Moto X Style (Pure Edition) review: Made to order

Unboxing the Moto X Style (Pure Edition)

The Moto X Pure Edition, which we’re reviewing in the US, ships in a fairly big retail box. Inside it, you will find the phone, a Turbo Charger, a tool for removing the SIM and memory card slot, and clear bumper case to go with the usual set of booklets.

The retail package of the new Moto X Pure Edition

We were pleasantly surprised to find a bumper case inside the box of the smartphone. Headphones are not included, but this is hardly a surprise considering the price range of the device.

The bundled bumper case is a nice surprise

Design and build quality

The Moto X Style (Pure Edition) features the same three-piece design and slightly curved body as the model it is about the replace, as well as the Motorola Nexus 6. The only noticeable differences between the 2014 and 2015 Moto X models are the presence of a front LED flash in the latest version, as well larger camera area on its back. This particular element is similar to the one found in the latest Moto G.

The latest Moto X Style (Pure Edition) in the flesh

With the above in mind, we find the Moto X Style (Pure Edition) handsome in person, yet also a tad too familiar. Once again, it will be up to Moto Maker to ensure that each smartphone stands out in today's mobile crowd.

Speaking of Moto Maker, this year, Motorola's customization platform for the Moto X Style (Pure Edition) is richer than ever. There is a new, gold option for the device's metal frame, as well as more colors and textures for its back.

Various customized variants of the Moto X Style (Pure Edition)

The Horween leather back covers now feel better suited for the smartphone, sporting a fine texture that will hold well over time. Of course, wood back covers, and customizable accent colors are also available.

Once again, the latest Moto X Style (Pure Edition) sports exceptional build quality. With a metal frame, front covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and back covered by quality material of your choice, the handset will certainly live up to the expectations of even the most demanding power users.

Moto X can handle light splashes too thanks to water repellent nano-coating treatment on its internals. Motorola however, has stopped short of giving the smartphone an IP rating. The handset cannot be fully submerged in water - it can only things like accidental spills and rain.

The Moto X Style (Pure Edition) is 153.9mm long and 76.2mm wide. Its thickness varies between 6.1 and 11.6mm, while its weight tips the scale at 179 grams. Overall, the device's measures are similar to those of Samsung Galaxy Note5, which also sports a 5.7" display.

The Moto X Style (Pure Edition) and the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ side by side

Handling

Handling the latest Moto X Style (Pure Edition) is as pleasurable as we expected. The smartphone feels compact for a 5.7" device and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand thanks to its slightly curved body.

Handling the Moto X Style (Pure Edition)

Unsurprisingly, the device's tactility is nothing short of exceptional. We reviewed a variant of the smartphone with dark wood cover and enjoyed every interaction we had with it.

Display

The Moto X Style (Pure Edition) features a 5.7" IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Pixel density is roughly 520 ppi, so the unit is plenty sharp and worthy of a 2015 flagship handset.

At a quick glance, the display of the smartphone impresses with its brightness and viewing angles. Sunlight legibility is also top notch, so you will not have any trouble reading your messages outdoors.

A closer look at the Moto X Style (Pure Edition) display

Colors are accurate as expected from a quality IPS unit. The contrast is also stellar, though not quite up to par with the infinite blacks of an AMOLED unit.

The new Moto X Style (Pure Edition) isn't the first smartphone by Motorola with QHD display, but it is surely beats its similarly equipped siblings in terms of quality. The newcomer's unit is miles ahead of the quad-HD solution found in the Nexus 6.