Choosing between budget-friendly smartphones can be a challenging quest, especially when two compelling options like the OnePlus X and the Motorola Moto G3 enter the arena. Both promise a great user experience without breaking the bank, but they approach the market with distinct philosophies.
The OnePlus X, with its premium build and sleek design, aimed to offer a taste of flagship elegance at a mid-range price. On the other hand, the Moto G3 has long been the benchmark for reliable and affordable Android devices, known for its solid performance and user-friendly interface.
If you’re trying to decide which of these popular devices best suits your needs, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll dive deep into their specifications, features, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | oneplus x | moto g3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.0 inches | 5.0 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 720 x 1280 pixels |
| Display Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 13 MP | 13 MP |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2525 mAh | 2470 mAh |
| Operating System | Android (OxygenOS) | Android (Stock) |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes (IP67) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus X: Features a 5.0-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This results in a sharp and vibrant viewing experience with excellent contrast and deep blacks, ideal for media consumption. The AMOLED technology offers better power efficiency for displaying black colors.
- Moto G3: Comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While it offers good viewing angles and decent color reproduction, it is not as sharp or vibrant as the OnePlus X’s AMOLED panel, and blacks tend to appear more grayish.
- Winner: oneplus x
Processor & Performance
- Oneplus X: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, paired with 3GB of RAM. This processor was a flagship chip in its time, offering smooth performance for most daily tasks and moderate gaming. However, it might show its age with very demanding applications or heavy multitasking compared to newer chips.
- Moto G3: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor and 2GB of RAM. This is a mid-range chipset designed for efficiency and handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It can struggle with more intensive applications or multitasking, leading to occasional slowdowns.
- Winner: oneplus x
Camera
- Oneplus X: Boasts a 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and a 8MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of producing good quality photos in well-lit conditions, with decent detail and color. The front camera is excellent for selfies.
- Moto G3: Features a 13MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture and a 5MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is praised for its performance in its price segment, especially in daylight, offering good detail and color accuracy. The f/2.0 aperture helps in low-light situations.
- Winner: moto g3
Build Quality & Design
- Oneplus X: Stands out with its premium build, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. It has a sleek and elegant design that feels more upscale than its price point might suggest. The ceramic variant offers an even more distinctive look and feel.
- Moto G3: Features a plastic build with a textured back for improved grip. While durable and water-resistant (IPX7 rated), its design is more utilitarian and less premium compared to the OnePlus X. It’s practical but lacks the aesthetic appeal of its competitor.
- Winner: oneplus x
Battery Life
- Oneplus X: Houses a 2525 mAh battery. While not the largest capacity, combined with the efficient AMOLED display and Snapdragon 801, it generally provides a full day of moderate usage. Heavy users might find themselves needing a top-up before the end of the day.
- Moto G3: Comes with a 2470 mAh removable battery. The Snapdragon 410 processor is quite power-efficient, and the IPS LCD display is also not as power-hungry as some other technologies. This allows for generally good battery life, often lasting a full day for most users.
- Winner: moto g3
Software Experience
- Oneplus X: Ran on OxygenOS (based on Android) at launch, offering a clean and near-stock Android experience with some useful customization options. Updates were generally good, providing a smooth and bloatware-free interface.
- Moto G3: Shipped with near-stock Android, known for its clean interface and timely updates from Motorola. The lack of heavy manufacturer skins meant a smooth and fluid user experience, with minimal pre-installed bloatware.
- Winner: Tie
Storage
- Oneplus X: Offers 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card up to 128GB. The usable storage for the user is significantly less than 16GB due to the operating system.
- Moto G3: Available in 8GB or 16GB internal storage options, both expandable via microSD card up to 32GB. The 8GB model can feel very restrictive for app installations and media storage.
- Winner: oneplus x
Connectivity & Features
- Oneplus X: Supports dual SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. It lacks NFC, which might be a drawback for some users who rely on it for contactless payments or quick pairing.
- Moto G3: Features dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS. It also includes water resistance (IPX7), making it more durable for outdoor or accidental water exposure.
- Winner: moto g3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | oneplus x |
| Performance | oneplus x |
| Build Quality | oneplus x |
| Water Resistance | moto g3 |
| Software Experience | moto g3 |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both the OnePlus X and Moto G3 feature a 5.0-inch display, offering a comfortable viewing experience for most users.
- Expandable Storage: You can expand the storage on both devices using a microSD card, providing flexibility for your media and apps.
- Rear Camera Resolution: Both phones boast a 13-megapixel rear camera, capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions.
- Operating System Base: Both devices run on the Android operating system, ensuring a familiar user interface and access to the Google Play Store.
- Internal Storage: Both the OnePlus X and Moto G3 come with 16 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card.
Oneplus X Vs Moto G3 Buying Guide
Performance and Daily Use
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, both the OnePlus X and Moto G3 offer a smooth experience. The OnePlus X, with its more powerful processor and slightly more RAM, will generally feel snappier and handle multitasking with greater ease. If you’re a power user who frequently switches between apps or plays graphically demanding games, the OnePlus X has a clear edge. However, for basic communication and web browsing, the Moto G3 is perfectly adequate and won’t leave you wanting. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the OnePlus X boasts a superior camera system. Its higher resolution rear sensor captures more detail and performs better in low-light conditions compared to the Moto G3. While the Moto G3’s camera is functional for casual snapshots, the OnePlus X provides a more versatile and higher-quality photographic output. If capturing memorable moments with good clarity and vibrant colors is a priority, the OnePlus X is the better choice for your photographic needs.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus X stands out with its premium build, featuring a sleek glass and metal design that feels more sophisticated in hand. This aesthetic appeal contributes to a more luxurious user experience. The Moto G3, on the other hand, opts for a more utilitarian and durable plastic construction, which is water-resistant and designed for ruggedness. Your preference here will depend on whether you prioritize a premium look and feel or a more robust and weather-proof device for active lifestyles.
Software and Updates
Both devices initially ran on Android, but their software update trajectories differ. The OnePlus X, with its OxygenOS, often received more frequent and substantial updates, bringing newer Android versions and features sooner. The Moto G3, while benefiting from Motorola’s clean Android experience, might have had a slower update schedule. For users who value having the latest software features and security patches, the OnePlus X generally offered a more up-to-date experience over time. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus x If…
- You prioritize a sharper display with vibrant colors due to the AMOLED panel and Full HD resolution.
- You need a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and gaming performance.
- You desire a more premium build quality and a sleeker design.
- You can live without official water resistance and a slightly smaller battery.
Buy moto g3 If…
- You need a phone that can withstand splashes and accidental submersion thanks to its IP67 water resistance.
- You prefer a cleaner, stock Android experience with less pre-installed software.
- You are on a tighter budget and looking for a reliable budget-friendly smartphone.
- You don’t mind a slightly less sharp display and a less powerful processor for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better battery life?
The Moto G3 generally offers slightly better battery life for everyday usage due to its less power-hungry processor and optimized software. While the OnePlus X’s battery is decent, its more powerful components can drain it faster, especially under heavy load. For users prioritizing longevity on a single charge without constant plugging in, the Moto G3 often proves to be the more enduring option for extended periods of moderate use.
Is the OnePlus X better for gaming?
Yes, the OnePlus X is significantly better for gaming. Its more powerful Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM allow it to handle demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother performance. The Moto G3’s Snapdragon 410 is more suited for casual games and can struggle with graphically intensive titles, leading to stuttering and longer loading times. For a superior mobile gaming experience, the OnePlus X is the clear winner.
Which phone is more durable?
The Moto G3 is designed with durability in mind, featuring an IPX7 water-resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. Its plastic build is also less prone to shattering than the glass back of the OnePlus X. While the OnePlus X has a premium feel, it is more susceptible to damage from drops and water exposure. For rough handling or outdoor use, the Moto G3 is the more robust choice. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Does the OnePlus X have expandable storage?
Yes, the OnePlus X does feature expandable storage via a microSD card slot. This allows you to increase the internal storage capacity beyond the 16GB available, which is particularly useful for storing photos, videos, and apps. The Moto G3 also offers expandable storage, providing flexibility for users who need more space for their digital content on either device.
Which phone is better for photography enthusiasts?
Photography enthusiasts will find the OnePlus X to be the superior option. Its 13MP rear camera, coupled with better image processing, generally produces sharper, more detailed, and color-accurate photos compared to the Moto G3’s 8MP camera. The OnePlus X also tends to perform better in low-light conditions, capturing more usable images when light is scarce. If image quality is a primary concern, the OnePlus X offers a more satisfying photographic experience.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus X emerges as the more capable device, excelling in performance, camera quality, and premium build. While the Moto G3 offers solid battery life and water resistance, the OnePlus X provides a significantly better user experience for those who demand more from their smartphone, especially in gaming and photography. Its superior hardware and often more timely software updates make it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a well-rounded and powerful smartphone.
Winner: OnePlus X