We compare Motorola’s Moto G4, revamped for 2016, with the all-new Moto G4 Plus. What’s the difference between the 2016 4th-gen Moto G4 and the new Moto G4 Plus in terms of size, specs and features? Here’s our full comparison review.
This year, instead of just announcing a single new Moto G model, Motorola has gone all-out and launched two new models of Moto G. There’s the 4th generation Moto G, a.k.a the Moto G4, as well as a second model, dubbed the Moto G4 Plus, which confusingly boasts better specs rather than a super-sized design. Here’s what you can expect from the new 2016 Moto mobiles, and don’t forget to check out our Moto G4 hands-on review and our Moto G3 re-review after 12 months
Moto G 2016 vs Moto G Plus: At a glance
| Phone | Moto G4 2016 | Moto G4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Screen resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Fingerprint sensor? | No | Yes |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 3000mAh |
| Processor | Snapdragon 617 | Snapdragon 617 |
| Memory | 2GB | 2/3GB |
| Storage | 16GB | 16/32GB |
| Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
| UK price | £169 | £199 |
Moto G4 2016 vs Moto G4 Plus: Design and specs
Although the Moto G4 Plus conjurs up images of a super-sized phablet, it’s actually the same size as the smaller Moto G4 2016. Both new Motorola phones pack a 5.5-inch screen, which is a serious size increase compared with last year’s 5-inch Moto G. You also get the same Full HD resolution on both the Moto G and Moto G Plus, so images should be perfectly crisp.
Design-wise, you’ll be able to customise the look and feel of the Moto G4 2016 using Motorola’s online Moto Maker service as you order. The Moto G4 Plus should also be available via Moto Maker (we’re just confirming), while both phones have removable back covers that can be replaced with another colour when you feel like a fresh new look.
The final design difference is the fingerprint sensor, which can be found on the Moto G4 Plus but not the Moto G4. Motorola promises an unlock time of around 750ms, which should make it as fast as many rivals.
Both Moto G4 models boast a 3000mAh battery, along with the TurboPower quick charging feature which gives six hours of life from just 15 minutes at the plug (so says Motorola).
Meanwhile an octa-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon 617 processor should keep things running smoothly, especially as you get a clutter-free vanilla version of Android Marshmallow. However, the Moto G4 Plus comes with a choice of 2GB or 3GB of memory, while the Moto G4 only comes in a 2GB model. There’s also a choice of storage in the Moto G4 Plus, between 16 and 32GB, while the Moto G4 only comes in 16GB.
The only other difference between the Moto G4 2016 and Moto G4 Plus is the camera tech. The 4th-gen Moto G4 packs a 13-megapixel snapper, possibly the same camera found in last year’s Moto G4 (we’re still confirming), while the Moto G4 Plus boosts this to a 16-megapixel camera with laser focus and phase detect autofocus to lock onto your subject quickly and keep them sharp. DxOMark has apparently rated the Moto G4 plus’ camera above the likes of the iPhone 6s, so we’re optimistic that it’ll be a best-in-class snapper at this price point.
Moto G4 2016 vs Moto G4 Plus: UK price and release date
The Moto G4 will be available from early June here in the UK, for £169 SIM-free. Meanwhile the Moto G4 Plus can be yours from mid-June, for £199. However, while the Moto G4 can be bagged from a range of retailers, including Tesco Mobile, Argos and Amazon, the Moto G4 Plus can only be bought from Amazon.
Both phones should also be available from Motorola’s own UK website, using the Moto Maker service; we know for sure that the Moto G4 is, and we’re confirming about the Moto G4 Plus.
Moto G4 2016 vs Moto G4 Plus: Video comparison review
Here’s our full Moto G4 vs Moto G4 Plus video comparison.
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