Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) 2GB goes up against the new OnePlus X. Even though we get some excited followers/comments when we compare an entry-level device with a flagship device, there cannot be even one complaint about this comparison…except maybe the winner I select. Here we have two devices that are definitely entry level and selling to the same market. Yes, the OnePlus X has a more premium look and feel as Moto retains their flexible plastic backing. However, both devices have a solid build to them and stack up against one another quite nicely – It will be a very difficult decision in picking a winner this time around. We will take a quick look at these two devices and see just how much they have in common before we look at each individual device.
The Moto G and the OnePlus X share many similarities – they are almost identical in size, except the OnePlus X is thinner and lighter by 17 grams. Both have a 5.0-inch display, although different technologies and resolutions. They both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, but different models. Both devices have 16GB of internal storage and both devices have room for expansion. Their main cameras each use a 13MP sensor and both have a single speaker for sound, although different locations. The Moto G and OnePlus X have the usual entry-level suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, FM Radio, a microUSB v2.0 plug for charging and data transfer. Both devices us a small, non-removable battery – 2470 mAh in the Moto G and 2525 mAh in the OnePlus X.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) 2GB RAM
The Moto G sports a 5.0-inch HD LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and 294 pixels-per-inch (PPI.) This goes up against the 5.0-inch FHD AMOLED display on the OnePlus X with 441 PPI. The Moto G uses the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. OnePlus reached out to the past and pulled out a great processor, but decidedly older 32-bit Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor for the OnePlus X. The Moto G packs 2GB of RAM with 16GB of internal memory with 32GB of expansion available. The OnePlus X comes with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory, but offers a microSD card slot to expand another 128GB.
The Moto G uses a 13MP main camera with autofocus, a larger f/2.0 aperture and a dual-tone LED flash. It has a 5MP front-facing camera (FFC) for selfies and video chats. This goes up against a main 13MP sensor on the OnePlus X and a larger 8MP FFC. The Moto G has a slightly smaller 2470 mAh non-removable battery that will easily last an entire day and then some, while the OnePlus X has a larger 2525mAh non-removable battery.
There are a couple of extras on the Moto G, such as Nano-coating for an IPX7 certification against water. It will soon be running Android 6.0 Marshmallow – the newest Android OS. The Moto G also uses a single, front mounted speaker. The Moto G measures in at 142.1 x 72.4 x 11.6 mm and weighs in at 155 grams and comes in our favorite colors – Black or White – and will cost you $179.
OnePlus X
The OnePlus X is OnePlus’ attempt to produce a sub-$250 entry-level device only with an FHD display. OnePlus barely got the OnePlus 2 model out the door and are already shipping the OnePlus X. While its Snapdragon 801 processor was a real workhorse in 2014, it is only a 32-bit and four cores in a 64-bit, octa-core world. However, with a price tag of only $249, you would expect a bargain processor.
The OnePlus X sports a 5.0-inch AMOLED FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 441 PPI. The Moto G also uses a 5.0-inch display, only it is an IPS LCD technology and only HD, coming in at 294 PPI on the Moto G. OnePlus went back to Qualcomm and snatched up and older 32-bit Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz. This goes up against the Moto G’s 64-bit Snapdragon 610 quad-core processor. The OnePlus X is packing 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot to expand that memory an additional 128GB. The Moto G comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of memory and room for expansion of an additional 32GB.
The main camera on the OnePlus X uses 13MP sensor with an LED flash and phase detection autofocus with videos in 1080p and 30fps. The Moto G also uses a 13MP camera that has a few more features than the OnePlus X. The OnePlus X sports a larger 8MP FFC for selfies and video chatting while the Moto G uses a 5MP FFC. Powering the OnePlus X is a small non-removable 2525mAh battery that should make it through a day. The Moto G uses an even smaller larger 2470 mAh non-removable battery that easily made it through a day in our tests.
The OnePlus X comes with 4G LTE connectivity and a single speaker at the bottom of the device and it also sports an FM radio. It is running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with OxygenOS on top. The device measures 140 x 69 x 6.9 mm and weighs in at 138 grams and will cost approximately $249.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
This was a very tough decision, but I picked the Moto G as the winner of this comparison. The OnePlus X may have a couple of superior specifications – 3GB vs 2GB of RAM and it has a Full HD display versus an HD display – and it has a more premium look. But it costs more, has a 32-bit processor, no waterproofing and no NFC to woo us away from the cheaper Moto G.
However, the Moto G has a 64-bit processor, Nano-coating and IPX7 certified dust and water resistance, just as competent a camera, terrific battery life and the Moto G runs almost pure Android and has already begun receiving its Marshmallow update. With the Moto G you can also use Moto Maker to customize the look of your device. It has all of this for only $179 vs the $249 OnePlus.
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