Motorola Moto X4 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Motorola Moto X4 is a midrange smartphone that packs a punch with its premium features and sleek design. With a metal-meets-glass body and a mirror finish, it exudes sophistication. The 5.2-inch display offers vibrant colors and sharp resolution. One standout feature is its dual-camera setup, capturing stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The Moto X4 is also water-resistant, a rarity in its price range. Powered by a Snapdragon 630 processor and running on stock Android, it delivers a smooth performance. Available in different variants like the Android One version and Prime-exclusive edition, the Moto X4 offers great value for its price.

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto X4 boasts a sleek and stylish design, with a premium look and feel that sets it apart in its price range. The phone's physical appearance is eye-catching, thanks to its metal-meets-glass body and mirror finish. The back panel of the Moto X4 is particularly striking, with a reflective surface that creates shifting patterns of light. However, it is worth noting that the glass back does tend to pick up fingerprints and smudges easily.

In terms of ergonomics, the Moto X4 has a hand-friendly size and weight, making it comfortable to hold and use. The dimensions of 5.8 by 2.9 by 0.3 inches and a weight of 5.7 ounces strike a balance between portability and screen size. The phone's frame and bezels are well-constructed, adding to the overall robustness and sturdiness of the device.

The Moto X4 also features a textured power button and conveniently located volume buttons, making it easy to navigate and control. The phone's grip is secure, although some users may find the glass back to be a bit slippery. One-handed usability is generally good, although the larger screen size may require some adjustment for users with smaller hands.

In terms of build quality, the Moto X4 is water-resistant, with an IP68 rating that allows it to be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This durability feature is impressive considering the phone's price point. The phone also includes a USB Type-C port for charging and a headphone jack.

Overall, the Motorola Moto X4 offers a sleek design, premium look and feel, and solid build quality. While the glass back may be prone to fingerprints and smudges, the phone's overall construction and ergonomic design make it a comfortable and durable choice for everyday use.

Display

The Motorola Moto X4 features a 5.2-inch display with a 1080p resolution, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The LCD technology used in the display ensures good color accuracy and vibrancy, making images and videos look lifelike. The brightness levels of the screen are sufficient for comfortable indoor usage, and the outdoor visibility is decent as well, although direct sunlight may cause some visibility issues.

The touch responsiveness of the Moto X4's display is excellent, allowing for smooth and fluid interactions with the device. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which helps prevent scratches and minor damage.

With a pixel density of 424 pixels per inch, the Moto X4's display offers crisp details and text. The refresh rate is standard, providing a smooth scrolling experience.

The Moto X4 does not support HDR or a wide color gamut, so it may not deliver the same level of color richness and contrast as some higher-end devices. However, the viewing angles are good, and the display does not suffer from significant color shifting when viewed from different angles.

The Moto X4 does not feature a notch design, and while the bezels are noticeable, they do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio is reasonable, striking a balance between screen real estate and device size.

The Moto X4 does not have an always-on display feature, but it does offer a blue light filter and adaptive brightness, making it easier on the eyes in low light conditions. The screen calibration is generally accurate, but users have the option to adjust it to their preferences in the settings.

Performance

The Motorola Moto X4 offers a solid performance that is capable of handling various tasks with ease. Powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset, the Moto X4 delivers reliable CPU and GPU performance for everyday use. While specific benchmark scores were not provided, the Moto X4's processor efficiency and GPU efficiency contribute to a smooth user experience and lag-free performance.

In terms of gaming capabilities, the Moto X4 performs well and can handle most mobile games without any issues. While gaming benchmarks were not available, the Moto X4's CPU and GPU combination is capable of delivering satisfactory graphics scores. This means that users can expect a decent gaming experience with good frame rates and smooth gameplay.

Multitasking performance is also commendable on the Moto X4, thanks to its 3GB of RAM. Users can switch between apps seamlessly and experience quick app loading speeds. The Moto X4's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance, ensuring that the device remains efficient and doesn't overheat during intensive tasks or prolonged use.

While specific benchmark tests and scores were not provided, the Moto X4's performance analysis suggests that it is a capable mid-range phone that offers a smooth and reliable user experience. Its processor performance, GPU benchmarks, and multitasking capabilities make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize performance without breaking the bank.

Software and User Interface

The software on the Motorola Moto X4 is one of its standout features. The phone runs on stock Android 7.1 Nougat, with an update to Android 8.0 Oreo promised in the near future. This means that you get a clean and user-friendly interface, without any heavy customization or bloatware. The stock Android experience is known for its simplicity and smooth performance, and the Moto X4 lives up to this reputation.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to find and use the phone's features. The Moto X4 also comes with some useful software tricks, such as Moto Actions and Moto Display. Moto Actions allows you to perform certain actions with gestures, such as shaking the phone to turn on the flashlight or twisting it to launch the camera. Moto Display shows you notifications and allows you to interact with them without unlocking the phone.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Moto X4 keeps it minimal. You won't find a bunch of unnecessary apps that take up space and clutter your screen. This is a refreshing change compared to some other phones on the market. Overall, the software on the Moto X4 enhances the user experience by providing a clean and user-friendly interface, without any unnecessary customization or bloatware.

Camera

The Motorola Moto X4 boasts a dual-camera setup that captures impressive photos in various lighting conditions. The main camera features a 12-megapixel sensor with a f/2.0 aperture, while the secondary camera has an 8-megapixel sensor with a wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive shots. The camera's focal length allows for versatile photography, whether it's capturing up-close details or wide scenic views.

In terms of image quality, the Moto X4 excels in daylight photography, producing sharp and detailed images with vibrant and natural colors. The camera's dynamic range is commendable, preserving details in both bright and shadowy areas of a scene. It also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities. The Moto X4's night mode further enhances low-light performance, allowing for clearer and brighter night photography.

The camera comes equipped with various features to enhance the photography experience. Portrait mode creates a bokeh effect by blurring the background, making subjects stand out. HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode helps capture more detail in high-contrast scenes. Panorama mode allows for capturing wide-angle shots, perfect for landscapes or group photos. Pro mode grants users manual control over settings like ISO and shutter speed.

When it comes to video recording, the Moto X4 supports 4K video and provides video stabilization for smoother footage. Slow-motion video and time-lapse options add creativity to videos. The camera also offers AI scene recognition, which automatically adjusts settings based on the subject being photographed.

In conclusion, the Moto X4's camera delivers excellent image quality, whether it's capturing vibrant daytime shots or low-light photography. Its versatile features and capabilities make it a reliable companion for both photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto X4 comes with a decent battery that provides a good amount of power for everyday use. The battery capacity is sufficient to last a full day with moderate usage. It offers a respectable screen-on time and standby time, ensuring that you can rely on your phone throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge. The Moto X4 also features power efficiency and optimization features, helping to extend battery life even further. With fast charging technology, you can quickly recharge your phone when needed. Unfortunately, the Moto X4 does not support wireless charging options. Overall, the battery performance of the Moto X4 is reliable and suitable for most users, offering a balance between power and longevity.

Connectivity and Networking

The Motorola Moto X4 offers a wide range of connectivity options to ensure that users stay connected wherever they go. It supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for fast data speeds and smooth browsing. The phone also supports dual SIM functionality, which is convenient for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or travel internationally.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Moto X4 supports Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, ensuring fast and reliable internet access. It also has Bluetooth version 5.0, which enables seamless pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices for file sharing or connecting to wireless headphones or speakers.

For easy and convenient data transfer, the Moto X4 features a USB-C port, which allows for fast charging and data transfer speeds. Additionally, it supports NFC technology, enabling quick and secure contactless payments and easy pairing with other NFC-enabled devices.

The phone also comes with built-in GPS for accurate navigation and location services. Users can rely on the Moto X4 for precise directions and real-time tracking.

Lastly, the Moto X4 has the option for wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phone without the need for cables. This feature adds a level of convenience for users who prefer a cable-free charging experience.

With its comprehensive network compatibility, fast data speeds, and various connectivity options, the Motorola Moto X4 ensures that users can stay connected and enjoy a seamless and reliable smartphone experience.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Motorola Moto X4 to related gadgets in the market, it is important to consider its features, specifications, performance, and pricing. One notable competitor to the Moto X4 is the Alcatel Idol 5S, which is also a midrange phone with similar pricing.

In terms of design, the Moto X4 stands out with its sleek and water-resistant build. Its metal-meets-glass body gives it a premium look, although it does pick up fingerprints easily. On the other hand, the Alcatel Idol 5S has a more traditional design with a metal frame.

Both phones offer dual rear cameras, but the Moto X4's camera system produces better quality photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The Moto X4 also has a larger front camera with its own flash, making it a great choice for selfie enthusiasts.

When it comes to performance, the Moto X4 takes the lead with its faster processor and better battery life compared to the Alcatel Idol 5S. The Moto X4's Snapdragon 630 processor ensures smooth multitasking and everyday tasks, while its long-lasting battery keeps users powered throughout the day.

In terms of pricing, the Moto X4 falls within the mid-range category, offering excellent value for money. With prices ranging from $300 to $400, it competes well against other mid-range phones on the market. The Alcatel Idol 5S, on the other hand, is priced similarly but lacks some of the standout features of the Moto X4.

Overall, the Moto X4 positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Its water-resistant design, dual rear cameras, fast processor, and long battery life make it a compelling choice for users looking for a balance between affordability and performance.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Conclusion: The Motorola Moto X4 is a mid-range smartphone that offers a lot of bang for your buck. With its sleek design, water-resistant build, and dual rear cameras, it stands out in its price range. The phone performs well, offering fast processing speeds and good battery life. The almost-stock Android software provides a clean and user-friendly interface. While it lacks some high-end features like a super-fast processor, the Moto X4 still delivers on its promise of a great mid-range phone. Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone with premium features, the Moto X4 is definitely worth considering.