Motorola Moto E

Verdict

It takes a lot to stand out in the budget segment – choices are many but most of them compromise on build quality, core specs and screen resolutions, and run older versions of Android. The Moto E scores on all of these aspects, especially build and screen quality. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection is great to have at this price, but above all, it’s the inclusion of Android KitKat that stands out. The promise of a speedy update to the next major platform refresh is also quite attractive. On the negative side, its fixed-focus snapper and the missing front camera don’t bode too well for it. N... Read Full Verdict

It takes a lot to stand out in the budget segment – choices are many but most of them compromise on build quality, core specs and screen resolutions, and run older versions of Android. The Moto E scores on all of these aspects, especially build and screen quality. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection is great to have at this price, but above all, it’s the inclusion of Android KitKat that stands out. The promise of a speedy update to the next major platform refresh is also quite attractive. On the negative side, its fixed-focus snapper and the missing front camera don’t bode too well for it. Not that the Moto E doesn’t have any competition. As we found out in our review, the similarly-priced dual-SIM Lava Iris 406Q is a very worthy rival, trumping the Moto E with its quad-core Snapdragon processor and inclusion of a front camera. While it does feel a tad plasticky in comparison, runs Android Jelly Bean and sports a smaller, lower-res screen, the Iris 406Q also scores in terms of looks. Micromax’s answer to the Moto E was just announced too in the form of the Unite 2, and that looks like a compelling device too, stealing the Moto’s thunder by also offering KitKat out of the box. The Unite 2 also supports dual SIMs, and scores over the Moto E in terms of core specs. It sports a larger 4.7-inch (albeit lower in resolution) screen, a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek chip and a 5MP camera that boasts autofocus – a feature that isn’t available on either the Moto E or the Lava Iris 406Q. Its price? Rs 6,999, exactly the same as the Moto E.It goes without saying that making a choice isn’t easy. The lure of higher specs at the same price could be tough to ignore, but that said, the Moto E is still a highly compelling budget device. We’ve already mentioned the reasons why, but the backing of a global brand and the peace of mind associated with buying something that should last a long time is also worth considering. If you’re looking for a budget, no-frills dual-SIM smartphone as your daily driver or need a secondary device, the Moto E should be at the top of your list. Did we mention it has an FM radio too?