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Motorola One is a $399, 'pure' Android phone for Best Buy

It has a 5.9-inch notched screen and two cameras on the back.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Jessica Dolcourt
2 min read
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The midrange Motorola One has a notch and two rear cameras, for $400.

Motorola

Worthy midrange Android phones are few and far between, but the Motorola One aims to prove its mettle for $399. First announced in August for Europe, Asia and Latin America, the Motorola One will make its US debut with Best Buy on Nov. 11. Preorders start Nov. 9 at BestBuy.com. (The phone's 299 euro price converts roughly to £270 and AU$485.)

The Motorola One is so named for the Android One software build running the show. Android One, which began life as a version of Google's operating system for low-powered phones, now represents the OS that's as close to "pure" Android as you'll find on a phone that isn't the Pixel 3 . Motorola's One retains the company's trademark skin and some Motorola-only software, but is free of third-party preloaded apps. The Nokia 8 Sirocco is another example of a phone that runs on Android One.

An unlocked phone that runs on GSM technology, you'll be able to use the Motorola One with AT&T and T-Mobile networks, as well as their prepaid arms like Cricket Wireless and Metro (formerly Metro PCS). Verizon and Sprint networks use a different technology, called CDMA, which is not compatible with GSM phones.

Watch this: Moto Z3 has a long wait for its 5G moment

In 2004, Motorola built success on the back of the Razr , a thin flip phone that became hugely popular around the world. Now, the brand, which is owned by Lenovo , is best known for its excellent budget smartphones, like the Moto G6, and phones with modules that attach magnetically to the back. Motorola's Moto Z3 became the first phone to promise (eventual) 5G capability, through a magnetic attachment, that will be compatible with Verizon's future 5G network.

Motorola One specs

Display size, resolution 5.9-inch LCD; 1,520x720 pixels
Pixel density 287ppi
Dimensions (Inches) 5.9x2.8x0.31 in
Dimensions (Millimeters) 150x72x8 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams) 0.36 oz; 162g
Mobile software Android 8.1 Oreo; updates guaranteed
Camera 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel
Front-facing camera 8-megapixel
Video capture 4K
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (2GHx octa-core)
Storage 64GB
RAM 4GB
Expandable storage Up to 256GB
Battery 3,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor Back cover
Connector USB-C
Headphone jack Yes
Special features Support for Turbo-charging
Price off-contract (USD) $399
Price (GBP) 299 euro price converts to £270
Price (AUD) 299 euro price converts to AU$485

The first Motorola Razr shines just as brightly

See all photos

Edit's note: Updated subheadline Nov. 5 to correct the resolution of the rear cameras.

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