We need to create a new category for these two smartphones. Let's call it the mid-to-high-end mobile phone war. Let's call it the phones for savvy users, for those who don't want to spend a fortune but still want a good, special phone. And if there are two phones that stand out above all the rest for this very reason, they are undoubtedly the Moto G4 Plus and the Huawei P9 Lite. Which of the two should you buy?
Plus vs. Lite
First, you should keep in mind that They are two different mobile phones.Different from their initial conception. In fact, these smartphones have been developed via different paths. For example, the Moto G4 Plus is a phone that was created after improving the features of a previous Moto G to a higher level, and integrating a improved camera until it becomes a Plus. Meanwhile, the Huawei P9 Lite is a phone derived from a flagship model, with features gradually removed to make it a more affordable option. This alone is relevant: a scaled-down flagship (like the Huawei P9) versus a boosted mid-range.
Which is better, a more basic flagship phone, or a mid-range phone with slightly more advanced technical features? From my point of view, the latter is better, but in reality, they're still... two very similar mobile phonesHowever, let's analyze the real differences between them in more depth so you can choose wisely.
Processor and RAM
One of the main differences between the Moto G4 Plus and the Huawei P9 Lite lies in the processor. In the case of the latter, we find a Kirin 650The Moto G4 Plus features an octa-core processor, designed by the company itself, while the Moto G4 Plus has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617also an eight-core processor. In practical terms, the Kirin offers a bit more CPU powerwhile the Snapdragon maintains stable and efficient performance with almost pure Android.
Furthermore, the Moto G4 Plus's customization layer is more basic, and therefore lighter, so the phone tends to run smoothly in everyday use. However, the more widespread version of the Moto G4 Plus includes 2 GB of RAM (LPDDR3), while the Huawei P9 Lite usually integrates 3 GB of RAM in many variations. This extra memory in the Huawei is noticeable when multitask and by keeping apps running in the background.
If we look at the behavior in popular benchmarks such as AnTuTu In tests like 3DMark, the P9 Lite usually scores slightly higher in CPU, while in GPU performance both remain in a similar range for casual games and moderately demanding titles. In practice, both handle social media, streaming, and productivity tasks with ease, but the Huawei's extra RAM provides more headroom when... You use several apps at once.
Multimedia
Regarding multimedia aspects, two elements stand out: the mobile phone screen and the camera of each smartphone. In both cases, we can appreciate that a screen with a Full HD resolution 1.920 x 1.080 pixels. However, the Moto G4 Plus screen is 5,5 incheswhile the Huawei P9 Lite's is 5,2 inchesThis can make a significant difference for those who prefer a large screen for video, versus those who value a more compact phone.
Beyond its size, the P9 Lite's IPS panel offers a higher density per inch (424 ppi) compared to the Moto's 401 ppi, something that is almost imperceptible in practice. The G4 Plus, on the other hand, adds protection Gorilla Glass 3, useful against scratches, and a slightly superior front utilization.
At the level of cameraYes, there is a significant difference. While the Huawei P9 Lite has a main camera of 13 megapixels and an f/2.0 aperture, the Moto G4 Plus integrates a sensor of 16 megapixels with the same f/2.0 aperture. The Moto camera combines PDAF and laser focus, and has achieved very outstanding ratings in specialized analyses for its segment, with good detail and fast focus.
The P9 Lite's front camera is 8 SM and that of the G4 Plus 5 SMalthough the latter allows recording Full HD in many scenarios. Both perform very well. good lighting conditionsWhen the lighting drops, the Moto tends to maintain focus better, while the Huawei stands out for its software with modes and scenes that help less experienced users.
Designer
And finally, let's talk about the design. Perhaps this is where we can find a bit more criticism of the Moto G4 Plus. They forgo frills with a polycarbonate design, in which the only thing that stands out is its water resistance at the level of repellent coating (Splashproof, not submersible). The Huawei P9 Lite, meanwhile, boasts a metal frame with a polycarbonate back and understated lines.
There are differences in dimensions: the G4 Plus is bigger and thicker (approx. 153 x 76,6 x 9,8 mm) and weighs around 155 g, while the P9 Lite is more thin and light (146,8 x 72,6 x 7,5 mm and about 147 g). It's not water-resistant, but we're dealing with a well-finished phone that feels good in the hand. very comfortable in the hand.
Important detail: the fingerprint reader on the Moto G4 Plus is located on the front, easy to reach on the table; the one on the P9 Lite is on the rearIt's quick and easy to pick up. It's a matter of personal preference for everyday use.
battery and charging
On paper, both terminals have the same capacity of battery (3.000 mAh). In real-world use, EMUI aggressively manages apps, with power-saving profiles that help extend battery life, so the P9 Lite can reach day and a half With moderate use, the Moto G4 Plus, with its cleaner Android version, usually ensures a full day without problems.
The Moto's key advantage lies in the fast chargeThe G4 Plus supports 15W charging (TurboPower), capable of adding several hours of use in just a few minutes. The P9 Lite, in many versions, only uses 10W chargers, which are sufficient but slowerIf you tend to charge at the last minute, the Moto offers a more flexible experience.
Connectivity, networks and SIM
In terms of wireless connectivity, both share the essentials: Bluetooth 4.1FM radio, GPS with GLONASS, and microUSB 2.0. The Moto G4 Plus adds compatibility with Dual band WiFi (2,4 and 5 GHz in many markets), while the P9 Lite usually stays at 2,4 GHz (b/g/n), something to consider if you have saturated networks.
In mobile networks, both support mid-range LTE, with Cat 4 or Cat 6 depending on the region. In practice, the data experience is good on both if your carrier offers good coverage. Regarding NFC, the P9 Lite includes this feature. some versionsvery useful for mobile payments, while the Moto G4 Plus doesn't always include it; it's worth check the variant of your area before buying.
In Dual SIM mode, both work in mode Dual StandbyThe type of tray matters: the Moto G4 Plus usually has dedicated slot for microSD plus two SIMs, while the P9 Lite uses a hybrid tray which shares the microSD card slot with the second SIM. If you rely on two lines and also want to expand your storage, the Moto offers more flexibility.
Storage and expansion
In internal memory, the most common configurations are: 16 GB or 32 GB The Moto G4 Plus has 16 GB of storage, and the P9 Lite has 16 GB, with availability varying by market. In both cases, you can expand the storage via microSDwith support for up to 128/256 GB depending on the card and version. It is recommended to reserve the microSD for photos, videos and multimedia, keeping main apps in internal memory for better performance.
Audio, sensors and extras
The sound is correct in both, with mono speaker and a 3,5 mm jack. The Moto boasts high-resolution audio support in some variants and double microphone for noise reduction; both feature FM radio. In terms of sensors, the G4 Plus typically includes gyroscopeThis is useful for virtual reality and apps that require it, while not all versions of the P9 Lite include it.
In addition to hardware, the camera also includes features for HDR and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for video. The Moto G4 Plus can apply HDR to photos and, depending on the app, also to video, while the P9 Lite offers a very capable manual mode with control of ISOExposure and speed. These are extras that make a difference in real-world use.
Software and experience
Another difference lies in the software. Although both run Android, the Chinese manufacturer's device features a custom Android skin. EMUIwhich introduces deep customization, power management, and extra features. The G4 Plus offers an experience Very clean Androidwith few pre-installed apps and a familiar interface for those who prefer simplicity.
If you value customization and options to adjust every detail, EMUI will suit you. AttractiveIf you prioritize fluidity and an experience close to what Google offers, the Moto is a safe bet. In terms of sustained performance, both perform well as long as you maintain a storage with space free and updated apps.
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The Huawei P9 Lite is larger and more powerful than its predecessor. It also features a higher capacity battery which it manages very well and is capable of taking better photos, although the main novelty of the P9 Lite for many will be the incorporation of the fingerprint sensor to unlock the phone. All this with a price positioning that increased compared to its predecessor, in line with the quality jump.
The Moto G4 Plus, meanwhile, is the premium version of Motorola's new mid-range phone. In comparison to previous generations, the new device wins in screen, processor, RAMstorage, camera, connectivity, and battery. A significant step forward that also resulted in a higher price, in line with its overall improvement.
Comparison: Huawei P9 Lite vs Moto G4 plus
In terms of design, we're talking about two quite different phones. On the one hand, the Huawei P9 Lite It's a 5,2-inch device with a unibody design that boasts metallic edges and its fantastic ergonomics achieved thanks to its dimensions (146,8 x 72,6 x 7,5 mm) which allow easy handling of the mobile phone with one hand.
For his part, Moto G4 Plus It also grows in size to accommodate a 5,5-inch screen while keeping the weight down compared to the previous generation. The bad news is that we're once again faced with a device where [the text abruptly shifts to a different topic:] polycarbonateThis makes sense given its low cost and durability.
The main Differences between the Huawei P9 Lite and the Moto G4 Plus In terms of design, the differences lie in the thickness, as the Motorola device reaches 9,8 millimeters compared to its rival's 7,5 millimeters. The weight is quite similar, although its smaller dimensions make the P9 Lite in a more manageable smartphone in exchange for a slightly smaller screen. Neither is waterproof.
Although the diagonal size is different, both phones have the same... Full HD resolution on their respective IPS panels, which translates to a higher pixel density in favor of the P9 Lite, although in our experience, it's practically imperceptible. The G4 Plus will appeal more to those who prioritize video And, in addition, it has the extra protection that Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides against possible scratches.
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The Differences between the G4 Plus and the P9 Lite They continue with the hardware section. To begin, the Huawei device features 3 GB of RAM Compared to the 2GB of RAM in the version of the G4 Plus that has reached many markets, this is a notable difference for those looking for higher performance and pushing multitasking to the limit.
The P9 Lite uses Huawei's own octa-core processor (Kirin 650) that operates at high speed, while the G4 Plus has an octa-core Snapdragon 617. This difference is noticeable in... test of performance like AnTuTu, where the Huawei terminal usually scores better in CPU, although in GPU and games both are close for demanding but not extreme use.
When executing video games Both devices perform similarly, falling short of the experience offered by more powerful phones. Choose based on whether you prefer EMUI with energy optimizations or near-stock Android with a custom interface. lighter.
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Another Differences between the Moto G4 Plus and the Huawei P9 Lite It has to do with the software. The P9 Lite incorporates EMUI, which slightly resembles the iOS experience and adds useful features; the G4 Plus offers a virtually Android experience. so pure like the Nexus phones of its time, but with less bloatware.
Which mobile phone performs best photographs? The Moto G4 Plus It has two main advantages: the 16-megapixel main sensor with laser focus + PDAF and competent nighttime performance for its segment. The P9 Lite lags slightly behind in absolute detail, but its camera app with Manual mode and multiple scenes make it easier to achieve good results.
Visual comparison of cameras
Both phones perform remarkably well in terms of image quality under good lighting conditions, although things take a turn for the worse when taking pictures at night or in low light. The P9 Lite's camera interface boasts a plethora of functions and modes depending on the scene, something that It makes it much easier things for the most inexperienced users.
Both the G4 Plus and the P9 Lite feature a Manual mode which allows you to modify values ​​such as exposure, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity—an extra feature that's not yet entirely common in other mid-range phones. In video, both record up to Full HD at 30 fps, with digital stabilization.
On paper, both phones have a 3.000 mAh battery, but their power management differs: EMUI is more conservative, and the P9 Lite extends battery life slightly, while the G4 Plus offers the advantage of... fast charge TurboPower, capable of providing hours of use with a short recharge.
With a very similar price within the mid-range, I would opt for the Moto G4 Plus if you value its features above all else. most capable cameraThe clean Android experience and fast charging are great. Its 2GB of RAM in the most common version is the only downside, but I love its camera and, for its price range, it's one of the best. best options to photograph and upload in minutes.
If, on the other hand, you prioritize the multitaskWith a slimmer design and feature-rich software with aggressive energy saving capabilities, the Huawei P9 Lite delivers a well-balanced experience. Its increased RAM, ergonomic design, and the ability to... NFC In some versions, they tip the scales in favor of those who use mobile payments and want a compact and convenient phone.
Looking at the overall package, both are winning bets depending on your needs: large screen, camera, and fast charging for the Moto, versus a slimmer design, extra RAM, and feature-rich software for the Huawei. Choosing the right one here is a matter of... real priorities and the type of use you give your mobile phone each day.
