Phone Comparison: Redmi 4 vs Moto C Plus

It’s getting more and more crowded in the entry-level zone in the smartphone market, with Motorola also jumping on the bandwagon with its latest release in the segment, the Moto C Plus.

With the C Plus, Moto has pinned its hopes on providing a stock Android experience and a big battery to come out on top in the budget segment.

Also Read: Xiaomi Redmi 4 (2GB RAM) FAQ – All Questions Answered

But, considering this is a market heavily dominated by Xiaomi’s Redmi series of handsets, the C Plus would have to do a lot more to pack a punch above its weight, specially with the Redmi 4 (base variant) standing in its way.

Here’s what the specifications spell out.

Moto C Plus vs Xiaomi Redmi 4

Here’s what transpired when we compared the C Plus to the youngest of the Redmi clan – the Redmi 4.

Design and Display

Talking of the design structure, both the phones are drawn similarities from their older siblings (with the C Plus even reminding some of the old Lumia devices).

The C Plus’ matte-finished plastic appears sturdy enough, although the inclusion of the 4,000mAh makes the phone a bit chunky. Otherwise, the ergonomic design and the curved edges lend it a solid and comfortable feel.

For the Redmi 4, on the other hand, Xiaomi has tried to initiate a restructure on the design front, and the metal back combined with those rounded edges make it both compact as well as elegant. The 2.5D glass cushion, layered on the top, (something which is missing in the C Plus) is an added advantage.

Yes, each of the two has a solid and robust design, but if we were to single out a winner here, it would be the Redmi 4. Simply because of its relatively more compact form that is more suited to one-handed usage.

Coming to the display, there’s an exactly similar 5-inch HD IPS LCD display, which works well in both cases (save for a bit of pixelation time and again, nothing big), and it’s safe to say both the phones, therefore, lie on an equal plane here.

Also Read: Phone Comparison – Nokia 3 vs Xiaomi Redmi 4

Software and Performance

The Moto C Plus is probably the cheapest phone out there which comes in booting the latest Android Nougat OS out of the box. Although the interface is at quite a rudimentary stage (then again, a decision taken keeping in mind the price range), a lighter, clutter free OS always bodes well with us.

As of now, the Redmi 4 is running on Android Marshmallow (topped by the company’s MIUI 8 skin), but a Nougat update is due in the coming few months for the phone. The characteristics MIUI features, as we found, run very well on the phone and also come in pretty handy.

Since both the phones are budget-oriented, there’s not much to boast about in either of the two in the hardware department. The Moto C Plus employs a 1.3GHz quad-core Mediatek MT6737 chipset, while the Redmi 4 has a 1.4GHz Snapdragon 435 SoC for company.

The average setup implies that although basic usage may be fast and efficient, these devices certainly do not fit the bill for a heavy (or an average one, for that matter) user.

Camera and Battery

An 8MP camera at the back and a 2MP one up front aren’t the best credentials for a smartphone, but then again, we are talking about one which is entry-grade. The rear camera of the C Plus does manage to exceed expectations in well-lit spaces but falters in low-light conditions (the blame should rest squarely on the price range, to be honest).

Also Read: These Are The Phones Motorola Will Launch In Next Half Of 2017

The presence of a LED flash up front is an interesting premise indeed, but the results can be considered as average at best.

For the Redmi 4, we have a 13MP primary camera (quite uncommon for a budget smartphone), and gives out results that are a bit patchy and lack in terms of quality. But, throw in the budget angle and we reckon this is one of the best in its class. There needs to be some improvement in low-light conditions, though.

Now, battery is where the two phones have a virtually neck and neck competition, as there is an ever so slight difference between the two on that front.

The one advantage that the C Plus has over the Redmi 4 is the availability of Fast Charging services with its 4,000mAH battery, as compared to the latter’s 4,100mAh one, that comes sans fast charging support. This is what tips the scales in the C Plus’ favor here.

Also Read: Best Looking Phones Under 20,000 INR [June 2017]

Who should buy the Moto C Plus?

You, if you’re looking to get something that provides a near-stock Android experience with a big battery and above average looks. And if waiting another week to try your flash sale luck just isn’t an option.

Who should buy the Redmi 4?

You, if a smartphone with premium looks, decent optics and a big enough battery is your calling.