Motorola Moto X Media Image Real? Up Close

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The Motorola Moto X media image you are asking about is a real, unretouched photograph, not a render or a mockup. When you look at it up close, you are seeing the actual device as it was released, with its distinctive curved back, the dimple below the camera, and the woven texture of the bamboo or wood back panel. This article explains what that image shows in detail, how to verify its authenticity, and what to look for when examining any Moto X photo up close.

What the Media Image Actually Shows

The most widely circulated Moto X media image is the official press photo of the 2013 model, showing the phone at a three-quarter angle with the screen off. Up close, you can see the following real details:

The curved back: The Moto X has a pronounced arch in the middle of its back, which is visible in the image as a gentle slope from the top and bottom edges toward the center.
The camera dimple: Just below the 10-megapixel rear camera lens, there is a small, circular indentation. This is a real design feature, not a shadow or a flaw in the image.
The Moto logo: The dimple contains the Motorola “M” logo, which is embossed into the material.
The speaker grille: At the bottom of the front, there is a single speaker grille, which is visible in the image as a series of small, round holes.

These features are all present on the physical device, so the image is an accurate representation. The photo is not a composite or an artist’s impression; it was taken with a camera and has only been color-corrected for marketing purposes.

Background: Why the Moto X Media Image Was Notable

The Moto X was launched in August 2013, and its marketing campaign heavily emphasized the phone’s customizability. The media image that accompanied the launch was notable because it showed the phone with a bamboo back, which was one of the first mainstream examples of a wooden phone back. At the time, most smartphones were made of glass and metal, so the bamboo option was a differentiator. The image was also used to highlight the phone’s compact size (4.7-inch screen) and its curved design, which Motorola claimed made it more comfortable to hold. The photo was part of a larger campaign that showed the phone in various colors and materials, all of which were real options offered through the Moto Maker customization service.

How to Verify a Moto X Image Is Real

If you are looking at a Moto X image online and want to confirm it is a real photograph of the device, here are some checks you can do:

Look for the dimple: The dimple below the camera is unique to the Moto X and is always present, regardless of the back material. If the image does not show it, the image is either of a different phone or a render.
Check the back texture: The back panel has a distinct texture. The bamboo version shows wood grain, the leather version shows a smooth surface with a seam, and the plastic versions have a soft-touch finish. A real photo will show these textures with some depth, not as a flat color.
Examine the screen bezel: The Moto X has a relatively thick top and bottom bezel, with a speaker grille at the bottom and a front-facing camera and proximity sensor at the top. A real photo will show these elements clearly.
Look for the Motorola logo: The logo is on the back, inside the dimple, and on the front, below the screen. In a real photo, the logo is crisp and legible.
Check the image metadata: If you have the original file, you can check the EXIF data. Official press photos often have a high resolution (e.g., 3000×3000 pixels) and may have a camera model listed. However, many websites strip this data, so its absence does not mean the image is fake.

These checks work for any Moto X image, including those of the 2014 and 2015 models, which have similar design cues.

Common Misconceptions About the Image

One common misconception is that the Moto X media image shows a phone with a screen that is always off. In reality, the press photo was taken with the screen off to show the phone’s design, but the phone’s screen does turn on. Another misconception is that the bamboo back is a sticker or a skin. It is not; it is a real piece of wood that is 0.6mm thick, laminated onto a plastic base. The image up close shows the wood grain and the slight variation in color, which is a result of the natural material. Some people also think the dimple is a fingerprint sensor, but it is purely a design feature to help you find the power button (which is on the right side) and to prevent the camera lens from touching a flat surface when the phone is placed on its back.

How to Choose a Moto X Image for Reference

If you are using a Moto X image for a review, a repair guide, or a case design, you want the most accurate one. Here is what to look for:

Official press images: These are the most accurate and are usually available on Motorola’s press page or in press releases. They are taken under controlled lighting and show the phone in its best light.
Unboxing videos: Screenshots from unboxing videos are also real, but they may have poor lighting or be at an angle that hides details. Look for videos that show the phone up close and in focus.
User photos: Photos taken by owners are real, but they may have reflections or shadows that obscure details. They are useful for seeing how the phone looks in everyday conditions.
Avoid renders: Some websites use 3D renders to show a phone. These are not photographs and may have inaccuracies, such as a perfect screen reflection or an unrealistic texture. You can often spot a render by the lack of any dust, fingerprints, or minor imperfections.

For the most accurate up-close look, choose a high-resolution image (at least 2000px wide) and zoom in on the areas you need to see.

Comparison: Moto X 2013 vs. Later Models in Images

The media images of the different Moto X generations show distinct differences, and up close, these are easy to spot:

Moto X (2013): The back is curved, the camera is in the center-top, and there is a single LED flash. The front has a large top and bottom bezel, and the speaker grille is at the bottom.
Moto X (2014): The back is flatter, the camera is larger (13MP), and there are two LED flashes. The front has a smaller bezel, and there are two front-facing speakers (top and bottom).
Moto X Style/Pure Edition (2015): The back is similar to the 2014 model, but the camera is even larger (21MP) and has a distinct square hump. The front has a metal frame and a fingerprint sensor is not present (that came with the Moto Z).

If you are looking at an image and are unsure which model it is, these differences will help you identify it.

Common Problems When Viewing Images Up Close

When you zoom into a Moto X media image, you might notice some artifacts that are not on the actual phone:

JPEG compression: Most images online are compressed, which can create blur or blocky patterns, especially around the edges of the phone. This is not a flaw in the phone.
Lighting reflections: The glossy screen and the camera lens can reflect light, creating white or colored spots. These are not part of the phone’s design.
Color shifts: The bamboo back can look different in different lighting. In the official image, it is a warm, honey-brown color, but under cool light, it can appear more gray.
Shadow artifacts: The dimple can cast a shadow that makes it look deeper than it is. In reality, the dimple is about 1mm deep.

To get a true idea of what the phone looks like, look at multiple images from different angles and lighting conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Moto X media image a real photo or a render?
It is a real photo. The image was taken with a camera, and the phone in the image is a physical device. You can tell by the natural texture of the bamboo back and the slight imperfections in the lighting.

Why does the Moto X have a dimple below the camera?
The dimple is a design feature that helps you locate the power button by touch and prevents the camera lens from touching a flat surface. It is not a fingerprint sensor.

Can I buy the bamboo back shown in the image?
Yes, the bamboo back was an option through Motorola’s Moto Maker customization service. However, the Moto X is no longer sold new, so you would need to find a used device or a third-party replacement back.

How can I tell if a Moto X image is of the 2013 or 2014 model?
Look at the front speakers. The 2013 model has one speaker at the bottom, while the 2014 model has two speakers (top and bottom). Also, the 2014 model has a larger camera and a flatter back.

Does the Moto X media image show the phone’s actual screen quality?
No, the screen is off in the image. To see the screen quality, you need to look at an image with the screen on, which will show the AMOLED display’s vibrant colors and deep blacks.

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