Motorola Moto X4

Into Droid Hardware

The Motorola Moto X4 was a part of Motorola’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to flagship devices. Launched in late 2017, the Moto X4 was a successor to the Moto X series, bringing back the lineup after a hiatus. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto X4:

Overview:

The Moto X4 was designed for users who wanted a solid mid-range smartphone experience with a touch of Motorola’s design and camera expertise. With its signature design, decent specifications, and camera capabilities, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver with a focus on multimedia and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates to Android 9.0 (Pie).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with a dedicated flash.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboCharge (fast charging).
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup provided versatility with its ultra-wide-angle lens.
  2. Build and Design: The Moto X4 featured a glass back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The design was compact and ergonomic.
  3. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification was a notable feature in its price range.
  4. Moto Experiences: Motorola’s suite of gestures and features, like the chop-chop for flashlight and twist for camera, added convenience.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not be enough for heavy users to last a full day.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera struggled in low-light scenarios compared to some competitors.
  3. Software Updates: While the device did receive updates, they weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto X4 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 6.1: Offering a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Sony Xperia XA2: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a focus on camera capabilities.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018): Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto X4 was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Performance: Some users reported occasional slowdowns and stutters, especially when running multiple apps.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as competitors.
  3. Glass Back: The glass back, while premium, was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto X4 was a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who are fans of Motorola’s design and software features. Its performance, build quality, and camera setup made it a worthy contender in the mid-range segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of camera performance in low light and battery life, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on design and a clean software experience, the Moto X4 was a good choice. However, those looking for better camera capabilities or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

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