The Motorola Moto X launch has been delayed here in Australia, making the temptation to import a ‘Pure Edition’ Moto X from the US, possibly with some Moto Maker customisations, quite attractive. The wait for a promised software update to enable LTE Bands 3, 5 & 7 on the phone, making the handset usable in Australia has apparently ended. Users trialing the Android 5.0 Lollipop soak test for the Moto X (2014) in Australia have seen the phone now attach to the Optus LTE network.
Ausdroid reader Shane imported a Moto X (2014) model XT1095 from the US through a friend, happy to use it on the 3G/HSPA networks until the promised update to bring Australian friendly LTE bands to the phone arrived. When Motorola announced a soak test for Android 5.0 Lollipop on the phone over the weekend, Shane managed to get a hold of the software and updated his handset and is happy to report that LTE is now working on his phone, advising :
Straight on and in 4.4.4 it showed 4G but was actually HSPA+ (expected due to US marketing HSPA+ as 4G) with Speedtest results of 10-13 Mbps. Now with 5.0 it is connecting using LTE and speedtest is giving 20-36 Mbps.
For their part, the official release notes – which were published and then pulled quite quickly – don’t mention the updated LTE bands. But it’s hard to ignore the anecdotal evidence Shane has provided.
A quick run-down on the LTE bands involved: The Moto X (2014) XT1095 comes with LTE Bands: 02(1900MHz), 04(1700MHz) and 17(700MHz (b/c)), unfortunately none of these are compatible with our LTE networks, with the Optus and Telstra 700MHz network using Band 28 as opposed to the Band 17 on this phone. The update to the Moto X brings Bands 03(1800MHz), 05(850MHz) and 07(2600MHz), Band 3 of course is used by all three carriers throughout most of Australia and Vodafone are currently planning to refarm their 850MHz 3G network over to LTE, making the phone quite attractive to import.
In theory, this is a pretty tempting offer for many people out there. Of course you have to get the phone to Australia, and Motorola hasn’t officially acknowledged the update includes the LTE support.
Update:
Shane kindly provided a screenshot of a speed test on his Moto X from Castle Hill :
Are you thinking of importing a Moto X (2014)?
