Moto X 64GB Internal Storage June Release Rumors

Rumors circulating in early 2014 suggested that a 64GB version of the Moto X might arrive in June, but no such model was ever officially released. The original Moto X launched in 2013 with 16GB and 32GB storage options, and Motorola never offered a 64GB variant for that generation. This article explains the origins of the rumor, what actually happened, and what it means for anyone considering a Moto X today.

Background: The Moto X and Its Storage Options

The Moto X (2013) was Motorola’s flagship smartphone, notable for its near-stock Android experience and extensive customization options through Moto Maker. At launch, it was offered with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, with no microSD card slot for expansion. This was a common design choice at the time, as many manufacturers believed cloud storage and streaming would reduce the need for large local storage. However, power users quickly found 16GB restrictive, especially with high-resolution photos, offline maps, and large apps.

In early 2014, tech blogs and forums began speculating about a possible 64GB Moto X, fueled by leaked documents and carrier inventory listings. The rumor gained traction because Motorola had already released a 64GB version of the Droid Ultra (a similar device) exclusively on Verizon. Many hoped the unlocked Moto X would follow suit, especially with a June release date mentioned in some reports.

The June 2014 Rumor: What Was Claimed

The specific rumor that a 64GB Moto X would arrive in June 2014 appears to have originated from a leak on a Chinese e-commerce site, which listed a 64GB Moto X with a release date of June 2014. The listing was quickly picked up by tech media, and some speculated that Motorola might announce the new storage option at its upcoming events. However, Motorola never confirmed the rumor, and June came and went without any official announcement.

It’s worth noting that Motorola did release a 64GB variant of the Moto X in some markets, but only for the second-generation model (2014), and even then, it was limited. The original Moto X never received a 64GB option, and the June 2014 date passed without any such release.

Why a 64GB Moto X Made Sense (and Why It Didn’t Happen)

From a consumer perspective, a 64GB Moto X would have been highly desirable. The phone lacked expandable storage, so users who wanted to store lots of music, videos, or offline navigation data were forced to rely on cloud services or carefully manage their limited space. A 64GB option would have directly addressed this pain point.

However, several factors likely prevented Motorola from releasing it:

• Cost and demand: 64GB NAND flash was still relatively expensive in 2014, and the Moto X was already priced competitively. Adding a 64GB tier might have pushed the price too high for the target market.
• Product strategy: Motorola was positioning the Moto X as a mid-range option, and offering a 64GB version might have cannibalized sales of its higher-end Droid line.
• Carrier constraints: In the US, the Moto X was heavily promoted through carriers, and they may not have wanted a 64GB SKU that could complicate inventory or pricing plans.
• Focus on the next generation: By mid-2014, Motorola was already working on the Moto X+1 (later released as the 2014 Moto X), which did eventually offer a 64GB option in some regions. The company may have decided to save that feature for the next model.

What Actually Happened: The 2014 Moto X

In September 2014, Motorola unveiled the second-generation Moto X. It came with 16GB and 32GB storage options at launch, but a 64GB version was later made available through Moto Maker in some countries, including the US, for a limited time. This was the closest Motorola ever came to offering a 64GB Moto X, but it was not the original model and not in June.

For those who specifically wanted a 64GB original Moto X, the only realistic path was to buy a used or refurbished unit and hope that the storage was sufficient, or to use cloud storage and streaming services to work around the limitation. Some users also experimented with USB-OTG (On-The-Go) adapters to connect external storage, but this was not a built-in feature and required a compatible app.

How to Check Storage on a Moto X

If you own a Moto X (2013) and want to verify its storage capacity, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Storage.
3. You’ll see a breakdown of used and available space. The total capacity (16GB or 32GB) is shown at the top.

Note that the system and pre-installed apps take up a portion of the storage, so the actual free space will be less than the advertised capacity. For example, a 16GB Moto X typically shows around 11-12GB of usable space out of the box.

Common Misconceptions About Moto X Storage

One common misconception is that the Moto X has a microSD card slot. It does not, and this was a point of criticism at launch. Another misconception is that the 64GB version exists but was only sold in certain markets. While a 64GB variant of the 2014 Moto X was sold in some regions, the original 2013 model never had one. If you see a listing for a 64GB original Moto X, it is almost certainly a mislabeled or modified device.

Another related question is whether you can upgrade the internal storage yourself. The Moto X’s storage is soldered onto the motherboard, so it cannot be replaced or expanded without specialized equipment and micro-soldering skills, which is not practical for most users.

Alternatives for More Storage

If you need more storage than the Moto X offers, consider these alternatives:

• Cloud storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive can offload photos and documents, freeing up local space.
• Streaming services: Instead of downloading music or videos, use streaming apps like Spotify, Netflix, or YouTube with a Wi-Fi connection.
• USB-OTG: With a compatible OTG cable and an app like Nexus Media Importer, you can connect a USB flash drive to the phone to access files, though not all apps support this.
• Choose a different phone: If storage is a priority, look for a phone with a microSD slot or a larger built-in capacity, such as the Samsung Galaxy series or the LG G series from that era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Moto X ever come in 64GB?

The original Moto X (2013) never had a 64GB version. The second-generation Moto X (2014) did offer a 64GB option in some markets through Moto Maker, but it was not widely available and not released in June.

Why did the rumor about a June 64GB Moto X start?

The rumor likely started from a leaked retailer listing that appeared online in early 2014. Tech news sites picked it up, but Motorola never confirmed it, and no such product materialized.

Can I add more storage to a Moto X?

No, the Moto X does not have a microSD slot, and the internal storage is not user-replaceable. You can use cloud storage or USB-OTG adapters to access external files, but you cannot increase the internal capacity.

Is the Moto X still worth buying today?

Given its age, the original Moto X is not recommended as a daily driver. It lacks modern security updates and performance is outdated. If you need a budget phone, consider newer models with better specs and support.

What was the price difference between 16GB and 32GB Moto X?

At launch, the 32GB model was typically $100 more than the 16GB version. For example, the 16GB was $199 on contract, while the 32GB was $299. Unlocked prices were higher.

Does the Moto X support external storage via USB?

Yes, with a USB-OTG cable and a compatible app, you can connect a USB flash drive to the Moto X to browse and play files. However, not all file types are supported, and the phone must be running Android 4.4 or later for best compatibility.

Related

• Blue Light Glasses Sleep: Do They Really Work?
• Desktop Data Recovery: How It Works & What It Costs
• Compare Grid, On-Site Generation & Battery Storage for Data Centers