Both the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 and the Motorola Moto E4 Plus (USA) represent attempts to deliver affordable Android experiences. However, they approach this goal with different chipsets and feature sets. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Motorola Moto E4 Plus (USA) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 427 chipset, built on the same 28nm process as the Mediatek in the Micromax, offers a more modern CPU architecture and slightly higher clock speeds, translating to a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 155 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.10 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 540 x 960, 16:9 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589M (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 7.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@15fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.4µm |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 255 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Iron Gray, Fine Gold |
| Models | - | XT1760 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.44 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
Micromax A109 Canvas XL2
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly longer battery life if capacity is higher
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Older and less efficient CPU architecture
- Slower performance in demanding tasks
- Likely slower charging speeds
Motorola Moto E4 Plus (USA)
- More modern and efficient Snapdragon 427 chipset
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Smoother user experience and better multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially shorter battery life if capacity is lower
- Qualcomm’s software bloat (though Motorola is relatively clean)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or brightness suggests neither is geared towards media consumption. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. It’s reasonable to assume the Motorola, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processing capabilities, may offer slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device would be largely inconsequential due to its limited sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E4 Plus utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427, featuring quad Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.4 GHz. This architecture is demonstrably more efficient and offers better single-core performance than the Micromax A109’s Mediatek MT6589M with its quad 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. While both are 28nm, the A53 architecture represents a generational leap over the A7, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Motorola. The Snapdragon 427 also benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized GPU, providing a slight edge in gaming.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E4 Plus’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The Snapdragon 427’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life, even if the Micromax has a slightly larger capacity. The convenience of faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax A109 Canvas XL2 if you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point and are comfortable with potentially slower performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Motorola Moto E4 Plus (USA) if you prioritize a more responsive user interface, slightly better gaming capabilities, and the convenience of 15W fast charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 427 in the Moto E4 Plus handle basic gaming like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire?
The Snapdragon 427 can handle PUBG Mobile and Free Fire at low to medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don't expect a high-end gaming experience. The Mediatek MT6589M in the Micromax A109 would struggle significantly more with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A7 vs Cortex-A53) noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Snapdragon 427 are more efficient and offer better single-core performance. This translates to faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience compared to the older Cortex-A7 cores in the Micromax A109.
❓ How much faster is the 15W charging on the Moto E4 Plus compared to a standard 5W charger?
15W charging can reduce charging times by approximately 40-50% compared to a standard 5W charger. This means a significantly quicker top-up when you're short on time, allowing you to get back to using your phone faster.
