Moto X 2016 will reportedly feature a modular design with 6 magnetic attachments
Earlier today, we got a good look at the Moto X 2016 in a pair of leaked renders showing the phone’s new all-metal design. While it was assumed that we were looking at 2 different versions of the same phone — a silver unbranded model and one headed to Verizon with familiar DROID branding emblazoned on the back — it turns out they could actually be 2 different devices.
Evan Blass from Venture Beat (better known in Android parts as @evleaks) followed up the leaked images with new info on what we could be looking at. He’s calling them the Moto X Vector Thin and Moto X Vertex and those weird gold speaker holes on the back? Turns out they’re not the speakers at all, but magnetic contacts that will used to connect Motorola’s new line of modules, à la the LG G5.
As far as hardware goes, the Vector Thin will be the higher end model (think last year’s Moto X Style), coming with a profile only 5.2mm thick, a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 32GB internal storage, 3GB/4GB of RAM, 13MP camera with OIS, and a 2,600mAh battery.
The Vertex appears to be replacing last year’s Moto X Play, with a 5.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, Snapdragon 625 processor, 16GB of storage, 2GB RAM, 16MP camera with laser/phase detection auto-focus, and a 3,500mAh battery. Apparently there will also be a slightly more higher-end 32GB storage/3GB RAM model for those that willing to dish out a little more money. Oh, and the Vertex is slightly thicker than the Vector Thin, coming in at about 7mm thick.
The real juicy news are the modules, something Motorola is calling “Amps” that simply snap onto the back and can be used on either device. Each device will come with a colored back plates out of the box (something we saw in those previously leaked photos), with Motorola offering 6 Amps for the two devices at launch: stereo speakers, battery pack, camera grip with optical zoom and flash, pico projector, and finally a rugged cover with wide-angle lens. Sounds like Lenovorola may have beat LG at their own game.
No word on pricing or release details, although the leaked images are showing an August 24th date, so take that as you will. It’s entirely possible Verizon will nab the carrier exclusive for both these devices as the DROID Turbo 3 and Droid Maxx 3 here in the states, with word that Lenovo could be planning to reveal the devices on June 9th, at their Lenovo Tech World event.