Motorola’s Moto X 2016 will Feature Swappable Back Plate Modules called ‘Amps’

BY Evan Selleck

Published 9 May 2016

2016 Moto X leak2

Yesterday, renders for what’s believed to be the 2016 Moto X surfaced, but the details were lacking.

Now, a few of the gaps have been filled, thanks to a report published by VentureBeat. As mentioned yesterday, the black Moto X that was leaked yesterday is actually a different model than the other two that were leaked at the same time. Specifically, the black model, which is pictured above, is actually a higher-end model than the other variants. It’s codenamed Vector Thin, while the white model, pictured below, is codenamed Vertex.

Both of these handsets will feature different specifications across the board: The Vector Thin will reportedly boast a 5.5-inch 5.5-inch 2560×1440 AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 32GB of built-in storage, up to 4GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel camera on the back, and a battery that measures in at 2600mAh.

The Vertex, on the other hand, will have a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 AMOLED display, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, up to 3GB of RAM, 16/32GB of built-in storage, and a 13-megapixel camera on the back. The battery is said to be 3500mAh.

However, they will share one major feature: Swappable back plate modules, which Motorola is apparently calling “Amps.” These Amps will be very similar to what LG launched alongside the modular G5 earlier this year, which lets owners connect different accessories. Interestingly enough, the rear camera housing does protrude from the back case, but when the Amps are connected, that will be flush. The Amps will connect with the 16 connector pins that can be seen on the back of the white model.

2016 Moto X leak

Motorola reportedly has six different Amps lined up for the launch of this year’s flagship Moto X device(s). That includes Amps to add stereo speakers, a camera grip that will feature a flash and optical zoom, a battery pack, a rugged cover that will also feature a wide-angle lens, and a pico projector. Those are just the Motorola-branded Amps — third-party manufacturers will be working on bringing other Amps to the market as well.

As far as pricing for the Amps is concerned, that remains a mystery.

Recently, Lenovo confirmed that it plans on announcing a new mobile technology that will “change the way people think about and use their most personal devices – in a snap,” on June 9.

[via VentureBeat]