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$399 Android One Moto x4 Is the Newest Project Fi Handset

Users have been asking for more affordable devices that work with Project Fi. The Android One Moto x4 is Google's answer.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

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Good news for budget-conscious individuals who want to try Google's Project Fi: the company just added the $399 Android One Moto x4 to its lineup.

Project Fi combines Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular into a virtual network with better coverage than any one of the three offers individually. Android One, meanwhile, is a line of low-cost Android devices.

Many users have requested "more options for high-quality, affordable devices that work with Project Fi," Project Fi Product Manager Joy Xi and Director for Android partner programs, Jon Gold, write in a blog post.

The Android One Moto x4 will be the first Android One handset available in the US, Android Central points out. Like all other Android One phones, this one "runs a pure Android experience, with a clean software design and a carefully curated set of preinstalled apps to give you just what you need," Xi and Gold write. It works with Google Assistant and offers video calls via Google Duo.

Those who purchase the Android One Moto x4 will also have access to the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, Android Oreo, before the end of the year. And, "Android One Moto x4 will be among the first to receive an upgrade to Android P," according to Xi and Gold.

In terms of features, the phone has three cameras — a 12MP and 8MP dual camera system on the back for "wide-angle photos and detailed portraits" and a 16MP selfie shooter on the front with "adaptive low light mode." There's also free high-quality storage from Google Photos, so "you never have to worry about running out of space," Xi and Gold write.

It also features Motorola's TurboPower charging technology, which promises to give you up to six hours of juice in just 15 minutes.

The Android One Moto x4 is available for pre-order now in the US in either black or blue. As part of its trade-in program, Google will give you up to $165 for select Nexus devices, plus an extra $50 in Project Fi credit if you purchase the device before Oct. 5.

Project Fi earned an "excellent" rating in PCMag's review, though we said it's "still a niche choice because of its very limited selection of phones." Today's announcement makes that less of an issue.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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