 from Google, and Verizon will claim it’s a “Non VZW device” – which has led many to file FCC complaints against Verizon.
Frankly, the biggest disappointment that one might have with Moto X, is the lack of dual-SIM, something that OnePlus did – but without the crucial support for most customers over here. OnePlus 2 has dual-SIM, but lacks LTE compatibility with Sprint and Verizon.
Starting next year, Verizon will allow VoLTE devices on their network, and Sprint almost certainly will follow before 2016 is done. But, it may not be until 2017 that 3GPP ratifies a true VoLTE calling standard that will allow device makers to universally support every carrier’s VoLTE stack.
Add in that the Moto X will let you unlock the bootloader, without losing the warranty, and do what you want with your device – including updating it after Motorola throws in the towel – is a major good thing.
The Moto X will bridge the gap between now and 2017. Hopefully it won’t be hard to swap SIMs on it… and our fingers are crossed that Motorola will offer a dual-SIM variant essentially. Because having a prepaid SIM for Verizon’s enhanced voice coverage, while being able to use Sprint or T-Mobile for unlimited, unthrottled data – is the dream not just of us… but most ordinary people today.
Article has been revised to clarify the differences/innovations from the Moto X versus the Nexus 6.
Ever hear of the nexus 6? Supports all carriers since last November.
This Moto X Style is still exciting though.
That is true, but Moto X is a Nexus device – and is viewed by the carriers as a developer device. For example, Verizon banned Moto X 2014 devices from being offered in Pure Edition. Motorola appears to have worked around that by building CDMA radios into their unlocked phones.
Also the Nexus 6 is sales restricted in many cases. For example, Google warns that Nexus 6 devices bought at AT&T and Verizon may be locked or neutered in various ways. Presumably, a Moto X Pure once SIM unlocked can be flashed with stock Motorola firmware. With the N6, you have to cross-flash and go through other hoops. And worse, if you activate a Google Play issued N6 on Verizon, you start running into Non VZW Device issues. While we don’t know until they ship, it appears the Moto X 2015 editions will solve these issues.
This is the first time Google hasn’t had to subsidize a device in order to get an unlocked bootloader and quad carrier support. That’s really significant in my book at least.
Maybe so, but your article states , “For the first time, you’re going to be able to buy an Android phone and use it on any North American carrier.” And that’s just plain wrong.
I didn’t write the article, but I think it is correct. Having put an N6 on Verizon, I had to return it because it was registering as a Non-VZW device. Messages wouldn’t come in, for example.
Hair splitting? Perhaps, but in terms of real-world consumers it makes a huge difference. Geeks can use WhatsApp, Google Voice, SquareTrade, etc to replace carrier offerings for messaging and insurance… but it looks like a revision was posted clarifying this.
By selling Pure as a carrier-branded, and unlocked device, all four carriers will have the Motorola IMEI blocks registered, so that should not have the same issues Nexus 6 had/has.
Chris P, hell has frozen over. How long have you been asking for this? Motorola has cut out the middle man too -just like Tesla Motors.
It looks like three weeks ago, Verizon caved to the waves of FCC complaints, and did start whitelisting Nexus 6 devices sold by Google. Just wanted to add that fact into the mix – but it is still hit and miss, you may have to go through a whitelisting request.
More details: https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/3b98tr/vzws_ongoing_willful_flagrant_pervasive_and/
Apparently if you do get your Google Play or Motorola-sold IMEI added properly, it will no longer show a Non-VZW device status, and no longer cost you $30 to $40 extra on certain plans. But if you have one of those impacted plans, you should log on to My Verizon and check it.