Motorola and Xiaomi are two companies that have been at loggerheads in the budget segment, and the release of the former’s E4 Plus smartphone has fired things further. The phone commands a Rs. 9,999 price tag, putting it in direct competition with Xiaomi’s Redmi 4 handset that is currently dictating the terms in the 10K price range.
Also Read: Moto E4 Plus and Moto E4 First Impression – Stock Software, Big Battery
Moto’s newest E-series device does put across some formidable specifications, but the question that still remains is whether or not it has enough juice to outlast the current bestseller.
Will the Moto E4 Plus sizzle or fizzle in front of the Redmi 4? Let’s find out.
Moto E4 Plus vs Xiaomi Redmi 4 Specifications
| Model | Moto E4 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi 4 |
| Display | 5.5-Inch, HD IPS LCD display (1280x720p), 2.5D cover glass | 5-Inch, IPS LCD, HD resolution, 2.5D curved glass |
| Processor | 1.4GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 processor | 1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 SoC |
| RAM | 2GB RAM | 2GB/ 3GB/4GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB/32GB,expandable | 16GB/ 32GB/64GB (expandable) |
| Software | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | MIUI 8-based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Primary Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 aperture, 78-degree lens, 1.12 um microns, LED flash | 13MP, LED flash, PDAF, 1080p Videos |
| Secondary Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 aperture, 74-degree lens, LED Flash, 1.4 um microns | 5MP, f/2.2 aperture camera |
| Battery | 5,000mAh (rapid charging) | 4,100mAH (non-removable) |
| Others | 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, Fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm Audio jack, microUSB | 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, microUSB, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Hybrid SIM slot, Fingerprint sensor |
| Price | Rs. 9,999 | Rs. 6,999/ Rs. 8,999/ Rs. 10,999 |
Design and Display
When it comes to physicality, the E4 Plus holds a slight edge in terms of stature, with its 5.5-inch display one-upping the Redmi 4’s 5-inch one by a fair margin. Also, the former is a bit bulky (probably due to the bigger battery), as compared its relatively skinnier Xiaomi counterpart.
Design-wise, the Redmi 4’s premium, svelte metal build takes the cake here for us, although the E4 Plus does not feel as chunky as it looks (feeling considerably light on holding), and true to the company, is as ergonomic as it gets.
Then again, the design of handsets is always a matter of personal preference than any other thing.
The change is widened when we ponder upon the displays of the two phones, despite both of them featuring the similar 720x1080p HD. Things become clearer (literally), once you put in the size(s) of the pair.
Also, the presence of a Corning Gorilla Glass layer on the top (something its competitor lacks), is another thing that tilts the scales in the Redmi 4’s favor.
Owing largely to a more compact size, the Redmi 4 manages to deliver relatively sharper, vibrant images than the Moto E4 Plus. But, individually put, the Moto representative’s display quality performs reasonably well.
Software and Performance
Finally, something for Moto lovers to rejoice, for the E4 Plus comes running with the stock Android Nougat 7.0 OS. The company has been consistently providing its customers with a near-Vanilla OS, and the E4 Plus happily trudges that lane.
The Redmi 4, being the elder one here, boots Android Marshmallow, but it is upgradable to Android Nougat easily. Also, this one has the company’s MIUI lain on the top of the OS, which we personally found to be a bit in the heavier side, but containing some pretty nifty features nevertheless.
Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi 4 (2GB RAM) FAQ – All Questions Answered
The E4 Plus has some tinkering done too (on a minimal level), and if it is up to us, we are better off with a stock Android experience any day. That said, those who prefer useful customizations can have a look at the Redmi 4.
With the E4 Plus, Moto has stuck to the same MediaTek MT6737 processor that was also in the company’s low-end C4 Plus handset, while the Redmi 4 utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 435 chipset. Both are entry-grade processors and are particularly averse to high-end usage or gaming purposes.
Performance-wise, we would place the two phones on par, although we’d say that premium users will be in for some disappointment in both the cases.
Camera and Battery
On the back of both the devices, you would find similar 13MP cameras having the same characteristics such as f/2.0 aperture and LED flash. So, it’s safe to say that the duo is matched up, at least in the rear camera department.
Flipping over to the other side, 5MP selfie snappers greet you up front. While the E4 Plus’ front optical module has LED flash and f/2.4 aperture, the Redmi 4’s feature an f/2.2 aperture and 1080p video recording capabilities.
All in all, we are dealing with pretty much a similar routine here.
Now, the battery is a strong suit of both the phones, each of whom has rated a proficient power unit as one of its top draws to attract buyers.
There’s the E4 Plus’ mammoth 5,000mah battery that holds the edge over the Redmi 4’s 4,100mAh one and ranks as the best in its class (explaining why the company was so generous with it, in the phone’s marketing).
Another thing that works to the E4 Plus’ advantage is the provision for fast charging, whereas, in case of the Redmi 4, we found the process to be painfully slow.
Also Read: Phone Comparison – Redmi 4 vs Moto C Plus
Why Should Buy The Moto E4 Plus?
Those who want a device that is stacked up on the battery, and offers a near-stock Android experience, whilst being more than decent in the rest of the departments.
Who Should Buy The Redmi 4?
Those who are in need of a compact phone that offers a premium design, great display and a decent battery.
