Choosing between two excellent mid-range smartphones can be a tough decision. If you’re caught between the Motorola Moto X4 and the Moto G5 Plus, you’re in the right place. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities.
The Moto X4 boasts a premium design and some advanced camera capabilities that might sway photography enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Moto G5 Plus is often praised for its solid all-around performance and excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for everyday users.
This comparison will dive deep into what each device brings to the table, helping you understand their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll look at everything from display quality and performance to battery life and camera prowess, ensuring you have all the information to make an informed choice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | moto x4 | g5 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.2-inch IPS LCD | 5.2-inch IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 630 | Snapdragon 625 |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 2GB/3GB/4GB |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB | 16GB/32GB/64GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP + 8MP (Dual) | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 5MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 7.1 (Nougat) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | No |
| Build Material | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back | Aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Biometrics | Front-mounted fingerprint sensor | Front-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Moto X4: Features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It offers good color reproduction and sharpness for its size, making it suitable for media consumption. However, some users might find the 5.2-inch size slightly small compared to modern trends.
- G5 Plus: Boasts a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD (1080 x 1920) resolution. It provides vibrant colors and decent brightness, making it enjoyable for everyday tasks and media. Its size is considered a sweet spot for one-handed use by many.
- Winner: Tie
Processor & Performance
- Moto X4: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 octa-core processor, paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. This chipset offers a good balance of performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming. While capable, it’s not designed for heavy-duty gaming or demanding applications.
- G5 Plus: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor and 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of RAM. This processor is known for its efficiency and smooth performance in everyday use. It handles multitasking and most casual games well, though it may show limitations with more graphically intensive titles compared to newer chips.
- Winner: moto x4
Camera
- Moto X4: Features a dual rear camera system (12MP + 8MP ultrawide) and a 16MP front camera. The dual cameras allow for depth-sensing and ultrawide shots, offering versatility. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, with decent low-light performance for its class.
- G5 Plus: Comes with a single 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera produces good photos in daylight, with decent detail and color. Low-light performance is acceptable but can result in noticeable noise. It lacks the versatility of a dual-camera setup.
- Winner: moto x4
Battery Life
- Moto X4: Houses a 3000 mAh battery with support for 15W TurboPower charging. The battery generally provides a full day of moderate usage. While the charging speed is good, the battery capacity is average for its segment.
- G5 Plus: Equipped with a 3000 mAh removable battery that supports 15W TurboPower charging. Users often report good battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The removable nature of the battery is a plus for some users who prefer the option to swap.
- Winner: g5 plus
Build Quality & Design
- Moto X4: Features a premium glass front and back with a metal frame, giving it a more upscale feel. It’s also water-repellent, adding a layer of durability. The design is sleek and modern, though the glass back can be prone to fingerprints.
- G5 Plus: Sports a metal unibody construction, which feels solid and well-built for its price point. It offers a comfortable grip and a classic smartphone design. While durable, it lacks the premium feel and water resistance of the moto x4.
- Winner: moto x4
Software & Updates
- Moto X4: Runs on near-stock Android, providing a clean and bloatware-free experience. Motorola is generally good with timely updates, though support eventually ends. The clean software enhances user experience and performance.
- G5 Plus: Also comes with a near-stock Android experience, which is a significant advantage. Motorola’s commitment to updates was decent for its time, but it has likely reached its end-of-life for major OS updates. The clean interface is a strong selling point.
- Winner: Tie
Storage & Expandability
- Moto X4: Available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 256GB. This offers ample space for apps, photos, and videos for most users. The expandable storage is a practical feature.
- G5 Plus: Offers 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal storage, also expandable via microSD card. The base 16GB model can feel restrictive, but higher variants and the microSD slot mitigate this. Expandable storage is crucial for managing files.
- Winner: moto x4
Price & Value
- Moto X4: Generally positioned at a slightly higher price point due to its premium build and dual cameras. It offers good value for those seeking a more refined experience and better camera capabilities. The added features justify the cost for many.
- G5 Plus: Launched as a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its performance and features. It’s a strong contender for those looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The balance of cost and functionality is its key strength.
- Winner: g5 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | moto x4 (Slightly) |
| Camera | moto x4 |
| Build Quality | moto x4 |
| Durability | moto x4 |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Value for Money | g5 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both devices feature a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) resolution, offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors for everyday use.
- Processor Architecture: While slightly different models, both phones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, ensuring smooth performance for most daily tasks and moderate gaming.
- Storage Options: Both the Moto X4 and G5 Plus offer expandable storage via microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Battery Capacity: Each phone is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery, which is generally sufficient to get most users through a full day of moderate usage.
- Software Experience: Both devices run on Android Nougat out of the box, offering a clean and relatively bloatware-free software experience, characteristic of Motorola’s approach.
- Biometric Security: Both the Moto X4 and G5 Plus feature a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking of the device.
Moto X4 Vs G5 Plus Buying Guide
Performance Needs
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, both the Moto X4 and G5 Plus offer smooth performance. The Moto X4, with its slightly more powerful processor and RAM options, might offer a marginally smoother experience during multitasking or more demanding applications. If you prioritize raw speed and seamless app switching, the X4 has a slight edge.
However, the G5 Plus is no slouch and handles daily usage with ease. For the average user, the performance difference may not be immediately apparent in day-to-day activities. Consider your specific usage patterns; if you’re a power user or enjoy graphically intensive games, the X4 might be a better fit. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the Moto X4 generally takes the lead. Its dual-camera system provides more versatility, especially with its dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait shots and a wider-angle lens for capturing more in a single frame. Low-light performance is also typically better on the X4, producing brighter and less noisy images.
The G5 Plus offers a capable single camera that produces good results in well-lit conditions. It’s perfectly adequate for casual snapshots and social media sharing. If photography is a high priority and you want more creative control and better image quality across various lighting scenarios, the Moto X4 is the more compelling option.
Budget Considerations
The Moto G5 Plus is generally the more budget-friendly option of the two. It was positioned as a more affordable mid-range device, making it an excellent choice for those looking to get the most value for their money without significant compromises on essential features. If your budget is a primary concern, the G5 Plus offers a strong package at a lower price point.
The Moto X4, while still reasonably priced for its features, typically sits at a slightly higher price tier. This reflects its improved build materials, dual cameras, and enhanced performance. If you have a bit more flexibility in your budget and are willing to spend a little extra for the premium features, the X4 might be worth the investment. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Durability and Design
The Moto X4 boasts a more premium build with its glass front and back, framed by metal. This gives it a more sophisticated look and feel, and it often comes with better water resistance ratings, offering peace of mind against splashes and light rain. The design is generally more sleek and modern.
The Moto G5 Plus, while still well-built with its metal accents, often features a more traditional plastic construction. It’s durable for everyday use but might not offer the same level of premium feel or water resistance as the X4. For those who prioritize a robust and stylish design with added environmental protection, the X4 is the clear winner.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moto x4 If…
- You prioritize a more premium build quality with glass and aluminum construction.
- You need the added versatility of a dual-lens rear camera system for enhanced photography.
- Water and dust resistance (IP68 rating) is an important feature for your lifestyle.
- You desire a higher resolution front-facing camera for better selfies.
Buy g5 plus If…
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option without significantly compromising on core performance.
- A single, capable rear camera is sufficient for your photographic needs.
- You prefer a slightly lighter device with a more traditional plastic back.
- You are satisfied with the standard smartphone features and don’t require advanced water resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Moto X4 generally features a slightly superior display. It typically boasts a higher resolution (Full HD+) compared to the G5 Plus (also Full HD+ but often with slightly different panel technology), resulting in sharper images and text. Additionally, the X4’s display might offer better color accuracy and brightness, making it more enjoyable for media consumption and outdoor viewing.
How do the battery lives compare?
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users. The Moto X4 often has a slightly larger battery capacity, which, combined with its efficient processor, can sometimes lead to longer screen-on times. However, real-world battery performance can vary significantly based on usage patterns, signal strength, and app activity on both devices. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Is the Moto X4 significantly faster than the G5 Plus?
While the Moto X4 is generally equipped with a more powerful chipset and potentially more RAM, the difference in everyday performance might not be drastic for basic tasks. For demanding applications, heavy multitasking, or gaming, the X4 will offer a smoother and more responsive experience. The G5 Plus remains capable for its class, but the X4 provides a noticeable performance uplift.
Which phone is better for photography?
The Moto X4 is the clear winner for photography enthusiasts. Its dual-camera setup offers greater versatility, including better portrait mode capabilities and a wider-angle lens. It also tends to perform better in low-light conditions, producing sharper and less noisy images compared to the G5 Plus’s single camera.
Are there significant differences in software updates?
Both Motorola phones typically receive timely software updates, with a commitment to Android versions and security patches. However, the Moto X4, being a slightly newer and higher-tier device, might receive updates for a longer period or a slightly faster rollout. It’s always advisable to check Motorola’s official support pages for specific update timelines for each model.
Final Verdict
The Moto X4 stands out as the more refined and feature-rich device. Its superior camera system, premium build, and enhanced performance make it a more compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience. While the G5 Plus offers excellent value for its price, the X4 provides a noticeable upgrade in key areas that justify the slightly higher cost for discerning users.
Winner: Moto X4