Motorola Moto G4 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto G4 features a practical design that, while not exceptionally flashy, is functional and sturdy. This smartphone is constructed with a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 3, a plastic back, and a plastic frame, making it lightweight at 155g. The dimensions of 153 x 76.6 x 9.8 mm allow it to fit comfortably in one hand. Available in both Black and White, the Moto G4 exudes simplicity catering to those who prefer a more classic look. Its build ensures durability and an affordable price point without sacrificing essential quality.

Display

The Moto G4 boasts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The display provides vivid colors and sharp image quality, which is a significant step up from some previous models in the Moto G series. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides some peace of mind against scratches, enhancing the durability of the screen.

Camera Performance

The main camera of the Moto G4 is a single 13 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus capability, accompanied by a dual-LED dual-tone flash. It supports panorama and HDR for stills, and can capture video at 1080p@30fps. The image quality is commendable in good lighting conditions, offering decent sharpness and color accuracy. Meanwhile, the 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture supports auto-HDR and is sufficient for selfies and video calls, especially for casual users.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Moto G4 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 chipset, which comprises an octa-core processor (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53) and an Adreno 405 GPU. The performance is suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking. However, for more demanding applications or high-end gaming, users might notice some limitations due to its 2GB RAM, which might not keep up with highly resource-intensive activities.

Storage Options

The smartphone offers two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB, both equipped with 2GB RAM. For users who require more space for apps and media, the Moto G4 provides a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for expansion of up to 256GB. This makes it a flexible option for storing extensive digital libraries.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, the Moto G4 provides a reliable battery life for daily usage, with an endurance rating of 73 hours. It supports 15W fast charging, a helpful feature for users who need a quick power boost during the day. While not the longest-lasting battery life in its category, it should satisfy most users’ daily requirements.

Operating System and Software

Out of the box, the Moto G4 runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and it is upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat. The near-stock Android experience is a significant advantage, providing a clean interface free from bloatware. This improves performance and allows users access to Google's suite of applications and services without unnecessary distractions.

Connectivity and Communications

The device supports multiple network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, making it versatile in global communication standards. It features dual Micro-SIM capabilities, with certain models supporting dual standby. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and FM radio, catering to a variety of connectivity requirements. It lacks NFC, but the inclusion of typical ports such as the 3.5mm headphone jack and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support compensate effectively for most users.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with a decent loudspeaker, recording sound levels at 64dB for voice, 70dB for noise, and 72dB for ringtone. The audio quality offers an acceptable performance for casual listening and phone calls. With the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, users can enjoy a wide range of audio peripherals, making it convenient for media consumption.

Additional Features and Sensors

Despite its budget-oriented pricing, the Moto G4 incorporates essential sensors such as an accelerometer and a gyroscope, aiding in smooth device handling and enhanced user experiences with apps requiring motion detection. Its simple and intuitive interface is further improved by these sensors, offering greater control and interactivity.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto G4 emerges as a well-rounded smartphone that appeals primarily to those seeking reliability and functionality without breaking the bank. It offers a balanced blend of features catered towards both casual and moderate users. The device’s display quality, decent camera performance, expandable storage, and clean Android experience make it a solid choice in the mid-range market. While it might not compete with flagship models in terms of high-end features, its affordability makes it a practical option for a wide spectrum of consumers.