Choosing a new smartphone can be a minefield, especially when you’re on a budget. Two popular contenders often emerge: the OnePlus 2 and the Motorola Moto G4. Both promised a lot for their price point, aiming to deliver premium features without the premium cost.
In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into what makes each of these devices tick. We’ll dissect their performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking for raw power, a great camera, or just a reliable daily driver, understanding the nuances between the OnePlus 2 and the Moto G4 is key. Let’s find out which budget champion truly deserves a spot in your pocket.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | oneplus 2 | moto g4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 2GB/3GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB/64GB | 16GB/32GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 13MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3300 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android Lollipop (OxygenOS) | Android Marshmallow |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | USB Type-C | MicroUSB |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 2: Features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It offers good color reproduction and sharpness for its time, though it lacks the vibrancy of some AMOLED panels. Brightness could be an issue in direct sunlight.
- Moto G4: Boasts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. Known for its decent contrast and viewing angles, it provides a clear viewing experience. Some users found its color calibration to be a bit oversaturated.
- Winner: Tie
Performance
- Oneplus 2: Powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor, it offered flagship-level performance for its release. While powerful, the 810 was known for its tendency to overheat under heavy load, leading to occasional performance throttling. Paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, it handled most tasks smoothly.
- Moto G4: Equipped with the Snapdragon 617 processor and 2GB or 3GB of RAM. It provided a solid mid-range performance, capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming without significant issues. It was generally more power-efficient and less prone to overheating than the OnePlus 2.
- Winner: oneplus 2
Camera
- Oneplus 2: Comes with a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 5MP front camera. The rear camera produced good photos in well-lit conditions, with decent detail and color. OIS helped with stability, but low-light performance was average.
- Moto G4: Features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, both without OIS. The rear camera delivered sharp images with good detail in daylight. However, its lack of OIS meant that low-light shots could be more prone to blur and noise compared to the OnePlus 2.
- Winner: oneplus 2
Battery Life
- Oneplus 2: Houses a 3300 mAh non-removable battery. It offered respectable battery life, often lasting a full day for moderate users. Heavy usage could drain it faster, and the lack of fast charging was a drawback.
- Moto G4: Equipped with a 3000 mAh removable battery. While slightly smaller, its battery life was generally good for a day of typical use. The removable nature was a plus for some, and it supported TurboPower charging for quick top-ups.
- Winner: moto g4
Build Quality & Design
- Oneplus 2: Featured a premium build with a metal frame and interchangeable back covers (StyleSwap). The design was sleek and felt substantial in hand. However, it was a bit on the thicker side.
- Moto G4: Utilized a plastic construction, which made it lighter but less premium-feeling than the OnePlus 2. The design was functional and ergonomic, with a textured back for grip. It offered a more utilitarian aesthetic.
- Winner: oneplus 2
Software Experience
- Oneplus 2: Ran OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience with some useful customizations. It was generally clean and bloatware-free, offering a smooth and responsive user interface. Updates were reasonably timely.
- Moto G4: Shipped with a very close-to-stock Android experience, with minimal pre-installed apps. This provided a clean and fluid user interface. Motorola was known for timely software updates, which was a significant advantage.
- Winner: moto g4
Connectivity
- Oneplus 2: Included USB Type-C, dual SIM support, and a fingerprint scanner. It lacked NFC, which was a notable omission for a device at its price point.
- Moto G4: Featured a microUSB port, dual SIM support, and was available in both 4G and 3G variants. It also lacked NFC. The inclusion of a microUSB port was more common for its era.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Oneplus 2: Positioned as a “flagship killer,” it offered high-end specs at a more accessible price point than traditional flagships. However, its invite-only system and later price drops made it a bit of a gamble.
- Moto G4: Was a strong contender in the budget-to-mid-range segment, offering excellent value for money. Its combination of solid performance, good display, and clean software made it a very attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Winner: moto g4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | oneplus 2 |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery | oneplus 2 |
| Storage Flexibility | moto g4 |
| Build Quality | oneplus 2 |
| Value | moto g4 |
| Software | moto g4 (at launch) |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both devices feature a large 5.5-inch display with a Full HD (1080p) resolution, offering sharp visuals for media consumption and browsing.
- Cameras: They share identical rear and front camera specifications, both boasting 13MP rear sensors and 5MP front-facing cameras, promising similar photographic capabilities.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Security and convenience are present in both phones with the inclusion of a built-in fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking and secure authentication.
- Build Quality: Both phones are generally well-regarded for their solid build quality, offering a premium feel in hand despite their differing material choices.
- Software Experience: While their initial software versions differed, both phones aimed to provide a clean and near-stock Android experience, with custom skins designed to be unobtrusive.
Oneplus 2 Vs Moto G4 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
For daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, both the OnePlus 2 and Moto G4 offer a smooth experience. The OnePlus 2, with its Snapdragon 810, was a flagship processor in its time, providing ample power. The Moto G4, featuring a Snapdragon 617, is a capable mid-range chip that handles everyday operations well. If you prioritize raw power for more demanding apps, the OnePlus 2 might have a slight edge, but for general usability, the Moto G4 is more than sufficient. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will find the camera performance to be a significant differentiator. The OnePlus 2 sports a 13MP rear camera with OIS, capable of capturing detailed shots in good lighting conditions. Its low-light performance is decent but can struggle with noise. The Moto G4 boasts a 16MP rear camera, which generally produces sharper images with better color reproduction. While neither phone is a professional camera, the Moto G4 often provides more pleasing and consistent results, especially in varied lighting scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial for any smartphone user. The OnePlus 2 comes with a substantial 3300 mAh battery, which, combined with its power-efficient components, can often last a full day for moderate users. The Moto G4 features a 3000 mAh battery, which is respectable but might require a top-up for heavier users. Both devices offer decent battery longevity, but the OnePlus 2 might offer a slight advantage in endurance for those who are constantly on their phones.
Build Quality and Design
The design and build materials contribute significantly to the user experience. The OnePlus 2 features a premium build with a metal frame and interchangeable back covers, offering a more refined feel. Its sandstone finish adds a unique grip. The Moto G4, while not as premium, has a solid plastic build that is comfortable to hold and durable for everyday use. Its design is more utilitarian and straightforward. The choice here depends on whether you prefer a more premium aesthetic or a practical, no-frills design. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus 2 If…
- You prioritize a slightly more powerful processor for demanding tasks and gaming.
- You prefer the reversible USB Type-C port for easier connectivity.
- You are looking for a phone with a more robust build and premium materials.
- You don’t need expandable storage and are content with the internal options.
Buy moto g4 If…
- You need the flexibility of expandable storage to increase your media and app capacity.
- You want a phone that launched with a newer Android version, potentially offering a smoother upgrade path.
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers a strong overall performance.
- You prefer the widely adopted MicroUSB standard for charging and data transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The OnePlus 2 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness. The Moto G4 also sports a 5.5-inch display, but it’s a Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. Both displays are excellent for their respective price points, providing sharp visuals and vibrant colors for media consumption and general use.
Is the OnePlus 2 still a good buy in 2024?
As of 2024, the OnePlus 2 is considered an older device with limited software support. While its build quality and performance were impressive for its time, it may struggle with newer applications and operating system updates. Finding spare parts or reliable repair services could also be challenging. For most users, more modern budget-friendly options would likely offer a better overall experience and longer lifespan.
Does the Moto G4 support fast charging?
Yes, the Moto G4 supports TurboCharging technology, which is Motorola’s branding for fast charging. It comes with a compatible charger in the box that allows for significantly quicker charging times compared to standard chargers. This is a notable advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day, making the Moto G4 more convenient for busy individuals. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Which phone has better storage options?
The OnePlus 2 was primarily available in 16GB and 64GB internal storage variants, with no microSD card slot for expansion. The Moto G4 offered 16GB and 32GB internal storage options, but importantly, it included a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage up to 128GB. This makes the Moto G4 a more flexible choice for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
Is the camera quality significantly different between the two?
Yes, there is a noticeable difference in camera quality. The Moto G4 generally produces sharper, more detailed images with better color saturation and dynamic range compared to the OnePlus 2. While the OnePlus 2’s 13MP camera with OIS is capable, the Moto G4’s 16MP sensor often performs better in various lighting conditions, including low light, delivering more consistently pleasing results for casual photography.
Final Verdict
The Moto G4 emerges as the more practical and well-rounded choice for most users. Its superior camera performance, expandable storage, and reliable battery life make it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market. While the OnePlus 2 offered a more premium build and flagship-level performance at launch, its limitations in storage and software updates make it a less compelling option today. The Moto G4 provides a better overall user experience for everyday tasks and photography.
Winner: Moto G4