Choosing between two excellent Motorola devices can be a tough decision. If you’re weighing the options between the Motorola Moto One and the Motorola Moto X4, you’ve landed in the right spot. Both offer compelling features that cater to different user needs and preferences.
The Moto One often appeals to those seeking a more budget-friendly yet capable smartphone experience, frequently part of the Android One program for timely updates. On the other hand, the Moto X4 has historically represented a step up in premium features and build quality within Motorola’s lineup.
This comparison will delve into the key differences, helping you understand which of these popular Motorola models might be the perfect fit for your next mobile upgrade. Let’s break down what each has to offer.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | moto one | moto x4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.9 inches | 5.2 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 625 | Snapdragon 650/652 |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB/4GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 13MP | 12MP |
| Rear Camera (Secondary) | 2MP depth | 8MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android One | Android Oreo (upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | No | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Moto One: Features a 5.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. This offers decent sharpness for everyday use, but the lower resolution might be noticeable for media consumption compared to higher-end devices. Its aspect ratio is 19:9.
- Moto X4: Boasts a 5.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This provides a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience. The standard 16:9 aspect ratio is familiar and well-supported by content.
- Winner: moto x4
Processor & Performance
- Moto One: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, a capable mid-range chipset. It handles everyday tasks smoothly and is efficient for battery life. However, it might struggle with very demanding games or heavy multitasking.
- Moto X4: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630, a slightly more powerful successor to the 625. It offers a bit more headroom for gaming and multitasking, generally providing a snappier experience. It’s still a solid performer for its class.
- Winner: moto x4
RAM & Storage
- Moto One: Typically comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. This is generally sufficient for most users, though 32GB can fill up quickly with apps and media.
- Moto X4: Also available with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The RAM options are comparable, and the storage configurations are similar.
- Winner: Tie
Camera (Rear)
- Moto One: Features a dual rear camera setup: a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode. Image quality is good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance can be a bit noisy.
- Moto X4: Sports a dual rear camera setup: a 12MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. This offers more versatility with the ultra-wide option for capturing landscapes or group shots. Image quality is generally good, with better detail from the primary sensor.
- Winner: moto x4
Camera (Front)
- Moto One: Has an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. It captures decent shots for social media but lacks the detail and clarity of higher-resolution sensors.
- Moto X4: Equipped with a 16MP front-facing camera, offering significantly better detail and sharpness for selfies. It also includes a dedicated LED flash for improved low-light front camera performance.
- Winner: moto x4
Battery Life
- Moto One: Comes with a 3000 mAh battery, supporting fast charging. Due to the more power-efficient processor and lower-resolution display, it generally offers good all-day battery life for moderate users.
- Moto X4: Features a 3000 mAh battery, also supporting fast charging. While the processor is slightly more powerful, the higher-resolution screen can impact battery life. Real-world usage tends to be similar to the Moto One, with most users getting through a day.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality & Design
- Moto One: Features a plastic build with a glass front. It has a distinctive notch on the display. It feels solid in hand but might not exude the premium feel of glass or metal.
- Moto X4: Boasts a more premium build with a glass front and back, encased in an aluminum frame. It has a more traditional design without a notch and feels more substantial and elegant. It also features water resistance.
- Winner: moto x4
Software & Updates
- Moto One: Runs on Android One, which means a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with timely updates directly from Google. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer a pure Android interface and guaranteed updates.
- Moto X4: Runs on a near-stock Android experience with some Motorola enhancements. While it receives updates, they might not be as immediate or as long-term as an Android One device. The experience is still clean and user-friendly.
- Winner: moto one
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | moto x4 |
| Performance | moto x4 |
| Camera Versatility | moto x4 |
| Software Experience | moto one |
| Durability | moto x4 |
| Value (at launch) | moto one |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature vibrant OLED/AMOLED displays, promising good color reproduction and contrast for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Battery Capacity: They both come equipped with 3000 mAh batteries, suggesting similar battery longevity for moderate daily usage.
- Storage Options: Both phones offer expandable storage via microSD, allowing users to increase their device’s capacity beyond the internal storage.
- Biometric Security: A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is present on both the moto one and moto x4, providing a convenient and secure way to unlock your device.
- Build Materials: While specific materials might differ slightly, both phones generally offer a premium feel with glass and metal construction.
Moto One Vs Moto X4 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
The Moto One, with its Snapdragon 625 processor and 3GB of RAM, offers a smooth experience for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It’s designed for users who prioritize a fluid, responsive interface for general smartphone activities. The Moto X4, boasting a Snapdragon 630 and up to 4GB of RAM, provides a slight edge in processing power. This means it can handle more demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease, making it a better choice for power users or those who frequently switch between apps. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Camera Capabilities
For photography enthusiasts, the Moto One features a capable 13MP dual-camera system that captures good detail in well-lit conditions. Its AI scene recognition helps optimize shots for various environments. The Moto X4 steps up with a more versatile 12MP + 8MP dual-camera setup. This includes a dedicated wide-angle lens, offering more creative shooting options and better low-light performance. If capturing a wider scene or experimenting with different perspectives is important to you, the Moto X4’s camera system is more compelling.
Build Quality and Design
Both phones offer Motorola’s signature clean design, but the Moto One leans towards a more modern, minimalist aesthetic with its notched display. It’s constructed with a glass front and back, giving it a premium feel. The Moto X4, while also featuring a glass front and back, sports a more traditional display and a distinctive circular camera housing. It also boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, a significant advantage for durability and peace of mind against accidental splashes or submersion, which the Moto One lacks.
Software Experience and Updates
The Moto One is part of the Android One program, guaranteeing a pure Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google. This means you’ll get the latest features and security patches faster. The Moto X4 runs a near-stock Android interface but relies on Motorola for updates. While generally good, the update schedule might be slightly slower compared to Android One devices. For users who value the absolute latest software and security, the Moto One has a clear advantage. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moto one If…
- You prioritize a clean, stock Android experience with timely updates.
- You want a slightly larger display for media consumption.
- You are looking for a capable mid-range phone for everyday tasks and photography.
Buy moto x4 If…
- You need enhanced durability with IP68 water and dust resistance.
- You value a more versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens.
- You prefer a phone with a more powerful processor for slightly more demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better battery life?
The Moto One generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more power-efficient processor and optimization within the Android One program. While both have similar battery capacities, the Moto One tends to last longer on a single charge for typical daily usage. The Moto X4’s slightly more powerful processor can consume more power, especially under heavy load, but its battery is still respectable for a full day’s use.
Is the Moto X4’s camera significantly better?
Yes, the Moto X4’s camera system is generally considered superior. It offers more versatility with its dual-lens setup, including a dedicated wide-angle lens that the Moto One lacks. The Moto X4 also tends to perform better in low-light conditions and offers more advanced features, making it a more compelling choice for photography enthusiasts who want greater creative control and image quality.
Which phone is more durable?
The Moto X4 is the more durable of the two phones due to its IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This means it can withstand submersion in water and is better protected against dust ingress. The Moto One does not have an official IP rating, making it more susceptible to damage from water or dust exposure. Therefore, for users who need enhanced protection against the elements, the Moto X4 is the clear winner. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which phone offers a cleaner software experience?
The Moto One offers a cleaner software experience as it is part of the Android One program. This means it runs a pure, unadulterated version of Android with no bloatware and receives timely updates directly from Google. The Moto X4 runs a near-stock Android interface, which is also quite clean, but it relies on Motorola for its updates, which can sometimes be slower than Android One devices.
Which phone is better for gaming?
For casual gaming, both phones will perform adequately. However, the Moto X4, with its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 630 processor and option for 4GB of RAM, will offer a smoother experience with more demanding games. It can handle higher graphics settings and maintain better frame rates, reducing stuttering and lag. The Moto One is still capable, but it’s better suited for less graphically intensive titles.
Final Verdict
The Moto One excels with its pure Android experience and timely updates, making it ideal for users who prioritize software longevity and a clean interface. The Moto X4, however, offers a more robust package with its superior camera system, IP68 water resistance, and a slightly more powerful processor for better multitasking and gaming. If durability and enhanced camera features are key, the Moto X4 is the more compelling option.
Winner: Moto X4