The Motorola Moto G4 was born with the ambition of becoming one of the kings of the mid-rangeAnd indeed, its specifications, user experience, and the ecosystem of available versions reinforce that aspiration. Below, we review its proposal in detail, correcting initial assumptions and updating the information with verified dataIn addition to highlighting key differences between the variants of the Moto G4 family, we'll help you understand exactly what each one offers.
Lenovo K5
We started by talking about the Lenovo K5 because both brands coexisted in the catalog at one time, and in fact, They shared a showcase in markets like SpainLenovo's idea with Motorola was to offer alternatives in the same price range: on the one hand, the K5 series with a metallic finish and, on the other, the Moto G series with its commitment to near-stock Android. The Lenovo K5 served as a reference point to intuit the approach of the Moto G4: balanced hardware from Qualcomm's 600 series, 2 GB of RAM and a clear positioning in the MidrangeAlthough they competed in similar niches, the Moto G4 stood out for its cleaner software experience, support for Moto features (gestures and ambient display) and an offer of specific versions like the Moto G4 Plus and the Moto G4 Play.
Screen
Where initially 5 inches were speculated, the final model wisely opted for a 5,5 inch panel with resolution Full HD (1.920 x 1.080 pixels)This size, combined with the density of 401 dpiIt offers excellent clarity for multimedia content, reading, and social media. The technology is IPSWith natural color calibration, good viewing angles, and a brightness level that performs well outdoors. The glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an important addition to the durability of the front panel.
The Moto G4's screen may, under certain conditions, display that slight effect of “washed screen” typical of some IPS panels when tilted too far, but in return it offers a very faithful color representation which many users prefer over aggressive saturation. Furthermore, the integration of Ambient Display It allows you to see the time and notifications on a dark background when you pick up the phone or receive alerts, improving interaction without fully turning on the screen.
It is important to mention that some units The family exhibited the phenomenon known as “ghost touches” by raising the brightness to maximum. This isn't universal behavior, but it's good to know: if it occurs, it's usually mitigated by reducing the brightness or applying software updates when available.
Improved performance
The heart of the Moto G4 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, a 64-bit SoC with eight Cortex‑A53 cores in two clusters (4 at 1,5 GHz and 4 at 1,2 GHz) and GPU Adreno 405This combination, accompanied by 2 GB of RAMIt provides a smooth everyday experience: social media, messaging, moderate multitasking, and casual gaming all run smoothly. Motorola's optimization with Almost pure Android It helps maintain a responsive feel even though the hardware isn't high-end.
In terms of storage, the Moto G4 was sold with 16 or 32 GB And, most importantly for many, expansion via microSD up to 128 GB. One design advantage is that there are models with three slots (dual active SIM + microSD), so you don't have to sacrifice expansion when using two lines. In terms of connectivity, in addition to 4G LTE with bands common in Europe and Latin America, it integrates Wi‑Fi a/b/g/n (2,4 and 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 LE, aGPS with GLONASS y FM radioAs a point to consider, does not have NFCThis reduces its potential for mobile payments.
Beyond the technical specifications, its practical performance is what matters: the Moto G4 feels consistent browsing, switching between apps, and playing Full HD video. In games, the Adreno 405 moves popular titles It runs smoothly at medium quality; if you activate demanding graphics settings, you will notice occasional frame rate drops, which is normal for its segment.
Water resistance and fingerprint reader
The Moto G4 maintains the "everyday durability" focus, but it needs some clarification: The base model does not have IPX7 certification as it did in a previous generation. Instead, it offers a nano-repellent coating to the water that protects it from splashes and light rain, but not designed for immersionThis is an important distinction to avoid misunderstandings.
Regarding biometrics, the fingerprint reader is present in the Moto G4 PlusNot on the standard G4. The reading is fast and accurate on the Plus, providing convenient unlocking and greater security. The phone includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor; some markets report absence of digital compass On the G4, something to consider if you rely on accurate map orientation.
Another connectivity note: in addition to the lack of NFC, the device Uses microUSB 2.0 instead of USB-C. It works perfectly for charging and data, but you won't get the benefits of the reversible connector or higher transfer rates.
Level chamber
The Moto G4's rear camera is 13 megapixels with opening f / 2.0, autofocus y double LED flash dual-tone. Motorola's software provides a automatic HDR mode which comes into play when there is backlighting and effectively expands the dynamic range. The front camera is 5 megapixels with opening f / 2.2.
The interpretation of color is natural And the sharpness is surprising for its segment when the lighting is good. Indoors and at night, it holds its own if you rest your hand on the camera or use the flash, although noise and loss of detail appear, which is normal for its category. The video reaches Full HD at 30 fps with decent quality and stable focus.
A key advantage over many rivals is the intuitive camera app from Motorola, with gestures to open it with a double twist of the wrist and manual options to adjust exposure, white balance or focus, without overwhelming the user who just wants to point and shoot.
If you're interested in the differences within the family, the Moto G4 Plus It raises the bar for photography with a sensor of 16 megapixels, approach by phase detection with infrared support and more consistent results in challenging situations.
Designer
In terms of design, the Moto G4 opts for a sober style with body of polycarbonate good quality, smooth frames and a back with microdotted texture Pleasant to the touch. It's not the most compact phone in its class, but it feels... sturdinessIts dimensions are around 153 x 76,6 x 9,8 mm and the weight of them 155 gThe back panel is removable to access the slots, although the battery is not removable in the G4 and G4 Plus (it is in the G4 Play).
The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and has a Main speaker facing forwardA detail that enhances the experience of watching videos or playing games. At the top are the front-facing camera and sensors; at the bottom, the microphone. There are no physical navigation buttons, something many users prefer for a clean screen aesthetic. It was available in black and whiteAnd personalization through cases and color accents was a hallmark of the series.
Autonomy and charging
Battery 3.000 mAh It offers solid battery life for a long day with mixed use (browsing, social media, camera, and some video). In moderate usage scenarios, it's possible to easily last more than a day and a half. Based on synthetic benchmarks and accumulated experience, it ranks in the top of its segment for efficiency.
While charging, the Moto G4 is compatible with TurboPower (based on Quick Charge), capable of offering Up to 6 hours of use with a 15-minute chargePlease note that, depending on the market and the package, the A fast charger may not be included. included in the standard G4 box, and guaranteed in the G4 Plus. With a compatible charger, charging times are significantly reduced compared to conventional adapters.
Software: Near-stock Android and Moto features
Software has always been a strong point of the series. The Moto G4 arrived with Android in a near-stock version (Moto Pure), which translates to fluencyLess bloatware and more direct updates. Includes Moto Actions (gestures like double wrist twist to open the camera or shake to turn on the flashlight) and Ambient Display to check notifications without unlocking.
In terms of updates, the Moto G4 They received Android Nougat gradually in different markets. Furthermore, the Moto G4 Plus It was later included in upgrade plans to Android 8.1 Oreo in several regions. As always, availability may vary by carrier and country.
Price and versions
The Moto G4 family is made up of three main models with clear differences:
- Moto G4: screen 5,5 "Full HD, Snapdragon 617, 2 GB of RAM, 16 / 32 GB expandable, camera 13 SM and front 5 SM, 3000 mAh, FM radio, microUSB, without NFC or fingerprint reader, splash resistance due to nano-repellent coating.
- Moto G4 Plus: shares a base with the reader of footprints, rear camera 16 SM with phase detection approach and improved performance, options for more RAM (depending on the market) and, in some packages, TurboPower charger included.
- Moto G4 Play: cheaper version with screen 5 "HD, 400 series chipset, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB storage, 2800 mAh battery y removable battery; rear camera 8 SM.
There is also a Prime Exclusive edition in some markets, more affordable, which showed lockscreen ads and, as an important difference, the The bootloader could not be unlockedIt's not a universal version, but it's worth knowing that it was available as a promotional alternative.
In terms of positioning, the Moto G4 was placed in the mid-range price bracketcompeting head-to-head with very aggressive rivalsIts value lies in the clean Android experience, the good screen, the competent autonomy and the peace of mind of a Motorola/Lenovo ecosystem with a large community and accessible spare parts.
Connectivity and audio
The Moto G4 delivers in connectivity with LTE 4G for extended bandwidths, double SIM In specific variants, dual Wi-Fi (2,4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 LE and positioning GPS + GLONASSThank you. 3,5mm headphone jack, and the FM radio This is a plus for those who enjoy local broadcasts without using up their data. The main front speaker offers a notable volume and a clearer output than the one located at the rear or bottom, although without "stereo" pretensions.
As a counterpoint, in addition to the absence of NFC, the use of microUSB 2.0 This limits the reversible USB-C experience. These are understandable compromises to keep costs down, but they should be kept in mind when comparing with competitors that already integrate these features.
The Motorola Moto G4 is a mobile phone that He grew in everything that mattered Within its price range: a large, crisp screen, solid performance, good battery life, and a capable camera for everyday use, all complemented by a very clean Android experience and useful Moto features. Its omissions (NFC, fingerprint reader on the base model, water resistance certification, and USB-C) are the price to pay for remaining competitive, but for those seeking uncomplicated balance, it remains a compelling option. solid success.
