Motorola Moto E4 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Motorola Moto E4

The Motorola Moto E4 is a smartphone that was announced in June 2017 and quickly became available in the market. Known for its affordability and decent specifications for its price range, it provides a solid experience for users who are looking for a budget-friendly yet capable device. Let's delve into the detailed specifications and evaluate what the Moto E4 has to offer.

Network and Connectivity

The Moto E4 supports multiple network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of connectivity. The 2G bands cover GSM 850/900/1800/1900, while the 3G network supports HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100. The device also supports several 4G LTE bands such as 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 20, 38, and 40, offering a maximum speed of HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps. This wide range of support ensures that users in different regions can easily use the device on their local networks.

Build and Design

The design of the Moto E4 is simple yet elegant. It features a glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an aluminum back that adds a premium feel despite being a budget device. The device measures 144.7 x 72.3 x 9.3 mm and weighs 151 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Additionally, it offers options for single SIM as well as dual SIM, catering to the needs of different users who might need to use multiple networks simultaneously.

Display

The Moto E4 comes with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 65.9%, which is reasonable for its category. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and includes an oleophobic coating, ensuring that it is more resistant to scratches and smudges.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the Moto E4 runs on the Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system. It is powered by a Mediatek MT6737 chipset with a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, and a Mali-T720 GPU. While this may not be the most powerful configuration, it handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and basic gaming efficiently. The device also includes 2GB of RAM, which aids in multitasking, although users may experience some limitations when running heavier applications.

Storage and Memory

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which may be modest by modern standards but should suffice for users with moderate storage needs. For those requiring more space, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot allows for the expansion of storage, giving users the flexibility to store more apps, photos, and videos.

Camera Capabilities

The Moto E4 is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, autofocus, and features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR. This setup is capable of capturing decent quality photos, especially in well-lit environments. It also supports video recording at 720p@30fps. The front-facing camera is a 5 MP shooter, also with an f/2.2 aperture and an LED flash, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Audio and Sound

The Moto E4 includes a loudspeaker as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to use wired headphones and connect to external speakers easily. This is a valued feature for many users who prefer traditional audio connections over wireless options.

Communications and Connectivity

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Moto E4 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, LE, and aptX for better audio streaming. It includes GPS and GLONASS for location services, and optionally, NFC for contactless payments and device pairing. The presence of FM radio is a plus for those who enjoy listening to local stations. For charging and data transfer, the device utilizes a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, allowing it to read external USB devices.

Battery and Charging

The smartphone is powered by a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery. This capacity is sufficient for a full day of moderate use. Charging is done through a 10W wired connection, providing a reasonable charging speed considering the battery size.

Additional Features

The Moto E4 includes several sensors such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor (availability depending on the region), accelerometer, and proximity sensor. The availability of these sensors enhances user interaction and security with the device.

Miscellaneous and Pricing

Available in colors like Iron Grey, Blush Gold, and Oxford Blue, the device offers aesthetic variety to appeal to different tastes. The Moto E4 was released under different model numbers, including XT1766 and XT1763. As of its release, the price was approximately 150 EUR, making it a competitive choice in its segment.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto E4 is a well-rounded device that offers good value for money. With its decent performance, expandable storage, acceptable camera capabilities, and additional features such as NFC and a removable battery, it is a viable choice for users seeking a reliable and budget-friendly smartphone. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it delivers adequately for its price range.