The Motorola G series has been a staple in the mid-range smartphone market for years, offering users a perfect blend of affordability and performance. Among the various models in this series, the Motorola G4 has garnered significant attention for its impressive specs and budget-friendly price tag. However, with the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s natural to wonder: how old is Motorola G4? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Motorola G4, exploring its release date, key features, and how it stacks up against modern smartphones.
A Brief History of Motorola G4
The Motorola G4, also known as the Moto G4, was announced on May 17, 2016, and released on June 28, 2016. This smartphone was part of the fourth generation of the Moto G series, which aimed to provide users with a premium experience at an affordable price. The Moto G4 was launched alongside its variants, the Moto G4 Plus and the Moto G4 Play.
Design and Display
The Motorola G4 boasts a sleek and durable design, featuring a water-repellent nano-coating and a textured back panel. The device measures 153 x 76.6 x 9.8 mm and weighs approximately 155 grams. The Moto G4 sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 401 ppi. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing scratch resistance and durability.
Key Features and Specifications
The Motorola G4 is powered by a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor, paired with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. The device also features a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity up to 128 GB. The Moto G4 runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, which can be upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Moto G4 features a 13 MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and dual-LED flash. The device also boasts a 5 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. Other notable features include a 3000 mAh battery, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and a fingerprint sensor.
How Old is Motorola G4?
As of 2023, the Motorola G4 is approximately 7 years old. While it was a flagship device in its time, the smartphone landscape has undergone significant changes since its release. Modern smartphones have evolved to offer more advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced camera capabilities.
Comparison with Modern Smartphones
When compared to modern smartphones, the Motorola G4 may seem outdated in some aspects. However, it still holds its ground in terms of design and build quality. The device’s water-repellent coating and textured back panel make it a durable option, even by today’s standards.
In terms of performance, the Moto G4’s Snapdragon 617 processor may not be as powerful as modern processors, but it still provides a smooth user experience. The device’s 2 GB of RAM may be a limitation, but it’s sufficient for basic tasks and casual gaming.
The camera capabilities of the Moto G4 are also impressive, considering its age. The 13 MP primary camera and 5 MP front-facing camera can still capture high-quality images, although they may not match the standards of modern flagship devices.
Upgrades and Updates
Although the Motorola G4 is an older device, it has received several software updates over the years. The device was initially launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and was later upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat. However, it’s unlikely that the Moto G4 will receive any further major updates, given its age.
Is Motorola G4 Still Worth Buying?
While the Motorola G4 is an older device, it can still be a viable option for those on a tight budget or looking for a basic smartphone. The device’s durability, decent camera capabilities, and smooth performance make it a great choice for casual users.
However, for those seeking a more modern smartphone experience, it’s recommended to explore newer options. Modern smartphones offer more advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced camera capabilities, making them a better value for money.
Alternatives to Motorola G4
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Moto G Power (2022): A budget-friendly smartphone with a large 5000 mAh battery, 6.5-inch HD+ display, and triple-camera setup.
- Google Pixel 4a: A mid-range smartphone with a 5.81-inch OLED display, 12.2 MP primary camera, and snappy performance.
- Samsung Galaxy A12: A budget-friendly smartphone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, quad-camera setup, and large 5000 mAh battery.
Conclusion
The Motorola G4 is a 7-year-old smartphone that still holds its ground in terms of design and build quality. While it may not match the standards of modern flagship devices, it can still be a viable option for those on a tight budget or looking for a basic smartphone. However, for those seeking a more modern smartphone experience, it’s recommended to explore newer options.
By understanding the history and features of the Motorola G4, you can make an informed decision about whether this device is right for you. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, there’s a smartphone out there that meets your needs and budget.
What is the Motorola G4 and its release date?
The Motorola G4, also known as the Moto G4, is a smartphone that was released in 2016. It is part of the fourth generation of the Moto G series, which is a line of budget-friendly Android smartphones produced by Motorola Mobility. The Moto G4 was announced on May 17, 2016, and it was available for purchase in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, starting from June 2016.
The release of the Moto G4 was significant because it marked a major upgrade to the Moto G series, with improvements in terms of design, display, and performance. The phone featured a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor, and a 13-megapixel rear camera. It also had a 3000mAh battery and supported turbocharging, which allowed users to quickly charge their phone. The Moto G4 was available in two variants: the standard Moto G4 and the Moto G4 Plus, which had additional features such as a fingerprint sensor and a higher-resolution camera.
How old is the Motorola G4 in terms of its technology and features?
The Motorola G4 is approximately 7 years old, and in terms of its technology and features, it is considered to be an older device. While it was a significant upgrade to the Moto G series at the time of its release, the phone’s hardware and software have become outdated compared to newer smartphones. The Moto G4’s processor, camera, and display are no longer considered to be top-of-the-line, and the phone may not be able to run the latest versions of Android or support the latest apps and features.
Despite its age, the Moto G4 can still be a good option for users who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with basic features. The phone’s battery life is still decent, and it can handle everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, checking email, and using social media apps. However, users who want a more modern smartphone with advanced features such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 5G connectivity may want to consider newer devices. Additionally, the Moto G4’s security updates may no longer be supported, which can make it more vulnerable to security threats.
Is the Motorola G4 still supported by Motorola?
The Motorola G4 is no longer a supported device by Motorola, which means that it does not receive regular software updates or security patches. Motorola typically supports its devices for around 2-3 years after their release, and the Moto G4 is well beyond that timeframe. While the phone may still be able to receive some updates, such as those related to security or bug fixes, it is not considered to be a priority device by Motorola.
As a result, users of the Moto G4 may need to rely on third-party developers or custom ROMs to keep their device up-to-date and secure. However, this can be a complex and technical process, and it may not be suitable for all users. Additionally, the lack of official support from Motorola means that users may not be able to get help or assistance from the company if they encounter any issues with their device. Users who want a device with ongoing support and updates may want to consider newer smartphones from Motorola or other manufacturers.
Can the Motorola G4 still be used as a daily driver?
The Motorola G4 can still be used as a daily driver, but its performance and capabilities may be limited compared to newer smartphones. The phone’s hardware and software are no longer considered to be top-of-the-line, and it may struggle with demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing. However, for basic tasks such as browsing the internet, checking email, and using social media apps, the Moto G4 can still be a good option.
Despite its limitations, the Moto G4 can still be a good choice for users who want a budget-friendly smartphone with basic features. The phone’s battery life is still decent, and it can handle everyday tasks with ease. Additionally, the Moto G4’s price has decreased significantly since its release, making it a more affordable option for users who are on a tight budget. However, users who want a more modern smartphone with advanced features and better performance may want to consider newer devices.
What are the key differences between the Motorola G4 and newer Moto G series devices?
The key differences between the Motorola G4 and newer Moto G series devices are significant. Newer devices such as the Moto G6, Moto G7, and Moto G8 have improved displays, faster processors, and better cameras. They also have more advanced features such as facial recognition, fingerprint sensors, and support for the latest versions of Android. Additionally, newer devices have better battery life and faster charging capabilities.
In contrast, the Moto G4 has a more basic set of features and specifications. While it was a significant upgrade to the Moto G series at the time of its release, it has become outdated compared to newer devices. Users who want a more modern smartphone with advanced features and better performance may want to consider newer Moto G series devices. However, users who are on a tight budget and want a basic smartphone with decent performance may still find the Moto G4 to be a good option.
Can the Motorola G4 be upgraded to newer versions of Android?
The Motorola G4 can be upgraded to newer versions of Android, but the process may be complex and technical. Motorola typically supports its devices with regular software updates for around 2-3 years after their release, and the Moto G4 is well beyond that timeframe. While the phone may still be able to receive some updates, such as those related to security or bug fixes, it is not considered to be a priority device by Motorola.
As a result, users of the Moto G4 may need to rely on third-party developers or custom ROMs to upgrade their device to newer versions of Android. However, this can be a complex and technical process, and it may not be suitable for all users. Additionally, upgrading the device may void its warranty, and it may also cause compatibility issues with certain apps or features. Users who want a device with ongoing support and updates may want to consider newer smartphones from Motorola or other manufacturers.
What is the current market value of the Motorola G4?
The current market value of the Motorola G4 is relatively low compared to its original price. The phone’s price has decreased significantly since its release, and it can now be found for around $100-$200 depending on the condition and storage capacity. The phone’s value has decreased due to its age and the release of newer devices with more advanced features and better performance.
Despite its low market value, the Moto G4 can still be a good option for users who want a budget-friendly smartphone with basic features. The phone’s price makes it an attractive option for users who are on a tight budget and want a decent smartphone without breaking the bank. Additionally, the Moto G4’s low price makes it a good option for users who want a spare phone or a device for basic tasks such as browsing the internet or checking email.