Overview

Released in May 2016, the Motorola Moto G4 Plus established itself as a standout mid-range smartphone within the fourth-generation Moto G family. It built upon the foundation of the standard Moto G4 by integrating a front-mounted square fingerprint sensor and an upgraded 16 MP main camera featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF). Designed to deliver dependable daily performance at an accessible price point, the device pairs a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen (83.4 cm² with roughly 71.2% screen-to-body ratio) with a clean, near-stock Android software suite that launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and was upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo.

Under the hood, the Moto G4 Plus runs on the Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 system-on-chip, built on a 28 nm process. Motorola offered multiple memory and storage tiers ranging from 16GB with 2GB of RAM up to 64GB with 4GB of RAM, accommodating different user performance requirements. Powering the system is a 3000 mAh non-removable Lithium-Ion battery rated for solid all-day endurance when new. The 16 MP f/2.0 rear camera provided above-average mobile photography for its class at launch, while the 5.5-inch display made media consumption and web browsing clear and vivid.

Design and build

The Motorola G4 Plus features a straightforward design that emphasizes functionality over flashiness. The glass front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which helps resist scratches and minor impacts. The plastic back and frame keep the device lightweight at just 155 grams, making it comfortable for extended use. The placement of the fingerprint sensor on the front is intuitive, and the overall ergonomics of the phone are commendable. However, the plastic components may not feel as premium compared to competitors using metal or glass.

Everyday performance

In everyday use, the Moto G4 Plus performs well, particularly for casual tasks such as browsing, social media, and streaming. The Snapdragon 617 chipset, while not the most powerful by today’s standards, handles these tasks adequately. The device can struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking, especially in its lower RAM configurations. However, the near-stock Android experience ensures that the interface remains smooth and responsive, contributing to a generally positive user experience.

Battery, durability, and longevity

The 3000 mAh battery in the G4 Plus offers decent longevity, typically lasting a full day under moderate usage. However, as with any smartphone, battery performance will degrade over time, leading to shorter usage periods. The non-removable nature of the battery adds to the challenge of extending the device's life, as users cannot replace it easily. Durability-wise, while the Gorilla Glass 3 offers some protection, the device's plastic back may not withstand drops as well as more robust materials.

Common issues owners hit

As an aging mid-range device, the Moto G4 Plus exhibits well-documented hardware failure modes. The most notorious issue among owners is the ghost touch effect, where defective or aging touchscreen digitizers register erratic inputs without user contact—a problem often exacerbated by thermal stress or battery charging. The micro-USB charging port is another high-wear component, often suffering from loose solder joints or worn internal pins after years of cable insertion. Additionally, the non-removable 3000 mAh battery naturally degrades over time, causing voltage drops under load and reducing overall performance.

Who it's for

The Motorola G4 Plus is suitable for budget-conscious users looking for a reliable smartphone that can handle everyday tasks without breaking the bank. It's particularly appealing to those who value a good camera in a mid-range device and prefer a clean Android experience. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common issues and the device's discontinued status, which may affect repairability and long-term support.

Bottom line

In conclusion, the Motorola G4 Plus remains a competent mid-range smartphone with good features for its time, but potential buyers should be aware of its common issues and discontinued status. While it can serve well for basic tasks and photography, the longevity of the device may be hampered by hardware flaws and battery degradation. For those interested, further information on common problems and guides can be found on our site.

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