Google is adding Moto G smartphone to its exclusive range of Play Edition devices in the U.S. for an affordable $179.

Google is expanding its portfolio of Play Edition devices with its newest budget-friendly Moto G smartphone. The smartphone will only be available in the U.S. Google Play Store starting at $179 for an unlocked version. The device is compatible with HSPA+ bands of AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States but does not support the 4G LTE bands. The specifications and the features remain unchanged in the Moto G GPE edition.

The Motorola Moto G smartphone attracted several buyers, mainly for the worthy features offered at an affordable cost. It is giving tough competition to all mid-range smartphones including Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini. Moto G is powered by 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor and 1 GB RAM. It features a 4.5-inch HD display with 1,280x720-screen resolution and 329ppi. The camera has a 5-megapixel shooter in the rear and a 1.3 megapixel in the front.

While the features remain the same, the plus point of having a GPE edition is the guarantee that Android updates will be first seen on these devices, even before the original handsets get the update. The Moto G GPE carries a stock version of Android without the custom UI offered by manufacturers.

The price is still a winning factor for the Moto G GPE edition. The 8GB version is available through Google Play Store for $179 and the 16GB Moto G retails for $199.

Moto G is an addition to the list of other GPE handsets that include Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, Sony Z1 Ultra and LG G Pad 8.3.