Mobile Technology

Moto X Style (Pure Edition) vs. LG G4

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Motorola and LG's latest flagships have a lot in common, but which is the more compelling device?
Weight
Build (frame)
Build (back)
Display size
Display resolution
Display type
Fingerprint sensor
Storage
MicroSD
Processor
RAM
Battery
Removable battery
Camera megapixels
Camera aperture
Software
Release
Starting price (full retail)
Size
Motorola and LG's latest flagships have a lot in common, but which is the more compelling device?
View gallery - 20 images

Motorola and LG's 2015 flagships have a lot in common, packing the same processor, display resolution and more. The companies generally play to their respective strengths, with the G4 offering a great display and camera, with the Moto X Style (known as the Pure Edition in the US) standing as the cheaper and more customizable one.

Size

Size

The two devices have the same width, but the Moto X Style is 3 percent taller and 13 percent thicker than its rival.

Weight

Weight

Motorola's smartphone is 15 percent heavier than LG's.

Build (frame)

Build (frame)

The Moto X Style offers a metal frame, while the G4 opts for a plastic finish around its edges that makes the handset feel less than premium.

Build (back)

Build (back)

Motorola's Pure Edition handset can be configured with different materials on its back cover, while the G4 is available with a choice of plastic and leather finishes.

Display size

Display size

Both smartphones offer generous displays, but the Moto X's is a little larger, providing 7 percent more display real estate.

Display resolution

Display resolution

The two panels offer the same high-end resolution, but the G4's screen is a little smaller, meaning it'll provide 3 percent more pixels per inch. You won't likely be able to notice that difference by eye.

Display type

Display type

Motorola usually uses AMOLED panels in its Moto X line, but it opted for TFT for this year's release.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor

You won't find a fingerprint sensor on either device.

Storage

Storage

Motorola offers a choice of three storage tiers, while LG only provides just one.

MicroSD

MicroSD

Both devices allow the user to increase available storage space via a microSD card slot.

Processor

Processor

You'll find the same high-end (though not quite top-of-the-line) chip in both LG's and Motorola's 2015 flagships.

RAM

RAM

It's the same story when it comes to memory, with both handsets packing 3GB RAM.

Battery

Battery

You'll find a large, 3,000mAh battery in both devices.

Removable battery

Removable battery

Very few of 2015's flagship handsets have allowed the user to switch out their battery, but the G4 bucks the trend.

Camera megapixels

Camera megapixels

If you're counting rear camera megapixels, then the Motorola handset will win out here. It's a different story when it comes to front-facing shooters though, with the LG smartphone packing a whopping 8 MP selfie camera.

Camera aperture

Camera aperture

Many of 2015's high-end smartphone cameras feature ƒ/2.0 aperture, but the G4 goes one better, with a wider ƒ/1.8 offering.

Software

Software

As with other Moto line smartphones, you'll get a stock Android experience with the Style. LG opts for a skinned version of Lollipop, but its treatment of the OS is fairly tasteful, and doesn't mess too much with Google's core vision.

Release

Release

By the time the Moto X Style hits shelves, the G4 will have been available for five months – at least based on its Korean launch (the G4 didn't launch in the US until June).

Starting price (full retail)

Starting price (full retail)

This is one category where the Moto X Style really shines, coming in a full $150 cheaper than the very similarly specced LG handset.

For more on the LG G4, you can check out our full review.

View gallery - 20 images
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2 comments
DonGateley
I'm wondering whether the slower TFT display relative to active pixels will impact it's effectiveness as a VR display for the Google Cardboard HMD's.
Gizmag doesn't give email notifications of thread or post responses like all other sites do, does it? Why not?
JackMillerJr.
failed to mention that the LG G4 camera has laser autofocus & optical image stabilization. Makes a huge difference in picture quality. Also has infrared port and Stereo FM Radio.