Budget Wonder

Wire

Meet Motorola’s new budget entry : The Moto E

Motorola has been known for disrupting the market in recent times, with the release of the near-stock android Moto X and the excellent Moto G. Its blend of a pure Android play with nifty software tweaks has delivered a user experience few manufacturers can match. Let’s see if Motorola is third time lucky with the super affordable Moto E.

Budget Build
Cradling the phone in my hands for the first time, there is no mistaking that this is pure Motorola. The build quality is decent though I didn’t like the backpanel as it has the tendency to pick up smudges and scratches. The display is also par for the course for a budget device. Still, it isn’t all doom and gloom here as the front facing speaker grill on the bottom of the screen is surprisingly loud with decent audio quality to boot.

Not a Selfie Phone
If you’re the type that loves to take selfies, the Moto E is probably not for you; unlike most smartphones now in the market, there is a striking omission in the camera department – namely the complete lack of a front-facing camera. This means that you can’t even use the device for Skype calls. Thankfully there is a rear snapper, though there isn’t to shout about.

Speedy Device
I’m not sure if it’s because this is near stock Android system with almost no bloatware or heavily customised skins slowing it down but the performance of the Moto E is absolutely stellar for its price range. Android 4.4.4 KitKat ran riot with the device. My test mostly comprised image heavy web-browsing, which proved to be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Even games ran smoothly – of course, with visual rendering at a level expected for a pretty low-priced device.

Commendable Effort
The Moto E is truly a remarkable device as it delivered on so many fronts even when it is made specifically to be retailed at a low price point. Above average battery life and clear call quality further cements its position at the super-budget price range. Of course, something had to give, so if mobile photography isn’t your main priority, then the Moto E is an attractive option indeed.

Price: RM369
Lazada Price: RM299
Dimensions: 124.8 x 64.8 x 12.3 mm
Weight: 142 g
Display: 4.3 inches, 960 x 540
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 200
Memory: 1 GB RAM
Camera: 5MP Rear camera, no front-facing camera
Storage: 2GB
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS up to HSDPA 7.2MBs
Ports: microSD up to 32GB, 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB
Battery: 1980mAh, non-removable