Motorola’s new Moto X is finally here — and it’s a big improvement over its predecessor. Not only does it have a larger, sharper display, but also a faster processor and better graphics, a much-improved rear-facing camera, and a gorgeous new form factor with an aluminum frame. What’s more, it won’t cost you a penny more than the original Moto X.

Like last year’s Moto X, the new model isn’t strictly a flagship phone; it doesn’t have a Quad HD display, the latest Snapdragon 805 processor, or fancy features like optical image stabilization. But the improvements Motorola has made will almost certainly ensure that the second-generation X is just as successful — if not more so — than its predecessor.

Let’s forget about specifications for a minute, because for a lot of smartphone users, they don’t matter. What makes the new Moto X great is the experience it delivers. Its design improvements — particularly the aluminum frame — make it a beautiful handset, and its software is almost pure Android, free from user interface tweaks and unnecessary bloatware.

Moto Maker returns this time around, allowing you to swap the default wood (if you buy the white model) and plastic (if you buy the black model) backs for gorgeous new leather options in natural, cognac, black, and navy. Each one uses materials from The Horween Leather Company, a tannery based in Chicago that’s famous for its high-quality leathers.

Inside, Motorola has done just enough to make the Moto X faster and address some of its biggest complaints without making it more expensive. The 720p display is swapped for a sharper, 5.2-inch 1080p panel, and its aging Snapdragon S4 Pro processor has been replaced by a more modern Snapdragon 801 chip with an Adreno 330 graphics processing unit.

There’s a much-improved 13-megapixel camera around back with 4K video recording and a nifty dual-LED flash and round diffuser, which providers softer light and therefore better images, according to Motorola. You can choose between 16GB and 32GB models — both of which have LTE connectivity, 2GB of RAM, and 3,200mAh batteries.

On the front of the new Moto X, there are four infrared sensors that detect hand gestures and other movements. They can prevent the device from going to sleep while you’re using, and they provide some pretty nifty features, like the ability to snooze your alarm or silence incoming calls simply by waving over your device.

The Moto X will start at $99 on contract, or $499.99 if you want an unlocked model, and it’ll be available on AT&T and Verizon later this month.

• SourceMotorola