Best answer: The Moto X4 has proven to be a great phone over the last couple of years, but in 2019, it’s no longer our go-to recommendation. Instead, we think you’re better off with something like the Moto G7 or Nokia 7.2.
- Everything you need: Moto G7 ($300 at Amazon)
- HDR display: Nokia 7.2 ($349 at Amazon)
The Moto X4 is quickly reaching its end of life
Although it’s hard to believe, the Moto X4 is well beyond its second birthday. The phone was announced in August 2017, and in the smartphone market, that’s a lifetime.
To be fair, the X4 has lived a pretty great life. Even though Motorola’s not the best when it comes to software updates, the phone’s now running Android 9 Pie in all of its glory, and that’s awesome.
Looking ahead, however, the Moto X4’s future doesn’t look bright. The phone’s already received two major software updates, having launched with Android Nougat, and Motorola hasn’t announced any plans to update the X4 to Android 10.
Furthermore, the phone’s design, processor, cameras, and everything else are at a sore disadvantage compared to other handsets that are now available.
Your money is better spent on newer devices
On its own, the Moto X4 is still a fairly solid phone in 2019. It has a good-looking LCD display, a reliable fingerprint sensor, and a classy design. A lot of phones have been released since the X4 came out, however, and if you look around just a little bit, you’ll find much better devices.
Take the Moto G7, for example. This is Motorola’s latest entry in its popular G-series, and it’s outfitted with just about everything you could ask for — including a glass design, large 6.2-inch display, a reliable Qualcomm processor, and dual rear cameras.
Outside of what Motorola’s doing, you also have the Nokia 7.2. While it’s more expensive than the G7, it delivers a flagship-like experience for a fraction of the price of others in that category. It’s built well, has a fantastic HDR display, a snappy processor, and a wonderful software package with guaranteed updates for the next couple of years.
Everything you need
Moto G7
$300 at Amazon $218 at Walmart
All the smartphone you need for just $300.
The Moto X4 is no longer a viable option in 2019, but the Moto G7 certainly is. This handset is equipped with a 6.2-inch Full HD+ display, dual rear cameras, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 632 processor, and expandable storage up to 512GB. It also has hands-free Alexa, allowing you to say “Alexa” at any time to get the assistant’s attention.
HDR display
Nokia 7.2
$349 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy
A flagship experience for hundreds of dollars less.
If you have a bit more cash to spend and want a phone that looks and feels like a true flagship, you owe it to yourself to check out the Nokia 7.2. Its display looks phenomenal thanks to support for HDR content, the triple rear cameras work quite well, and since it’s running Android One, it’ll get software updates for a long time to come.
