What's good
- Silky smooth interface
- Lightweight design
- Excellent build quality
- Clear, bright display
What's bad
- No LTE support
- Low storage capacity
- No front facing camera
- “Terrible” rear facing camera
The Moto E is the latest entry-level device from Motorola. While it’s 4.3-inch display, dual-core 1.2-GHz processor and 1GB of RAM are far from top-of-the-line, Motorola’s aggressively cheap pricing could change what an entry-level smartphone is capable of. But does the phone live up to it’s claims? Let’s find out!
One of the most commonly mentioned aspects in reviews of the Motorola Moto E is the build quality. The device shares a similar design and materials to the more expensive G and X devices. Engadget states, “The E is awfully nice to hold, even when compared to premium gadgets like HTC's One M8.” Gorilla glass and a water-resistant case provide added durability while the curved, matte finish plastic provide a comfortable secure grip. A removable back provides access to the SIM slot and a microSD slot. Jerry Hildebrand of Android Central says, “It fits well in your hand, feels solid, and while not made of any fancy materials like wood or aluminum, it's very well built.”
The display receives just as much praise. While it is limited to just 540-by-960 resolution, reviews note that it is plenty crisp and bright for regular use. Android Central says, “A budget screen is part of the budget price, but Motorola did fairly well picking out a bright and clear one.” A few reviews did note that the IPS panel did have mild distortion at extreme angles, otherwise, reviews were generally positive.
While it won’t play the latest games or crush any benchmarks, performance was reviewed quite positive for a budget phone as well. Vlad Savov of The Verge states, “This is far and away the fastest and best user experience you can get in a sub-$150 phone.” Android Central notes, “The software experience is where the Moto E shines, the whole thing feels very fine-tuned to the hardware.” Overall, apps appear to run well, multi-tasking is fluid and the phone responds well. A few reviews noted that image-heavy websites and HD video could cause slight lag on the device but nothing that made the device freeze or rendered it unusable.
There are, however, a couple of potential issues with the device. The biggest is a lack of storage space. All reviews noted that after everything is installed on the device that a scant 2GB remains for regular use. If you plan to download anything, take pictures or play games, Engadget says, “Picking up a microSD card is damn near a necessity.”
The camera is also a weak point in many reviews. Lack of a front facing camera makes video chat and other features impossible. The 5MP rear-facing camera receives lackluster reviews. SlashGear states, “Images lack detail, struggle in low-light conditions, and the fixed-focus means close-ups are pretty much impossible.” The Verge goes as far as to call the camera “terrible.” Combine this with potential storage issues and the device could pose problems if you’re looking to take photos and video with your phone.
Overall, the device appears to be a clear winner in the entry-level category. TechRadar gives the device rave reviews, stating, “at that price I'd argue that there's nothing else out there as good as the Moto E.” The Verge believes this could change the entry-level market of Android devices, saying “Motorola has set a new standard with the Moto E. A handset that’s affordable to many and good enough for most.” Whether you are looking for an affordable device, want a cheap phone for the kids or picking up a backup for your daily use phone, the Moto E seems to offer outstanding value.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Ershad Kaleebullah, Gadgets 360Sporting a price tag that will make a lot of buyers very happy, the Motorola Moto E is gunning for the budget smartphone crown
- Sandra Vogel, Beta NewsBy modern standards this is a small handset -- its screen is only 4.3-inches. The Moto E is a tough little cookie.
- Tim Schiesser, TechSpotOver the years testing and reviewing smartphones, I haven’t used a device that retailed for under $130 at launch that was actually decent. Until I tried out the Moto E, that is.The Moto E isn’t a device suited to power users. It isn’t a device for people that demand the best hardwa...
- Andre Chan, Mobile88The Moto E is as good as it gets if you’re looking for a super affordable phone. Not only you get a solid device which offers an efficient all-round performance, the fact that it runs on the latest Android operating system coupled with prompt updates make it currently one of the best budget An...
- Damien McFerran, Know Your MobileIt's easy to forgive the Moto E's shortcomings as there simply isn't a better Android effort in the budget sector
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Motorola Moto E prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Motorola's suggested retail price is $129.00. You can compare Moto E prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola Moto E user manual here.
Motorola backs up the Moto E with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Moto E has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Motorola Moto E Manual (PDF)
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