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LG G2 vs Motorola Moto X

posted by John V. / Sep 18, 2013, 4:17 AM

Introduction

Neither company is heralded as the elite force in the Android space right now, as the two trail Samsung no doubt, but LG and Motorola have been making some noise with their recent flagship Android smartphones. Just a month ago, the Motorola Moto X showed us how it’s possible to make Android easy to use – while also giving consumers the power to personalize the design of the handset. And even more recently, the LG G2 has proven to be a remarkable figure as well, seeing that it’s rich in the specs and features department. With these two poised to challenge one another, it’s only natural to stack them up side-by-side to figure out which one has the staying power to outlast the other.

Design

Each handset has a unique appearance to them, giving them distinctive looks to call their own, but in the end, we’ll give it to the Moto X for having the more interesting design. Sure, LG has done a wonderful job in minimizing the size of a handset with a monster sized 5.2-inch display, while also having the slimmer profile as well, but the Moto X’s customizable design is something that we don’t see too often amongst smartphones in general. On top of that, some will surely appreciate the more compact and natural feel of the Moto X, which is significantly easier to handle in our hands. From being able to choose the type of back casing on the Moto X, to the accent colors around its camera lens and physical keys, we totally dig its vast customizable element.

View more + 8 images

Front view
Side view

LG G2

Dimensions

5.45 x 2.79 x 0.35 inches

138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9 mm

Weight

5.04 oz (143 g)

Motorola Moto X

Dimensions

5.09 x 2.57 x 0.41 inches

129.3 x 65.3 x 10.4 mm

Weight

4.59 oz (130 g)

LG G2

Dimensions

5.45 x 2.79 x 0.35 inches

138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9 mm

Weight

5.04 oz (143 g)

Motorola Moto X

Dimensions

5.09 x 2.57 x 0.41 inches

129.3 x 65.3 x 10.4 mm

Weight

4.59 oz (130 g)

To see the phones in real size or compare them with other models, visit our Visual Phone Size Comparison page

Display

This one is a no-brainer folks, as the LG G2 undeniably has the more attractive display. Before talking about the specs, we need to mention about the almost non-existent bezels on the left/right sides of the LG G2’s display, which one-ups what Motorola has done with its own device. And then there’s the specs portion! For the LG G2, it’s sporting a ginormous 5.2-inch 1080p advanced IPS LCD screen that shines brightly with its impeccable details and superior outdoor visibility. Meanwhile, the Moto X’s 4.7-inch 720p AMOLED display is still a pleasant one to look at, as its saturated colors still give it an attractive glow, but as a whole, it can’t compete against the specs heavy and outstanding visibility of the of LG G2’s display.

LG G2 360-Degrees View

Motorola Moto X 360-Degrees View

FEATURED VIDEO

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31 Comments

1. zachattack

Posts: 621; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

You can't even compare these phones.... one is a god, the other a peasant. Literally why even try comparing these phones. The G2 is on a whole different level

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 4:33 AM 4

3. papss unregistered

I have to agree... The G2 is a beast and the motox is typically average Moto who hasn't competed with anything since they were purchased.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 5:41 AM 0

6. nnjerzy

Posts: 126; Member since: Jun 19, 2013

I have to agree the G2 is a beast im waiting on mines today,,, i have to realy give it up to LG... the company has always made good phones,, even back in the chocolate days.... LG Dare,,

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 6:57 AM 1

10. taikucing unregistered

so true. Moto X is a mid range phone. Motorola needs to make a flagship phone

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 8:03 AM 0

20. barondebxl

Posts: 180; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

What a blasphemous statement.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 6:34 PM 0

21. cdwjustin

Posts: 28; Member since: Sep 18, 2013

what if someone was trying to decide between the two.? wouldnt it be nice to have a comparasion.?

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 8:26 PM 0

22. scsa852k

Posts: 331; Member since: Oct 16, 2012

PA made this comparison just to make Moto X look bad

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 8:47 PM 0

2. D.Aceveda

Posts: 432; Member since: Jun 30, 2012

This is just like comparing all the flagship models of this year to iPhones. No comparison. Also. Whats the point of making these "VS" articles if you never out right declare one phone the victor? It's always, "Phone A is good there is no doubt the specs are great, but Phone B is good too and for the price etc etc" How about "Phone A wins", "Phone B wins" I feel like I am the only person who notices the stupidity of these "VS" articles

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 5:41 AM 6

4. gust3r3u

Posts: 84; Member since: Apr 11, 2013

Lg g2 wins , Moto x back to the drawing board ...DONE

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 5:56 AM 1

25. sarge77

Posts: 202; Member since: Mar 14, 2013

Didnt the moto x score high in the 3d benchmarks and 1080p play back as well as had decent battery life while playing videos and decent web browing as compared to gs4 ,so overall it truely isnt a bad phone.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 7:55 AM 0

5. mottykels

Posts: 387; Member since: May 15, 2013

Comparing of high end vs midrange? Wtf?

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 5:58 AM 2

8. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

If you have to ask, you'll never know.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 7:46 AM 0

7. zachattack

Posts: 621; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

Highest end compared to not even in the competition lol

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 7:14 AM 0

9. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

I get that every new phone gets compared to every other phone. And while G2 vs. Moto X isn't nearly as ridiculous as G2 vs. iPhone 5, it's still a stretch. The main advantages of the G2 are the S800 and the huge, top of the line screen. The Moto X cannot touch those. And the main advantages of the Moto X are active notifications and stock interface. The G2 cannot touch those. It's a matter of personal priorities and only the user can determine that.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 7:59 AM 2

11. Googler

Posts: 813; Member since: Jun 10, 2013

Agreed. I'm thinking of picking up the X so I've been reading a lot about it. I believe the Verge had the best review, it started out by saying the specs didn't make sense but the more it was used, the more it was hard to let it go because Motorola designed it purely for the user experience. I also talked to a guy who owned the X and the HTC One and said surprisingly the X was a faster phone. It's not all about specs, it's about optimizing the OS, which Moto has done a fabulous job with. So right now I'm waiting to see what the Nexus 5 will be and for the X to drop in price before making that call. Might even get the G2, it's an outstanding handset as well.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 8:29 AM 1

12. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

I'm waffling between the Droid Maxx (essentially a bigger Moto X with a massive battery) and G2. I still can't decide which way to go. My perfect phone would be a Moto X with a 5" 1080 screen (which I thought the Maxx would have, but alas it's only 720). But I can't wait for perfect, and I'm left trying to decide if the screen is more important than the UI.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 8:51 AM 1

13. Penywyz

Posts: 255; Member since: Aug 13, 2013

I've never seen an LG smartphone that was better quality or more reliable than a higher end Motorola. Go with the Droid MAXX, I have an ULTRA and it's the best smartphone I've had. The X8 runs the phone flawlessly. (8 cores) Touchless controls rock, I use the quick access to the camera quite often, and it's one of the snappiest most responsive phone's I've ever had. If not the quickest and most responsive. The active notifications are a really nice touch too. Plus Motorolas and Nokias usually test out highest on Verizon's network for signal quality. The 720p is kind of a moot point at this screen size. The average human eye has trouble differentiating between 1080p and 720p under 36" Now if you were talking TV or home appliances I'd go with LG all day.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 9:16 AM 0

16. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

I'll have to see the two side by side. 720 vs 1080 really depends on screen size. In the 4.5-5" range, 720 is plenty sharp. Once you start pushing into the 5-5.5" range, you start seeing pixels again. So 1080 is actually appropriate for those devices. So that puts the Moto X solidly in the size range for 720 (RGB stripe,at that), but in the 5" Maxx it's borderline.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 12:36 PM 0

14. Googler

Posts: 813; Member since: Jun 10, 2013

I was worried about the screen on the N4 when I was considering that phone. Without having the opportunity to see one in real life, I pulled the trigger and was fortunate to get one in the first wave. After powering it on, the screen blew me away. Is it as good as some other screens out there? Probably not but it's more than impressive for me. If the X is like that, it's the least of my worries. The only concern with the X is upgrade support, I'm a big fan of the Nexus series. Then again, the latest updates haven't been that significant after Project Butter was released. I'll have to see them both in person, both cost a lot more than the N4 so the risks are higher. Maybe my age is starting to show, I'm more interested in simplifying my phone right now so the X appeals to me.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 10:13 AM 1

26. sarge77

Posts: 202; Member since: Mar 14, 2013

Nexus 5 will probably have the same specs as Lg g2 since is it Lg making that one.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 7:58 AM 0

15. lyndon420

Posts: 6746; Member since: Jul 11, 2012

To the whiners: both these phones are new and available to the public now. They are both geared towards the same consumer. I could see if maybe they were comparing a tablet to a phone - that would justify the complaints. Oh well...life is short and I get more out of the comments than the articles anyway.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 12:02 PM 0

17. zachattack

Posts: 621; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

Well they are definitely not geared towards the same people. I wouldn't touch a motorola with a 10ft pole. The maxx hasa slightly bigger battery, why pay 300$ for essentially last years phone. Why even look at a motorola period. The G2 is the best phone available at the moment. It's also available for 140$ on verizon so just keep that in mind when you look at the ugly motorola phones

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 2:49 PM 0

18. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

But that's mostly your opinion/spin. In my view the two phones are completely competitive (apart from price), because I'm looking at the whole experience - camera, UI, speed of updates, calling quality, battery life, audio quality, build and materials. If your only concern is fastest processor and highest screen resolution, fine, Motorola can't compete. I want the whole package though.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 3:41 PM 1

19. Penywyz

Posts: 255; Member since: Aug 13, 2013

That being said, if you look at the speed an benchmark tests the X8(which is not last year's technology)beats a lot of flagship phones in a lot of tests. Especially in FPS. The difference in Processing speeds between the two will be relative. I work for a very large US provider, and the LG's are probably the worst smartphone we sell as far as quality. And that's saying something considering how much trouble we have out of iPhones. Doesn't matter if it's our free one or so called "Flagship" phones the LG's have just been bad. +1 roldefol

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 3:49 PM 0

24. zachattack

Posts: 621; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

Well now that is an opinion for sure. LG came up from behind and killed off any competition so now we just have to wait till next year. It's pretty apparent that the G2 isn't anything less than premium. The Maxx is a rehash being pawned off for 300$. Same UI with a new processor that's not even that new. Sorry i think motorola wins the bad quality award.

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 11:27 PM 0

23. zachattack

Posts: 621; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

The build quality on motorola isn't winning any awards. Neither is the UI when it's paired a long side the much hyped 8x processor and the bad 720p screen. The battery life also will probably guaranteed be better on the G2. Just telling it like it is, better is better!. The only thing that motorola x might have on the G2 is UI. You will never get the whole package. Each phone has flaws and i'm pretty sure the G2 sound is it's downfall. Then again i heard everyone praise the call quality and sound so... in a way it is the total package. Either get over the better version of touchwiz or buy a worse phone for more money (razor maxx)

posted on Sep 18, 2013, 11:23 PM 0

27. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

My big problem with all of this year's Motorola phones, whether you accept them as flagships or not, is pricing. If you cannot match your competitors on the most basic specs such as storage, you are not pricing your product competitively. Motorola is trying to match/beat iPhone pricing, when in fact its main competition is the One (32 GB), Lumia 92x (32 GB), and S4 (16 GB+SD). Sorry Moto, you're not Apple; you have to use value pricing. It should be: Moto X 16 GB - $150 Moto X 32 GB - $200 Droid Ultra - $150 Droid Maxx - $250 I personally see the Moto X as an upper-midrange/lower-high-end product, and the Droid Maxx as a flagship. If both devices were priced in line with their capacity and performance, comparisons would be fairer.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 8:29 AM 0

28. mustafa.muhammad

Posts: 2; Member since: Sep 20, 2013

Thank you for fixing the G2 numbers in the database, but the numbers are still old here (and I think in other comparisons), when I add a phone and choose the G2 it gets fixed (the new numbers appear), please remove the old numbers and put the new in all the comparisons. Thanks again for fixing.

posted on Sep 21, 2013, 12:31 AM 0

29. gedansky

Posts: 1; Member since: Oct 14, 2013

I see a LOT of comments that show that people haven't been following the Moto X very closely or ready all the reviews, or they would know that the Moto X has done for Android, what the iPhone did for IOS... Dispel the concept of specs and make it about balance and performance. All the reviews say basically the same thing... The Moto X is so well refined, with its proper balance of CPU, GPU, and software, that it equals or out performs virtually every smartphone out there. If you are looking for sheer physical size of product or spec, or customized UI there are some great phones out there. But, if you are looking for the best combination of speed, reliability, and ease of use (one handed use, ease of access etc), then the Moto X is the choice. It's VERY hard to move away from specs as a driving factor, even when you understand. But, couple it with a simple fact... Motorola makes the best radios in the industry, and, their phones spend far less time in the shop than LG's, and it's a lot easier for me to consider the Moto X over the G2. But, I also don't want to carry a big screen TV in my pocket,