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Motorola Moto X (2014) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs LG G3: spec comparison

posted by Victor H. / Sep 05, 2014, 6:56 AM

Motorola Moto X (2014) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs LG G3: spec comparison

The new Motorola Moto X has broken cover today and it’s time we compared it against two other heavy-weight flagship devices, two phablets, in fact: the just-unveiled Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the already available LG G3.

First, let’s say that the 5.2-inch Moto X is noticeably more compact than the pretty large Note 4 and G3, so when you pick between these devices your first and foremost concern should be about deciding on the right size for you.

For all else, though, we are looking at three of the most powerful devices on the market right now. The new Moto X features a Snapdragon 801 system chip, just as the LG G3, and only the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can brag with having the newer Snapdragon 805. However, the difference in performance is mitigated by the fact that the Note 4 has a tougher task with that 1440 x 2560-pixel Quad HD display with its much higher pixel load, while the Moto X’s 1080p screen does not put such a strain on performance.

You can pick up the rest of the differences between these three in the table right below, and feel free to also share your thoughts about how much specs affect your buying decisions these days as the difference between devices are starting to become less noticeable.

Motorola Moto X (2014) vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs LG G3

Display

Display size

5.2 inches

5.7 inches

5.5 inches

Resolution

1080 x 1920 pixels

1440 x 2560 pixels

Pixel density

423 ppi

515 ppi

538 ppi

Technology

AMOLED

Super AMOLED

IPS LCD

Screen-to-body ratio

73.46 %

74.39 %

75.22 %

Camera

Rear

Single camera

Main camera

13 megapixels

16 megapixels

13 megapixels

Hardware Features

Autofocus

Optical image stabilization, Autofocus, Back-illuminated sensor (BSI)

Optical image stabilization, Laser autofocus, Back-illuminated sensor (BSI)

Specifications

Aperture size: F2.2; Focal length: 29 mm; Sensor size: 1/3.06"; Pixel size: 1.13 μm

Aperture size: F2.2; Focal length: 31 mm; Sensor size: 1/2.6"; Pixel size: 1.12 μm

Aperture size: F2.4; Focal length: 29 mm; Sensor size: 1/3.06"; Pixel size: 1.12 μm

Video recording

3840x2160 (4K UHD) (30 fps), 1920x1080 (Full HD) (30 fps)

3840x2160 (4K UHD) (30 fps), 1920x1080 (Full HD) (60 fps)

3840x2160 (4K UHD) (30 fps), 1920x1080 (Full HD) (30 fps)

Recording format

MPEG4, H.264

MPEG4, H.263, H.264

Features

Digital image stabilization, Video calling

Optical image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Picture-taking during video recording, Video calling, Video sharing

Optical image stabilization

Front

2 megapixels

3.7 megapixels

2.1 megapixels

Video capture

1920x1080 (Full HD)

2560x1440 (QHD) (30 fps)

1920x1080 (Full HD)

Design

Dimensions

5.54 x 2.85 x 0.39 inches (140.8 x 72.4 x 9.9 mm)

6.04 x 3.09 x 0.33 inches (153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm)

5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches (146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm)

Weight

5.08 oz (144 g)

6.21 oz (176 g)

5.26 oz (149 g)

Materials

Back: Plastic

Back: Plastic; Frame: Aluminum

Back: Plastic

Resistance

Splash

Biometrics

Fingerprint (swipe)

Features

Touch sensitive control keys, Notification light

Hardware & Performance

System chip

Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 8974-AC

Samsung Exynos 7 Octa 5433

Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 8974-AC

Processor

Quad-core, 2500 MHz, Krait 400

Octa-core, 1900 MHz, ARM Cortex-A57 and ARM Cortex-A53, 64-bit, 20 nm

Quad-core, 2500 MHz, Krait 400

GPU

Adreno 330

Mali-T760 MP6

Adreno 330

RAM

2 GB LPDDR3

3 GB LPDDR3

OS

Android (5.1 Lollipop, 5.0 Lollipop, 4.4.4)

Android (6.0 Marshmallow, 5.1 Lollipop, 5.0 Lollipop, 4.4), Samsung TouchWiz UI

Android (6.0 Marshmallow, 5.1 Lollipop, 5.0 Lollipop, 4.4.2)

Battery

Capacity

2300 mAh

3220 mAh

3000 mAh

Charging

Yes

Talk time

19.00 hours

Stand-by time

22.8 days (548 hours)

Talk time (3G)

20.00 hours

21.00 hours

Stand-by time (3G)

23.0 days (553 hours)

Stand-by time (4G)

25.0 days (600 hours)

Music playback

82.00 hours

Video playback

14.00 hours

Options

16 Comments

1. limporgyuk

Posts: 357; Member since: Nov 06, 2013

Thanks for this, my M7 contract is up and I can't decide between these 3.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 7:04 AM 0

2. KingDingaLing

Posts: 324; Member since: Oct 11, 2013

Note 4. No contest.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 7:08 AM 10

13. sgodsell

Posts: 7223; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

Each one brings some unique things to the table. I love the touch less controls of the Moto X and active notifications. I also love the Note 4 because of all the great stuff that it brings, including the Note 4 edge and VR support in the latest Note lineup. The LG G3 is an awesome device as well with its QHD display and fast auto focus camera. Speed and ram is not really an issue for anyone using one of the latest smart phones in this world. Its really comes down to what people want to get out of their smart phone and what it means to them.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 1:07 PM 2

15. mqmorasch

Posts: 12; Member since: Nov 18, 2013

I havenow gone through 3 MotoX dueto various software issues(likecamera becoming inverted, became a known issue)and the carriers have none in stock to replace with. I have now gone to an LG G3 being my wifehas it and it kicks ass when matched up against any phone.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 5:02 PM 0

3. TheRequiem

Posts: 245; Member since: Mar 23, 2012

Yeah right, the Moto X is a premium built phone and I dont want to be waving a tablet to my head... that Moto X is beautiful.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 7:36 AM 2

5. KingDingaLing

The overall size difference between the 3 is minimal. But yea, if you want a phone that has a smaller battery, less random access memory, lower screen resolution, older chipset, and a lesser camera then yes, go for the Moto X.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 8:06 AM 2

8. KingDingaLing

And let me say this - The Moto is a good phone for the price, but if you want the best, you have to pay for it. And the Note 4 is the best.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 8:26 AM 0

12. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

If you're a total spec hound. But if you want a phone that'll run a LOT better on a smaller battery, less RAM, lower screen resolution, older chipset and a lesser camera, go for the Moto X.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 10:29 AM 1

14. sgodsell

There is things in the Moto X that are not in any smart phone currently that will help with battery and power consumption. Namely Motorola made a new dynamic antenna that not only helps with reception but helps reduce power as well by up to 500%. This is really innovative on Motorola's part. Why hasn't anyone gone on record talking about this new tech.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 1:12 PM 0

16. mqmorasch

Samsung's ungodly amounts of bloatware REQUIRES a bigger chipset and specs to perform at an average level. the nearly pure stock Moto X(2nd gen) doesn't require that to blaze. Samsung users are becoming as blind as Apple users.

posted on Nov 17, 2014, 5:05 PM 0

4. johnriii

Posts: 248; Member since: Oct 17, 2011

good to see they kept the screen resolution to a reasonable minimum. that should definately save battery life. if I were up for upgrade right now, it would be hard to decide between the three. the Moto X would probably get my nod, if for nothing else than the other two have too many extra bells and whistles that aren't necessary for everyday life.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 7:42 AM 0

10. limporgyuk

Cheers, I was well up for the Note 4 until I saw the Moto X this morning. The customisation options, the front facing speakers as well as the smaller size makes this quite a hard choice. At least If I go with the Note 4 and don't like it, at least I can sell it, buy a Moto X and a G3 still have change left over.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 9:17 AM 0

6. shy2papa

Posts: 336; Member since: Jan 23, 2010

Note 4 wipes the floor with the resti

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 8:11 AM 4

7. ciprian.ruse

Posts: 320; Member since: May 13, 2014

Battery on moto x is a huge dissapointment. Camera is ok for a mid range device and I hate 4.3 aspect ratio. I would go for Note 4 even if it's bigger.

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 8:22 AM 2

9. cse.vicky unregistered

So, they made Moto X go big ! 4.7 is so sweet, guess I will stick to my current Moto X !

posted on Sep 05, 2014, 8:51 AM 0

11. moaning_bimbo

Posts: 13; Member since: Jun 20, 2014

The note 4'is ugly though it may be a beast but an ugly one the moto x will work just as fast sat the note 4 and the g3 but the g3 has that ppi and a beautiful biuld but it doesn't have anything on the moto x again the note 4 has a fake leather back the moto x has a REAL LEATHER BACK. In my opinion get the moto x