Unveiling the Motorola Moto E3 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Motorola Moto E3

The Motorola Moto E3 is a smartphone that was introduced to the market in July 2016 and released in September of the same year. Even though it has since been discontinued, the Moto E3 offers a glimpse into the mid-range smartphone offerings of its time, featuring a balance of essential specifications and affordability. Targeted at users who require basic functionality with a reliable performance, this phone is a testament to Motorola's efforts in providing cost-effective options in the smartphone market.

Design and Build

The Moto E3 boasts a compact and lightweight design. Measuring 143.8 x 71.6 x 8.5 mm and weighing just 140.6 grams, it offers a comfortable grip and easy handling. The phone supports a Micro-SIM, with its body available in two classic color options: Black and White. The minimalistic design is characterized by rounded edges and a durable build, suitable for everyday use.

Display Features

Featuring a 5.0-inch IPS LCD, the Moto E3 provides satisfactory display quality for its category, with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. This gives the display decent color accuracy and sharpness. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with an oleophobic coating, safeguarding it against scratches and fingerprints.

Performance and Platform

Powered by a Mediatek MT6735P chipset built on a 28 nm process, the Moto E3 incorporates a quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. While these specifications might not seem powerful by today’s standards, they were adequate for the time, especially for handling everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and streaming. The device runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, offering the users the feature set and performance typical of this version of the Android operating system.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, a modest configuration typical for budget smartphones of its era. However, the Moto E3 includes a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to expand the storage to accommodate more apps, music, and other files.

Camera Capabilities

The Moto E3 is equipped with an 8 MP autofocus main camera, which includes features such as an LED flash, panorama, and HDR to enhance photography. The camera is capable of shooting videos at 720p resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, it has a 5 MP front-facing camera. These camera features are straightforward but sufficient for capturing basic and casual photographs.

Battery and Power

A removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery powers the Moto E3. Its removable nature means users can swap out the battery for a fully charged one, extending the phone's usability throughout the day. This battery capacity is designed to meet the moderate demands of typical daily smartphone use, ensuring that the device lasts through the day with standard activities like calling, texting, and internet browsing.

Connectivity and Communication

The Moto E3 offers a range of connectivity options, including support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, with a speed support of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. The WLAN capabilities include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and it supports Bluetooth 4.0 with LE and aptX technology for enhanced audio streaming. It also provides GPS and GLONASS for location services but does not include NFC. Additional features include a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, an FM radio with RDS, a loudspeaker, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device features essential sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which contribute to its basic functionality by assisting in tasks like screen orientation and managing battery life during calls. These sensors are typical for smartphones in the budget range.

Price and Market Positioning

At its launch, the Moto E3 was priced at approximately 100 EUR, positioning it as an affordable option for users who require a functional smartphone without a hefty price tag. This pricing made it particularly attractive to budget-conscious consumers and those looking for a secondary device that provides fundamental smartphone capabilities.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto E3 may not boast the high-end specifications and cutting-edge features found in contemporary smartphones, but it served its purpose in providing essential mobile computing at an accessible price point. It reflects the mid-range smartphone market's equipment level in 2016, offering a dependable experience for everyday usage. While it may have been discontinued, Motorola's legacy in the budget smartphone segment continues, carrying forward the elements of affordability and adequate performance exemplified by the Moto E3.