Moto E review

Motorola Moto E is maybe successor to the Moto G. The Moto G wasn't just selling like hotcakes, but also has given a big breath to Motorola, when the company was in big troubles. Moto E is a model that combines the mid range specs and an attractive price, which is a recipe taken from the G. Moto E is not a typical successor of Moto G (you'll see why), but already an attempt to further explore the limits of how far the manufacturers can go with low price devices, while at the same time maintaining the functionality, which makes them bestsellers.

Moto E design

Since this phone doesn't offer anything unusual, it's easy to satisfy with classic theme here. The phone has so much aesthetic as it takes for this price. Despite the relatively small size of the screen Moto E is relatively heavy (142g ) and firm. Maybe it's not the lightest phone, but it is a model that inspires trust in the build quality. Like its “predecessor”, Moto E is slightly thickened and curved at the back, which may not look good to the eye, but it gives the ease in use. It's especially good because the background is can get smooth and slippery, so it delivers the necessary stability in the hands.

Otherwise, the phone is in classic black and classic white color, and if you lack a bit of youthful spirit and cheerfulness, Moto E is produced in several colors.

When the keys are concerned, Moto E is a true classic. On the right side there is a power key and volume rocker. Both are released with the metal finish and ok to use. Top of the phone is reserved for audio input jack, while the bottom is for the microUSB port. There are also speaker (below the screen) and the LED notification light at the top.

Phone cover can be removed. Inside is a classic arrangement of elements. There are microSIM and microSD slots. Otherwise, the memory can be expanded up to 32GB. There is a battery of 1,920mAh, which can not be removed.

Moto E display and interface

When you take his mass orientated Moto E, you'll see it has a decent screen. This 4.3-inch AMOLED offers 540 × 960 pixel resolution at 256 pixels per inch. While this is perhaps the best in this class, the pixels are visible and there is no way that they will not be noticed. Besides the lack of pixels, the display lacks a bit more brightness, but the colors are quite strong. Basically, this screen doesn't lack anything crucial. It's nice to work on it. Maybe the weakest point is when you expose the phone to sunlight, which creates reflection and it's a little harder to see what is on it. Also, the viewing angles are not great.

Moto E runs on the latest KitKat Android OS. As this was yesterday's Google's company, it makes sense why Moto E has a basic Android without tweaking, and coatings as other manufacturer. Everything is very simple and clear. Special credits go to Moto E, because it will be able to upgrade to the latest version of Android, when the KitKat will not longer be that.

Moto E has some of his own features. There are Migrate (for easy transfer of messages, contacts, photos, music and videos from other Android devices to the Moto E) and Motorola Assists, which is kind of your own personal assistant. This feature, for example,turns the ringer and other sounds off when you are in a meeting,if your meeting is in the calendar.

Moto E specs and performance

This phone has a dual-core Snapdragon processor 200 at 1.2 GHz with 1GB RAM. There is also an Adreno 302 graphics. In practice this means that swiping through home screens (otherwise there are 5 of them) is easy and smooth. When apps are about, Moto E shows changeable mood. Some of them open relatively quickly, while others can "ask" for a little patience. Delays and lags are possible.

When it comes to battery life, Moto E is a very solid phone. With moderate usage (Wi-Fi and 3G browsing, calls and messaging, social networking and a bit of music) Moto E can push all day, and often will remain energy for the start of the next day, when is a deadline for a charger. In case you prefer the more demanding usage (watching videos and playing games), bring your charger with you if you are coming home late.

Moto E camera

Moto E stumbles here. The camera is not the best part of this phone. Firstly, the phone is lacking the flash and front-facing camera. Also, the camera doesn't have autofocus and a sensor of only 5MP. Interface isn't much better. However, there are the most basic modes, but no editing options. As we have already said, there is no special camera button and the shooting is done via virtual button on the screen. Consolation prize comes via options for making burst shots.

Picture quality is extremely average. Photos are with no details, and sometimes a little blurry, and even the color range is not very good. Abandoned with no autofocus, you will have problems to "catch" objects close to the camera. Photographing at night is almost impossible, because there is no flash, the Moto E's camera is a daylight walker.

Moto E conclusion

Moto E is one of the most affordable smartphones in the market. The phone is slightly cheaper than the Moto G, but the G offers significantly more than its new cousin. The main competitors are Nokia Lumia 630 and Samsung Galaxy Fame.

All in all, the Moto E is a decent phone. Ok, many things are missing, but the price will push many to buy it. With good quality and a decent screen and battery, expandable memory and relatively good performances, Moto E has a lot to offer. In order to cut the price, Motorola had to cut a good camera and generous internal memory too. This tells us that the Moto E is ideal for those with lower budget, but who like true Android experience.

Photos: motorola.com