In the crowded realm of budget smartphones, Motorola has long been a trusted name offering robust devices at affordable prices. Two of its standout entries—the Moto G4 and the Moto G Play—have been frequently compared by users seeking value without sacrificing too much in performance or design. While they both promise reliability and functionality for the everyday user, they target slightly different market segments and use cases.
TLDR: The Moto G4 and Moto G Play are both solid budget smartphones from Motorola but cater to slightly different needs. The G4 offers a sharper display and faster performance, making it better for media consumption and multitasking. The G Play, on the other hand, is more affordable and ideal for basic smartphone users or as a secondary device. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize performance or price.
Design and Build Quality
The Moto G4 sports a more refined and premium look compared to the Moto G Play. Both devices come with plastic builds, but the G4 has a sleeker profile and is slightly slimmer at 7.9mm compared to the G Play’s 9.9mm thickness.
In the hand, the G4 feels more elegant with its curved edges and minimalist design. While neither phone features fancy materials like glass backs or metal frames, both are durable enough for daily use.
Display
When it comes to screen quality, the Moto G4 clearly has the upper hand. It boasts a 5.5-inch Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) IPS LCD display, offering sharper visuals and better clarity overall. The contrast and viewing angles are also commendable for a phone in this price bracket.
In contrast, the Moto G Play comes with a 5.0-inch HD (1280×720 pixels) display. While this results in lower pixel density, it’s still more than adequate for basic tasks like texting, browsing, and occasional video playback. However, media enthusiasts may notice the difference, especially when streaming high-resolution content.
Performance and Hardware
Performance is one of the biggest deciding factors in this comparison. The Moto G4 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM. This makes it notably faster in multitasking and running heavier apps. It also benefits from Adreno 405 GPU, which yields better gaming performance compared to the G Play.
The Moto G Play, on the other hand, is powered by a Snapdragon 410 quad-core processor and also comes with 2GB of RAM. Although it handles lightweight apps smoothly, it struggles with demanding tasks, exhibiting occasional lags and slower app load times.
In terms of storage, both devices offer 16GB internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 256GB, providing ample space for photos, apps, and media files.
Software Experience
Both these smartphones run near-stock versions of Android, which is a big plus for users who prefer a clean and bloatware-free interface. Originally shipping with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, they are also upgradeable to Android 7.0 Nougat.
This clean software environment ensures smoother user experience and helps in getting most out of the limited hardware. The Moto-exclusive features such as Quick Capture and Chop Twice for Flashlight are intuitive and useful additions.
Camera Performance
The camera systems of both phones adhere to their budget orientation but there are still key differences worth noting. The Moto G4 features a 13MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and a 5MP front camera. It manages to deliver reasonably sharp images in daylight and decent low-light performance for its class.
Comparatively, the Moto G Play has an 8MP rear camera and a similar 5MP front-facing camera. While fine for casual snapshots, it doesn’t quite match the detail and image quality of the G4.
Neither phone excels in video recording, supporting up to 1080p, but again, the G4’s better lens and sensor make it a more reliable choice for photography-inclined users.
Battery Life
Both devices come with non-removable batteries, but the Moto G4’s 3,000mAh battery is slightly more potent than the G Play’s 2,800mAh unit. Thanks to its more efficient processor and smaller, lower-resolution screen, the G Play can sometimes last a bit longer with moderate use.
Nonetheless, the G4 holds its own—especially when considering it supports fast charging technology, something the G Play lacks. This makes the G4 the more convenient option for users frequently on the move.
Pricing and Value
Pricing is a crucial aspect in any budget phone debate. The Moto G Play is clearly the more affordable of the two, making it ideal for users with minimal smartphone requirements or those buying a device for children or elderly family members.
Meanwhile, the Moto G4, while slightly costlier, offers a much-improved overall experience for only a modest price premium. It’s more capable and future-proof, making it a smarter investment if your budget allows.
User Experience
The everyday experience of owning these phones further highlights their differences. Users report smoother transitions, faster app launches, and better responsiveness with the G4. Its superior display also makes it better suited for video streaming and casual gaming.
The G Play, conversely, isn’t as agile but earns praise for its simplicity and reliability. It’s a solid choice for those who just need the basics: calling, texting, social media, and light app use.
Final Verdict
This budget smartphone battle comes down to user priorities. If you’re seeking a reliable workhorse with decent performance, a better camera, and an improved display, then the Moto G4 is the clear winner. However, if your needs are minimal and your budget is tight, the Moto G Play still serves as a dependable entry-level option without frills.
Motorola has done well to cater to different sections of the budget market with both these phones. What’s important is identifying where your priorities lie—more performance and features or maximum cost savings?
FAQ
- Q: Which phone has the better display?
A: The Moto G4 has a sharper and larger 5.5-inch Full HD display, making it superior for media and gaming. - Q: Is there a significant performance difference between the two devices?
A: Yes, the G4’s Snapdragon 617 and octa-core processor offer better performance compared to the G Play’s Snapdragon 410. - Q: Which device is better for photography?
A: The Moto G4 has a better 13MP rear camera and delivers improved image quality over the G Play’s 8MP camera. - Q: Does either phone support fast charging?
A: Only the Moto G4 supports TurboPower fast charging, making it more convenient for quick top-ups. - Q: Are both devices still good options in 2024?
A: As older models, they may struggle with today’s more demanding apps, but they remain usable for basic phone functions.