Moto X5 2018 release date, specs rumors: Lenovo-owned handset maker to cancel development of X4 successor

Official render of the Moto X4 smartphone, highlighting its waterproof feature. Motorola website

It was earlier rumored that Motorola is about to launch the latest addition to the Moto X series this 2018. The Lenovo-owned smartphone maker has not yet confirmed the development of the Moto X5, although recent reports suggest that the plans for a Moto X4 successor might have already been canceled. 

The first round of leaks for the Moto X5 had surfaced in January, giving hopes that Motorola would continue the Moto X family in 2018. Unfortunately, the public has learned about the recent downsizing of the company's engineering team in Chicago, which could affect the future Moto handsets' ongoing development. With this, it is now rumored that Motorola has already dropped its plans for the Moto X5.

Lenovo made a promise that it would increase the profits of Motorola follow the latter's acquisition, but so far, the handset division of the company continues to suffer from low sales. Thus, Lenovo was left with no choice but to downsize Motorola's workforce, potentially affecting the output of the company in the coming months. It appears that one of the casualties will be the Moto X5 2018, as smartphone maker is said to be focusing on its other lineups such as the Moto E, G and Z series. 

However, it is still likely that the Moto X5 will arrive one day, but that may no longer happen in 2018. Aside from the Moto X5, the Moto Mods lineup is also in danger of being discontinued. This is after the manufacturer of Moto Mod keyboard gave hints that it may no longer supply the components needed for the Moto Z3, one of the anticipated devices from Motorola this year.

Previous leaks show that the Moto X5 2018 will sport an iPhone X-like at the top portion of the display. The handset is shown to have a 5.9-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio and full HD+ resolution. The Moto X5 is also claimed to feature a dual-lens camera build that contains a facial recognition technology, similar to the iPhone X's Face ID system. This would have been an interesting development in the Moto X series, but with issues surrounding the company recently, it is best to wait for Motorola's announcement 

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