Since Moto E played the game changer last year, naturally higher expectations were riding on the back of the next generation model. The new Moto E is doing several things right, but still misses the mark for some key aspects. The Moto G 2nd Gen is definitely an improvement over its predecessor by any yardstick, but will that be enough? Let’s take a closer look at 4G LTE variant of Moto E 2015.
Moto E 2015 Quick Specs
- Display Size: 4.5 Inch qHD, 960 X 540 PPI= 245 , Gorilla Glass 3
- Processor: 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 with Adreno 306 GPU
- RAM: 1 GB (approx 600 MB free on first boot)
- Software Version: Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera, 720p videos
- Secondary Camera: VGA
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
- External Storage: 32 GB
- Battery: 2390 mAh
- Connectivity: 3G/4G LTE, HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS, Dual SIM
Design and Build
Moto E 2nd Gen is impressively built device. The rear curves, rigged home button, rigged side edges- which you can also peel off and replace – all add up to a beautiful and easily manageable smartphone. Most mainstream users prefer a larger form factor, but Moto E 2nd Gen can convince you regarding benefits of compact smartphones, all thanks to attractive Motorola design, which doesn’t divert much from what we are now used to seeing on Motorola devices.
The curved rear back has a dimpled logo and camera sensor. The front side has a responsive 4.5 Inch display layered with Gorilla Glass 3 and a single speaker bar on top, hiding the ear piece. Absence of lower speaker bar has paved way for very narrow bezels below the display.
Display
The 4.5 Inch IPS LCD panel has 960 x 540 pixels spread across it, which results in average 245 pixels per inches. What the display lacks in terms of sharpness is offset by the rich display quality. Motorola is using a good quality display panel, which we always prefer over sharpness, but yes, lack of pixels is noticeable at times.
Icons and text sometimes appear fuzzy and since there are better and sharper displays available at the price, this hurts a little more. However, if you are looking forward to buying a new Moto E, you need not be overly wary of the Moto E display. Besides sharpness, the display scores well in all other aspects. The adaptive brightness option is checked by default and works well.
Performance and Software
For all day to day tasks, Moto E 2nd gen is very snappy. Since it is running light and stock android, it feels snappier than all other flash sale rivals selling in the same price range. This is perhaps its biggest strength.
New Moto E can run most high end games smoothly too, but it noticeably stutters under heavy load at times. On first boot approx 600 MB RAM is free out of 1 GB
The Snapdragon 410 inside can easily handle light stock Android 5.0.2 ROM in day to day usage, and this comes with several functional advantages which geeks and more aggressive Android users can better appreciate. Most of your apps will backup to your device or you could use Moto Migrate for the same. Google now is conveniently accessible with a right swipe and the software is update prone for the next couple of years.
There is no LED notification light, but Moto Display makes up for the loss. It is smart enough to light up and show time and notifications when you pick up your phone from the table or take it out from your pocket. Since i always have pending notifications from one app or the other, I didn’t particularly miss LED indicator. Moto Display works better for me. You can also select which apps you wish to be notified from.
Another Motorola tool is Moto assist, which can silence notifications when you are sleeping or forward messages when you are busy in a meeting. In case you are not sleeping at set time, the service might interfere with apps like music streaming apps which require persistent notification.
Besides, if you want to enjoy full material design glory with Google now cards like notifications, subtle animations, attractive lock screen notifications, Google now launcher, Chrome tabs in recent apps, etc., Moto E 2nd gen is your best option in this price range.
| Benchmark | Score |
| Quadrant | 13970 |
| Antutu | 21344 |
| Vellamo (single core) | 763 |
| Nenamark 2 | 59.6 fps |
Camera and Internal Storage
The rear camera is much better than last year Moto E, but it is still far behind the competition. The 5 MP AF camera is good for casual day light shots but low light performance is grainy. A front camera is also there and can be used in necessary situations, but won’t be much of a treat for selfie lovers. Overall, if you prioritize camera performance above everything else, other options will be better suited to your needs, but camera performance isn’t as terrible as last time. Check camera samples in artificial light, indoor lighting and day light below.
Internal storage has been doubled to 8 GB out of which around 4.5 GB is available at user end. You can move big games and other apps to SD card as well. Camera app has the option to select SD card as default write disk.The storage is good enough for basic and moderate users and SD card will ensure that your media consumption doesn’t suffer. USB OTG is not supported.
Camera Samples
Battery and Other Features
The 2390 mAh battery can comfortably carry you past one day mark, even with heavy usage. The battery can fully charge in around 2 hours 40 minutes. There is no heating issue either.
The loudspeaker has average loudness and quality. We didn’t face any issue with call quality in our area. GPS locking and navigation are smooth and efficient. Moto E 2015 has accelerometer, proximity and light sensor. Our review unit had one SIM card slot, but the one selling on Flipkart is a dual SIM device
Moto E 2nd Gen 4G LTE Photo Gallery
Conclusion
Moto E 2nd Gen 4G LTE makes some sacrifices but it has its well defined strengths too. Those who particularly value Motorola branding and are looking for smooth and pure Android Lollipop experience will be attracted to it. Competition is stiff and you can find several feature loaded Android devices for the same budget, but Moto E 2nd Gen will be more appealing to those looking for light stock Android experience.
