Motorola Moto G4

The Motorola Moto G4 was the fourth generation of Motorola’s popular Moto G series, which was known for offering solid specifications and a near-stock Android experience at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G4:

Overview:

The Moto G4 continued Motorola’s tradition of delivering value-for-money smartphones. With its larger display, improved camera, and the promise of timely software updates, it aimed to be a top contender in the mid-range segment.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 7.0 (Nougat). Motorola’s near-stock Android experience was a highlight.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 Octa-core.
4. Memory: Options of 2 GB RAM with 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 5 MP front camera.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower charging.
7. Other Features: Water repellent nano-coating and front-facing speakers.

Pros:

1. Display: The jump to a Full HD display was a significant upgrade from the previous generation, offering sharper visuals.
2. Software Experience: Motorola’s minimalistic approach to software meant that the Moto G4 offered a near-stock Android experience, which many users appreciated.
3. Battery Life: With a 3000 mAh battery and efficient software optimizations, the Moto G4 had commendable battery life.
4. TurboPower Charging: The device supported Motorola’s fast charging solution, allowing for quick top-ups.

Cons:

1. Lack of NFC: The Moto G4 did not come with NFC, which meant no Android Pay or easy device pairing.
2. No Fingerprint Sensor: While the Moto G4 Plus variant had a fingerprint sensor, the standard G4 missed out on this feature.
3. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera performed decently in well-lit conditions but struggled in low-light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Moto G4 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016): Offering a 5.2-inch HD Super AMOLED display and a 13 MP camera.
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: With a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 650, and a metal body.
• Huawei P8 Lite: Featuring a 5-inch HD display and a Kirin 620 processor.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G4 was announced in May 2016 and released in June 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Ghost Touch Issues: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen registering phantom touches or becoming unresponsive.
2. Overheating: The Snapdragon 617 was known to get warm under heavy usage, and some Moto G4 users reported overheating issues, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.
3. Delayed Software Updates: While Motorola initially had a reputation for quick software updates, some users felt that updates for the Moto G4 were slower than expected.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G4 was a worthy successor in the Moto G lineup, offering several improvements over its predecessor. While it had its shortcomings, the combination of a Full HD display, near-stock Android experience, and competitive pricing made it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers. The Moto G series continued to solidify its reputation as a reliable and value-packed option in the mid-range smartphone market.