Unlocked Moto X4, sans Android One, still coming to the US

By JC Torres/Sept. 22, 2017 5:22 am EST

Google just proudly announced that it's bringing its Android One program to the US, with the recently launched Moto X4 as its first champion. Not everyone, however, might see the point in an Android One phone or, more practically speaking, be willing to sign up for Google's Project Fi MVNO service just to get their hands on Motorola's latest mid-range phone. Fortunately for these people, there is a very good chance that Motorola will bring the Moto X4 to the US and bring it unlocked, for that matter.

The original mandate of Android One was to bring a pure Android experience to a new generation of low to mid-tier devices. That has now changed, however, to become more like what the Google Play Edition phones were: taking an existing "standard" smartphone and stripping away anything that Google itself won't ship on its Nexus or Pixel. That new trend started with the Xiaomi A1, basically the Xiaomi Mi 5X with Android One, and is now followed by the Android One Moto X4.

The latter is special because it is the first Android One device specifically for the US, whereas others before it were focused in emerging markets. It comes with a rather big caveat though It is only available via Google's Project Fi, which means signing up for a new contract.

But Motorola has always brought its X line of phones in the US, sometimes even unlocked, so it almost seemed disturbing that it was silent on the Moto X4. Perhaps it's just letting Google enjoy the spotlight a bit before saying "you can also buy the original Moto X4 on its own too". This version of the Moto X4 would come with all the pre-loaded apps and services the regular Moto X4 has in Europe, including integration with Amazon Alexa.

It is, however, still unconfirmed and details are likewise still thin. In addition to the date, the big question will be how much it will cost. The Android One Moto X4 is priced at $399, but there's an off chance it would get a higher price tag when sold in its original and unlocked form.

VIA: Android Central