• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Moto G Phone Guide

  • Home
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Forum
  • User Manuals
    • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
    • Official Moto G7 user manual
    • Official Moto G6 user manuals, Moto G6 Play user manuals and Moto G6 Plus user manuals
    • Official Moto G5 User Manual and Moto G5 Plus User Manual
    • Moto G4 User Manual: official PDF user guide for Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
    • Moto G 2015 user guide
    • Moto G 2nd Gen User Manual (Moto G 2014 User Manual)
    • Moto G Manual (Mot G user guide)
  • how-to guide
    • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
    • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
    • Moto G5 vs Moto G5 plus: the major differences between Moto G5 and Moto G5 plus
    • How to install Moto G5 SIM card?
    • Moto G5 Plus SIM card guide
    • How to take screenshot on Moto G (without using apps)
    • How to use Moto G camera and change camera settings?
    • How to access developer options menu in Moto G?
    • How to use FM radio on Moto G?
    • Moto G wireless display: the problem and the solution
    • Meaning of Moto G notification icons
    • How to use Moto G voice command?
    • How to use Motorola Assist on Moto G?
    • How to Silence Moto G Notifications and Ringtones
    • How to use dual SIM cards on Moto G?
    • How to connect Moto G with PC through USB cable? (for Moto E and Moto X as well)
    • How to use Bluetooth to transfer files on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X?
    • How to use Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X?
    • How to block certain callers on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X?
    • How to use Moto G safe mode (applies to Moto X and Moto E safe mode as well )?
    • Moto G USB OTG guide (also for Moto X)
  • Online Manual
    • Moto G layout
    • How to remove Moto G back cover?
    • Moto G Home screen
    • Insert SIM card into Moto G and Moto E
    • How to add apps to Moto G home screen (for Moto E and Moto X as well)
    • Add new home screen pages on Moto G, Moto E and Moto X
    • Use widgets on Moto G home screen (for Moto X and Moto E as well)
    • How to update Moto G, Moto E and Moto X?
    • Moto G 2015 camera guide
    • Top 10 new features in Android Nougat update for Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus
    • What’s new in Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus?
  • Accessory Guide
    • Moto G case guide

What are the differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play?

by simon 6 Comments

differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 PlayFor the 4th generation of Moto G, Motorola (now under Lenovo), announced 3 different models: Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play.

Contents hide
1) Initial availability differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
2) Screen (display) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
3) CPU (chips) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
4) RAM differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
5) Storage differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
6) Camera differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
7) Moto Maker customization differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
8) Turbo charging (fast charging) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play
9) Fingerprint sensor differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Then which one is for you? What are the differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play?

This post will try to help you understand the differences of these 3 models so that you can make better decision when you want to buy one Moto G4 (Moto G 2016).

To download official Moto G4 user manual, Moto G4 Plus user manual anf Moto G4 Play user manual in your own language, please check this page.

Initial availability differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Although 3 models of Moto G4 were announced, only 2 of them are currently available.

Moto G4 Play will be only available later this summer.

Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 are currently available in selected countries and regions, mainly India, Brazil, Mexico and a few other countries in Latin America.

In early June, Moto G4 will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and other Asian regions.

Moto G4 Plus will be available in Europe, the Middle East, other Asian regions, and other Latin American regions from the second half of June.

For US and North America, the availability of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play has not been announced. (Motorola is not a US company any more; it is now a Lenovo company.)

So, many Motorola fans in US, Europe and other regions are a bit disappointed. Apparently, Motorola (Lenovo) is too short-sighted in Moto G4 release.

Will this help the success of Moto G4?

Very unlikely. The availability strategy of Moto G4 is probably a disaster for Moto G4 sales.

With 3 different models (G4, G4 Plus, and G4 Play) combined, Moto G4 probably cannot exceed the sales of Moto G3 (2015) or  Moto G2 (Moto G 2014).

Just may 2 cents.

Screen (display) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Both Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus share similar display: 5.5″ 1080p (full HD. 1980*1080) display.

Moto G4 Play is smaller (5″) with a 720p (1280*720) screen.

So, the size of Moto G4 Play is similar to previous generations of Moto G devices (e.g., Moto G 2015 and Moto G 2014).  Moto G4 and G4 Plus are bigger than previous generations.

CPU (chips) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Both Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus use Snapdragon 617 Processor, a middle-range 8-core 1.5GHz chip. The real-world performance should be comparable to previous generation flagship processor (Snapdragon 808 and Snapdragon 810).

Of course, Motorola marketed the processor as Motorola Computing System because Motorola customize it with some always-on low energy cores for voice processing.

Moto G4 Play uses identical processor as Moto G 2015. You can find a Snapdragon 410, a quad-core upper entry-level chip, in it.

So, if you often play games on mobile phones, you should get Moto G4 or Moto G4 Plus.

RAM differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Moto G4 and Moto G4 Play will have 2GB RAM in the standard configuration. FYI, both Moto G3 (Moto G 2015) and Moto G2 (Moto G 2014) have only 1GB RAM.

But in some regions, Moto G4 Play may only have 1GB RAM.

Moto G4 Plus have three (3) RAM configurations: 2GB or 3GB or 4GB depending on the region.  It is really confusing. You need check it carefully when you buy Moto G4 Plus.

Storage differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Moto G4 Play will only have one storage configuration: 16GB with micro SD card slot to expand the storage.

Moto G4 have 2 storage configurations: 16GB  or 32GB depending on the region.

Moto G4 Plus have 3 storage configurations: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB depending your region.

Normally (not always), the 16GB Moto G4 Plus comes with 2GB RAM, 32GB with 3GB RAM and 64GB with 4GB RAM.

Camera differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

The front cameras in Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play are almost identical: 5MP sensor, wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture.  You can also use screen as flash. So, it is good enough for selfies.

Rear camera (main camera)  is one the biggest differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play.

Moto G4 Plus have the best camera among three models. Actually, Moto G4 Plus camera is comparable to most 2016  flagship phones (e.g., Galaxy S7, LG G5 and HTC 10).

Moto G4 Plus has a 16MP camera with dual autofocus system: laser auto-focus (as in LG G4 and G5) and phase detect auto-focus (PDAF)  (as in Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S7).

Moto G4 has a 13MP rear camera, and Moto G4 Play only has a 8MP rear camera.

Both Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus rear cameras support professional mode (manual mode).

Moto Maker customization differences  of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Moto Maker allows you to customize your Moto X or Moto G phones.

Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 can be customized through Moto Maker. Moto G4 Play cannot.

If Moto Maker is not available, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 may be offered up to 8 colors in some regions. Moto G4 Play are offered in two colors (black and white) only.

Turbo charging (fast charging) differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Fast charging can shorten the charging time significantly.

Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus both support fast charging. Motorola uses “turbo charging”.

Moto G4 Play does not support fast charging.

Fingerprint sensor differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play

Only Moto G4 Plus has a fingerprint sensor.  It is in weird square shape (as strange as Samsung’s rectangular shape) below the screen.

Moto G4 and Moto G4 Play do not have a fingerprint sensor.

Do you have any questions on the differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play? What’s your thoughts on Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play?

If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on differences of Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus and Moto G4 Play, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will try to hep you.

For more Moto G online manual pages, please check this page.

For detailed step-by-step guides, please check Moto G How-to guides page.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Moto G Buyer Guide, Moto G How-to Guide, Moto G News

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Muthupandi says

    April 29, 2017 at 9:21 am

    I can’t unable my screen mirroring on my moto 4 g plus

    Reply
    • simon says

      April 29, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      Screen cast is for Chromecast only. You need to install Google Home app.


      NEW!! Facebook page || Moto G How-to guides || Moto G online manual || Official Moto G user manual (PDF) || Android Guides || Chromecast Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto E guide || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Headphone and Earbuds Guides

      Reply
  2. thuds36 says

    March 29, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Need to purchase a hybrid case for recently purchased G4 PLay, Differnce between G4 Play and G4 Play[4th edition] that I should be aware of. Confusing sales info.
    Aciu’

    Reply
    • simon says

      March 29, 2017 at 11:50 pm

      There is only one Moto G4 play.


      NEW!! Facebook page || Moto G How-to guides || Moto G online manual || Official Moto G user manual (PDF) || Android Guides || Chromecast Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto E guide || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Headphone and Earbuds Guides

      Reply
  3. Ana says

    August 21, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    Does moto g 4 have notifications by light? I cannot find how activate front lights notifications. Can you help? Thanks!

    Reply
    • simon says

      August 21, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      No, Motorola does not like LED notifications, for long time.

      Although it is easy to implement, Motorola only use the LED as charging indicator. Some third-party apps may work in previous generation Moto devices, but not Moto G4.


      NEW!! Facebook page || Moto G How-to guides || Moto G online manual || Official Moto G user manual (PDF) || Android Guides || Chromecast Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto E guide || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Headphone and Earbuds Guides

      Reply

Leave your comments Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • YouTube

Moto G Update Newsletter

RSS Galaxy S22 Gudies

  • How to extract text from photos and images on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • A complete list of the new features of One UI 5.1 update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings
  • The complete guide to Home Screen panels on Galaxy S22

RSS Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone Guides

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level

RSS Galaxy Note Tips & Tricks

  • Top 11 disappointments of Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
  • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
  • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
  • How to Use Galaxy Note 10 Camera App?
  • Galaxy Note 10 SIM Card Guide
  • How to use Samsung DeX for PC with Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+?
  • How to use Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover (S View cover)?

RSS Kindle Fire For Kids

  • How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?
  • How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?
  • How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?

RSS Chromecast Guide

  • Master the Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV
  • Site Search
  • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
  • What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
  • How to use Chromecast Audio to stream music? and how to control Chromecast Audio?
  • How to use the new Chromecast app?

RSS Moto E Guide

  • How to use Moto E6 camera?
  • How to use SIM cards on Moto E6, E6 Plus, E6 Play, and E6s 2020?
  • How to remove Moto E6 back cover (including Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play)?
  • Official user manual for Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play, and Moto E6s

RSS Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides

  • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
  • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
  • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
  • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
  • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update

RSS Chinese Classical Music

  • How to Cast Chinese Music Radio to Chromecast or Google Home?
  • 十面埋伏 (Ambushed,Pipa,琵琶曲,Shi Mian Mai Fu)
  • 高山流水(High Mountain and Running River, Gao Shan Liu Shui, Guzheng, 古筝曲)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Hulusi,葫芦丝)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Folk song,民歌)

Top Moto G Guides

  • Meaning of Moto G notification icons
  • How to remove Moto G back cover?
  • How to connect Moto G with PC through USB cable? (for Moto E and Moto X as well)
  • Moto G USB OTG guide (also for Moto X)
  • Moto G wireless display: the problem and the solution
  • Moto G layout
  • How to Silence Moto G Notifications and Ringtones
  • How to use dual SIM cards on Moto G?
  • Moto G how-to guide
  • Moto G case guide

Footer

RSS Moto X Guide

  • Official Moto X4 User manual (User guide for Moto X 4th Gen , Moto X 2017)
  • What’s new in Android Marshmallow update for Moto X (Moto X 2015, Moto X 2014, Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition)?
  • Top 5 new features in Moto X 2015 (Moto X Style, Moto X Pure edition and Moto X Play) vs Moto X 2014

RSS Galaxy S5 Guide

  • How to use Galaxy S5 camera voice control?
  • How to access and use Galaxy S5 notification panel?
  • How to boot Galaxy S5 into safe mode?

RSS Drive in Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore

RSS Google Home Guides

  • Understand the layout of Nest Hub (including Nest Hub 2nd Gen, Google Home Hub)
  • Nest Hub 2nd Gen vs Nest Hub vs Google Home Hub: what’s new and what’s not changed?
  • How to control Nest Audio?
  • How to Factory Data Reset Nest Audio?
  • How to reset Google Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2nd Gen)?
  • Meaning of Google Home Mini LED lights and Google Home Max LED lights
  • Google Home Mini Guides
  • How to find and redeem Google Home promotional offers?
  • How to set up Google Home with Google Home app?
  • Contact Us

© 2013–2023 · Moto G Guides: Everything about Moto G: how-to guide, user manuals, tips and tricks for Motorola/Lenovo Moto G, Moto G2, Moto G3, Moto G4, Moto G5, Moto G6, Moto G7, and Moto G8 · Hosted by PTRHosting · Powered by Genesis framework for WordPress

Disclaimer: Motorola, Moto G are trademarks of Motorola Mobility. This website is NOT affiliated with Motorola Mobility LLC in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.

Add Moto G Phone Guide to your Homescreen!

Add
pixel