Moto X4 Vs Galaxy S8 Looking Back Was Upgrading To The S8 Actually Worth It

It’s been several years since the launch of two notable smartphones from 2017: the Motorola Moto X4 and the Samsung Galaxy S8. At the time, one was a mid-range contender with premium touches, while the other represented the cutting edge of Android flagship design and performance. Many consumers faced a decision—stick with solid value or pay more for top-tier specs. Now, with hindsight, it's possible to assess whether upgrading from the Moto X4 to the Galaxy S8 was genuinely worth it.

The answer isn’t just about raw specs or initial impressions. It hinges on usage patterns, longevity, software support, resale value, and real-world experience over time. Let’s break down the key differences and evaluate which device delivered better long-term value.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S8 marked a turning point in smartphone aesthetics. With its nearly bezel-less Infinity Display, curved edges, and sleek glass-and-metal construction, it felt like holding the future. The 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED screen offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility—features that were far beyond what most mid-range phones could offer.

In contrast, the Moto X4 adopted a more restrained approach. Its 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD screen was competent but unspectacular. The phone featured an aluminum frame and a glass back, giving it a surprisingly premium feel for its price point. It also carried IP68 water resistance—a rare feature even among flagships at the time—and supported expandable storage via microSD.

While the S8 looked and felt more luxurious, the X4 offered thoughtful practicality. For users who prioritized durability and versatility over visual flair, the X4 held its own.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, build quality and IP ratings matter more than display curves.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the divide between these devices was stark. The Galaxy S8 launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Samsung’s Exynos 8895 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM. This combination ensured smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and strong gaming performance even years after release.

The Moto X4 used the mid-tier Snapdragon 630 processor with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. While adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media, it struggled with heavier apps and games over time. Users reported occasional stutters and slower background app retention as Android updates added system demands.

Software support further widened the gap. Samsung eventually extended longer update cycles due to Project Treble and increased focus on security, providing the S8 with four years of monthly security patches and two major OS upgrades. Motorola, however, offered only one major Android version bump (from Nougat to Oreo) and limited security updates, leaving the X4 behind by 2019.

“Flagship hardware often pays dividends not at launch, but three years later when mid-range devices start showing their limits.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Capabilities Over Time

Camera performance is where the Galaxy S8 consistently outshone the Moto X4, especially in low-light conditions and dynamic range. The S8’s 12MP dual-pixel rear sensor adapted well to various lighting environments, producing sharp, balanced photos with accurate color reproduction. Its front-facing 8MP camera also excelled in selfies and video calls.

The Moto X4 had a dual-camera setup (12MP main + 8MP wide-angle), which sounded promising on paper. However, image processing couldn't match Samsung’s tuning. Photos often appeared oversharpened, with inconsistent HDR and weaker low-light performance. While the wide-angle lens offered creative flexibility, it came at the cost of lower detail and distortion at the edges.

More importantly, Samsung continued refining its camera algorithms through software updates, improving photo quality over time. Motorola did not push similar enhancements, meaning the X4’s camera remained static after launch.

Longevity and Real-World Use: A Mini Case Study

Consider the experience of Alex Rivera, a freelance photographer who purchased the Moto X4 in mid-2017 primarily for travel documentation and social media posting. Initially satisfied with the compact size and water resistance, he found himself frustrated within a year.

“I loved how light it was and that I didn’t worry about rain,” Alex said. “But by early 2019, Instagram started lagging, editing apps crashed constantly, and the camera couldn’t keep up with newer lighting situations. I ended up carrying both my X4 and an older tablet just to get work done.”

He upgraded to a refurbished Galaxy S8 in late 2019 and noticed immediate improvements. “Even though it was two years old, the S8 felt faster and more reliable. Apps loaded quicker, the screen made editing easier, and the camera still held up against new mid-range phones.”

This scenario illustrates a broader trend: devices with stronger processors and sustained software support tend to remain usable longer, delaying the need for replacement.

Value Comparison: Price vs. Long-Term Return

To determine whether the upgrade was “worth it,” consider total ownership cost versus lifespan. Here’s a breakdown based on U.S. launch pricing and typical usage patterns:

Feature	Moto X4	Galaxy S8
Launch Price	$399	$725
Processor	Snapdragon 630	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895
RAM	3GB / 4GB	4GB
Storage	32GB (expandable)	64GB (non-expandable)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Major OS Updates	1	2
Security Support Duration	~2 years	~4 years
Average Usable Lifespan	2–2.5 years	3.5–4 years

While the S8 cost nearly twice as much upfront, its extended usability effectively lowered the annual cost of ownership. For example:

• Moto X4: $399 ÷ 2.5 years = ~$160/year
• Galaxy S8: $725 ÷ 4 years = ~$181/year

The difference is smaller than expected—and if resale value is factored in (the S8 retained value better), the gap narrows further. For power users or those relying on their phone professionally, the S8’s longer lifespan justified the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Galaxy S8 significantly better for gaming?

Yes. The Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895 combo handled high-end games like *PUBG Mobile* and *Asphalt 9* smoothly at maximum settings, while the Moto X4 required lowering graphics quality and experienced thermal throttling during extended sessions.

Did the Moto X4 have any advantages over the S8?

Absolutely. It offered a headphone jack, microSD expansion, and a more compact form factor—features the S8 omitted in favor of sleekness. Additionally, its stock Android-like interface provided a cleaner user experience without Samsung bloatware.

Can either phone still be used today?

The Galaxy S8 remains functional for basic tasks, messaging, and light browsing, though app compatibility is declining. The Moto X4 struggles more due to outdated software and weaker hardware. Neither should be used for sensitive banking or primary communication in 2024.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For casual users who prioritize affordability, simplicity, and physical durability, the Moto X4 was—and still is—a smart choice. It delivered core functionality without frills, making it ideal for secondary devices or budget-conscious buyers.

However, for users seeking a future-proof device with better performance, superior display quality, consistent software updates, and longer usability, upgrading to the Galaxy S8 was absolutely worth the extra investment. The enhanced productivity, photography capabilities, and smoother daily operation translated into tangible benefits over time.

Ultimately, the decision depended on individual needs. But looking back, the Galaxy S8 proved that paying more upfront for a flagship can yield greater long-term returns—not just in features, but in actual years of reliable service.

💬 What was your experience with either phone? Share your story in the comments—was the S8 worth the leap, or did the X4 surprise you with its staying power?