The Motorola Moto Z4 Force and Google Pixel 4 XL, despite being released in different eras, share a core component: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. This comparison examines how each manufacturer leveraged this chipset, focusing on the trade-offs between camera capabilities, battery endurance, and current pricing, as the Pixel 4 XL has seen significant price drops since launch.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 4 XL is the better choice, especially at its current discounted price. However, the Moto Z4 Force offers compelling value for those seeking a capable Snapdragon 855 device at a significantly lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2019, October 15 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2019, October 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm (6.31 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 | 6.3 inches, 98.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | P-OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto)
13 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 25 MP, f/1.9 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1.22µm, no AF
TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | Moto Mods snap-on accessories | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0
Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | Li-Po 3700 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Clearly White, Just Black, Oh So Orange |
| Models | - | G020P, G020, GA01181-US, GA01182-US, GA01180-US |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 364.52 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 274.99 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 149.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.9 / Crosstalk -94.1 |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 73h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 80dB / Noise 78dB / Ring 88dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 323305 (v7), 403267 (v8)
GeekBench: 10171 (v4.4), 2267 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Moto Z4 Force
- Significantly lower price point
- Modular design with Moto Mods
- Snapdragon 855 performance
- Inferior camera system
- No wireless charging
- Less frequent software updates
Google Pixel 4 XL
- Exceptional camera quality
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- 90Hz display for smoother visuals
- Higher price (though decreasing)
- Battery life is average
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, but display details are limited. Given the Pixel 4 XL’s higher original price point, it likely features a higher quality OLED panel with potentially better color accuracy and peak brightness. The Pixel 4 XL’s 6.3-inch display likely has a higher pixel density than the Z4 Force’s 6.4-inch screen. The Pixel 4 XL also benefits from a 90Hz refresh rate, not present on the Z4 Force, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 4 XL’s camera system is its standout feature. While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, Google’s computational photography expertise, including features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, significantly elevates image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pixel 4 XL likely features a larger sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Moto Z4 Force’s camera, while capable, cannot compete with the Pixel’s image processing prowess. Details on the Z4 Force’s sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s less sophisticated.
Performance
Both the Motorola Moto Z4 Force and the Google Pixel 4 XL are powered by the same Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical for most tasks. However, the Pixel 4 XL’s 6GB of RAM, combined with Google’s optimized software, may result in slightly better multitasking and app retention. Thermal management is a key differentiator; Motorola’s design may prioritize sustained performance through more aggressive cooling, while Google’s may throttle earlier to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 73 hours, suggesting similar battery life despite potentially different capacities. The Pixel 4 XL supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0 and wireless charging, offering more convenient charging options than the Z4 Force, which lacks wireless charging. While the endurance rating is the same, the Pixel 4 XL’s optimized software and potentially more efficient display technology could translate to slightly longer real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto Z4 Force if you need a solid performer for everyday tasks and light gaming, and value affordability above all else. Its modular design also offers future upgrade potential. Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if you prioritize exceptional camera performance, a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, and don't mind a slightly older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Pixel 4 XL's older chipset struggle with demanding modern games?
Despite being a generation older, the Snapdragon 855 in the Pixel 4 XL remains a capable performer for most mobile games. While it may not achieve the highest frame rates in the most graphically intensive titles compared to newer chipsets, it will provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, especially with optimized game settings.
❓ How does the Moto Z4 Force's modularity impact long-term usability?
The Moto Z4 Force’s Moto Mods system allows for upgrades like improved speakers, battery packs, or even a projector. This extends the phone’s lifespan by allowing users to enhance functionality without replacing the entire device, offering a unique advantage over the Pixel 4 XL.
❓ Is the Pixel 4 XL's price drop making it a better value than when it launched?
Absolutely. The Pixel 4 XL’s significant price reduction has dramatically improved its value proposition. It now competes directly with mid-range phones while offering flagship-level camera performance and a premium software experience.
