The latest in Lenovo's budget Moto G series is launching soon. Is it worth the upgrade over last year's model? Let's compare the features and specs of the Moto G5 Plus and Moto G4 Plus.
Size
The Moto G shrinks down a bit smaller this year. The Moto G5 Plus is 2-percent shorter and 4-percent narrower than the G4 Plus.
Weight
Weights, however, are identical.
Build
That's probably because Lenovo added some metal to this year's model.
Colors
You have two different color options this year.
Water resistance
Both have the same (light) "water-resistant nano coating" instead of a proper IP rating.
Display size
Here's something you don't often see in the world of mobile: a new model having a smaller screen than its predecessor. The Moto G5 Plus' screen is 11-percent smaller.
Display resolution
Both have 1080p resolution, which gives the smaller-screened G5 Plus a higher pixel density.
Display type
Both use IPS display panels.
Processor
The 2017 model gets a newer version of Qualcomm mid-ranged silicon. We found the G4 Plus, though, to be very fast – we'd expect the same from the G5.
RAM
If you opt for a (more expensive) higher storage tier, you get double the RAM in either phone.
Note that some markets of the G4 Plus had 3 GB RAM in the second tier. (These show the US version's specs.)
Storage
Speaking of storage, Motorola gives you double on the entry-level tier this year.
These, again, denote the US versions of the Moto G5 Plus: Some regions (including India) may see different options.
microSD
You still get a microSD slot to complement that internal memory.
Camera megapixels
It's hard to glean much from megapixels alone, so stay tuned to our Moto G5 Plus review for impressions. (We thought the G4 Plus had a solid camera, which was very good for its price range.)
Camera aperture (rear)
It's possible you'll get better low-lit shots in the Moto G5 Plus, with its wider aperture.
OIS
Neither gives you Optical Image Stabilization.
Battery
Battery capacity is even. Last year's model had very good battery life when we put it through our benchmark.
Fast charging
Fast charging is still onboard.
Fingerprint sensor
Both have fingerprint sensor under their screens.
NFC
Still no NFC, though, which means no Android Pay.
Software
The Moto G5 Plus launches with the mostly-stock Android Nougat that the G4 Plus was recently updated to.
Release
Lenovo says the Moto G5 Plus will be launching this month, though we don't know anything more specific than that yet.
Starting price (full retail)
This has been the killer feature of every Moto G phone: Motorola gives you as much value as possible for a very reasonable price. While we can't be definitive until we've handled the new model for an extended period, it looks like it builds on that same trajectory.
The Moto G4 Plus launched at $250 starting price, but it appears to already be discontinued from Motorola's US site and Best Buy has cut its price down to the same $229 that the newer model will soon be launching at.
For more, you can read New Atlas' hands-on with the Moto G5 Plus and our review of last year's Moto G4 Plus.
Correction: The original version of this article listed the Indian-market storage and RAM totals for the Moto G4 Plus; we adjusted it to align with our policy of US variant specs. We apologize for the error.
