Motorola touts Moto X as faster than rival devices on same carrier, but test was done on different networks

Motorola today touted a Signals Research Group study that found the Moto X outperformed other Android devices from Samsung, LG, and HTC in tests of network connectivity. Unfortunately, the Google-owned company managed to completely disregard the details, and therein lies the devil.

Here’s a quote from Motorola’s post on Google+ (emphasis ours):

It’s not just the network that matters, it’s the device. Moto X got “top honors, by a country mile” in recent tests of LTE network connectivity performed by Signals Research Group. Moto X scored more than 35 percent higher average throughput than rival Android devices tested.

Here’s a quote directly from FierceWirelessTech‘s report (again, emphasis ours):

In addition, the Moto X could sustain a data call at signal levels as much as 9 dB lower than levels for the other devices tested. Those other devices include the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy Note II, HTC One and LG G2, which were tested over the 700 MHz Band 17 used by AT&T. The Moto X was tested on 700 MHz Band 13, used by Verizon Wireless.

Now, we don’t disagree with the principle of Motorola’s claim. It is indeed possible for devices to perform differently on the same network. If you’re going to make such a claim though, make sure that the tests you’re quoting did indeed use… the same network.

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Update: While Signals Research founder Michael Thelander said he *thinks* use of different bands didn’t cause differences in the devices’ performance, he has no way to prove it. It’s quite simple: if you’re going to compare multiple devices, use the same network so you’re really comparing just the devices.

Motorola has been making big moves as of late to push its new line of devices, including price cuts and policy changes, as it struggles to find a way to stop the bleeding of both market share and money. Dear Google: this isn’t the way to do it.

See also – Motorola slashes Moto X’s wood finishes from $100 to $25, reveals three new designs coming January 21 and Motorola stops voiding developer device warranties when owners request unlock codes, reinstates old warranties

Top Image Credit: Remy Gabalda / Getty Images