Is the Moto G4 Plus Still a Good Phone in 2023?

The smartphone market is always evolving, with new models hitting the shelves every few months. However, some devices manage to stand the test of time, garnering a loyal user base long after their initial launch. One such device is the Moto G4 Plus, a smartphone that was first released in 2016. With its affordable price point, reliable performance, and solid specifications, many users still wonder if this phone is a suitable option in 2023. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the various aspects of the Moto G4 Plus, helping you determine whether it’s the right choice for you.

Overview of the Moto G4 Plus

The Moto G4 Plus was unveiled by Motorola as part of its popular G series lineup. At the time of its release, it stood out with its impressive specifications for the price. The phone was designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers who did not want to compromise on essential features.

Key Specifications

Here’s a quick summary of the Moto G4 Plus’s specifications:

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Moto G4 Plus is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It features a plastic back and a metal frame, giving it a premium feel that is often missing from budget smartphones. The phone is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Screen Quality

The 5.5-inch Full HD display offers vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. At a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, the screen is sharp, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. Although it might not compete with high-end devices in terms of brightness, it performs adequately for most daily tasks.

Durability

While the Moto G4 Plus is not marketed as a rugged phone, its build quality holds up well for daily use. It does not have an official IP rating for water resistance, so users should take caution in wet conditions. However, its sturdy design can withstand minor bumps and drops.

Performance and Software

The Moto G4 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor, which, although not cutting-edge by current standards, was competitive at its time of release. Paired with options of 2GB or 4GB of RAM, the phone can handle basic tasks and multitasking reasonably well.

System Performance

In day-to-day usage, the Moto G4 Plus performs adequately. It is capable of running popular apps, playing casual games, and browsing social media without significant lag. However, users may experience slowdowns with more demanding applications or when multiple applications are running simultaneously.

Software Experience

One of the highlights of the Moto G4 Plus is its nearly stock Android experience. Motorola has kept its interface clean, ensuring that users do not have to deal with unnecessary bloatware. The phone originally shipped with Android Marshmallow but can be upgraded to Android Oreo, offering features such as improved notifications and better battery management.

Camera Performance

One of the standout features of the Moto G4 Plus is its camera setup. The 16 MP rear camera is equipped with laser autofocus and dual LED flash, providing good performance in various lighting conditions.

Rear Camera

The rear camera captures vibrant and detailed photos in bright conditions. It excels in outdoor settings, where the colors are lifelike and the details are sharp. In lower light, the performance is decent, although there may be some noise in the images.

Sample Shots

Bright Condition: The Moto G4 Plus can deliver excellent results with colors that pop.
Low Light: The phone tends to struggle with noise but can still take usable photos.

Front Camera

For selfies, the 5 MP front camera does a reasonable job, especially for social media. It is not designed for high-end portrait photography but can capture decent images under good lighting conditions.

Battery Life

A phone’s battery life is crucial in determining its overall usefulness. The Moto G4 Plus features a 3000 mAh battery that can easily last a full day under normal usage.

Battery Performance

Thanks to the efficient processor and display, users can expect solid battery life. The addition of TurboPower charging ensures that users can quickly recharge their device when necessary, providing around 6 hours of usage from just 15 minutes of charging.

Storage and Expandability

With storage options ranging from 16GB up to 64GB, the Moto G4 Plus provides ample space for apps, photos, and other media. Additionally, the phone supports a microSD card, allowing users to expand storage by up to 256GB. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who take a lot of photos or download sizable apps.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the Moto G4 Plus offers all the essentials:

• 4G LTE support
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• GPS

The phone does lack some of the newer features found in contemporary smartphones, such as NFC support or USB-C charging. Its micro USB charging port may seem outdated, but it is still widely used.

Price and Availability

As of 2023, the Moto G4 Plus is available at significantly reduced prices compared to when it was first launched. Given its budget-friendly price tag, it offers excellent value for basic smartphone needs.

Where to Buy

You can find the Moto G4 Plus on various online platforms like Amazon, eBay, or local retailers. Due to its age, the phone may be available as a refurbished model, making it an even more economical choice.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Moto G4 Plus a good phone in 2023? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs.

For budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Moto G4 Plus holds up admirably. While it may not offer the latest features or superior performance compared to newer models, it provides a solid balance of price, performance, and functionality.

However, if you are seeking advanced features, cutting-edge performance, or the latest software updates, you might want to explore more recent options.

In summary, the Moto G4 Plus remains a viable choice for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness without sacrificing essential smartphone capabilities.

1. Is the Moto G4 Plus still a capable device for everyday use in 2023?

Yes, the Moto G4 Plus can still be a capable device for everyday use in 2023. With its Snapdragon 617 processor and 2 to 4 GB of RAM, it can handle basic tasks such as calling, texting, web browsing, and social media apps without significant lag. Users looking for a phone primarily for these functions may find it sufficient, especially for more casual usage.

However, when it comes to more demanding applications or multitasking, the Moto G4 Plus may struggle. The performance is not on par with modern mid-range or flagship smartphones, which boast much faster processors and advanced GPU capabilities. If you frequently use resource-intensive applications or play graphic-heavy games, you might want to consider a more recent model.

2. How does the camera of the Moto G4 Plus perform in 2023?

The Moto G4 Plus features a 16 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera, which were impressive for a budget phone at the time of its release. In 2023, while it may not compete with newer smartphones’ camera technology, it still offers decent image quality for casual photography. For social media shares and everyday snapshots, the camera can still produce satisfactory results.

However, there are limitations in low-light conditions, and the absence of advanced features like optical zoom or multiple camera modes may disappoint photography enthusiasts. If you are primarily focused on capturing high-quality images or need advanced camera capabilities, it may be worth looking at more recent devices that offer better photography options.

3. What about software updates and security features for the Moto G4 Plus?

The Moto G4 Plus originally shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), and it received updates up to Android 8.1 (Oreo). However, as of 2023, the device is no longer receiving official software updates from Motorola. This means that the phone might be vulnerable to security risks and won’t support some newer apps that require the latest Android versions.

Users who prioritize security and software enhancements should consider this factor before sticking with the Moto G4 Plus. While you can still use your device for basic tasks safely, it’s important to be cautious while installing third-party applications as they could pose risks.

4. Is the battery life of the Moto G4 Plus adequate in 2023?

The Moto G4 Plus is equipped with a 3,000 mAh battery, which was decent during its prime, offering a full day’s use on moderate consumption. In 2023, many users still report satisfactory battery life for typical daily activities such as calls, messaging, and light browsing. The included TurboPower fast charging also helps in quickly recharging the battery, which is convenient for those on the go.

However, as the battery ages, its capacity and overall performance may deteriorate, potentially requiring more frequent charging. Additionally, if you use more power-hungry applications or services, you might find that battery life does not last as long as it did when the device was brand new.

5. Can the Moto G4 Plus handle gaming in 2023?

The Moto G4 Plus was not specifically designed for gaming, but it can handle casual games and less intensive titles due to its Snapdragon 617 chipset. In 2023, you may still be able to play low and moderate graphic games without much trouble. Games that are not particularly demanding should run smoothly, allowing for an acceptable gaming experience.

However, heavier games that require advanced graphics processing will likely result in lagging or stuttering. If you are a gamer seeking a device capable of providing a smooth experience with the latest mobile games, a more modern smartphone with updated hardware would better suit your needs.

6. Should I purchase the Moto G4 Plus in 2023 or opt for a newer model?

If you are considering buying the Moto G4 Plus in 2023, think about your individual needs and how you plan to use the device. For basic functionalities such as calls, texts, and light browsing, and if the price is significantly low, it could be a worthwhile purchase. However, be aware that you will miss out on extended support and newer features that come with modern smartphones.

If you’re looking for better performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term software updates, investing in a newer model would be a more prudent choice. Although it may come with a higher price tag, the benefits of modern technology, better security, and enhanced features can be worth the investment in the long run.