Unveiling the Motorola Moto E4 Plus Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

The Motorola Moto E4 Plus (USA) is a smartphone that offers a compelling mix of robust hardware and practical functionality, suitable for a wide range of users, especially those looking for a device that combines efficiency with affordability. Released in June 2017, it is particularly notable for its substantial battery life, durable build, and solid performance capabilities. Below, we delve into the various aspects of this device to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what the Moto E4 Plus brings to the table.

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto E4 Plus features a sleek design that fits comfortably in the hand thanks to its dimensions of 155 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm and a weight of 181 g. The phone is also equipped with a nano-SIM slot, making it easy to connect to various networks. The design is robust, with the front of the device protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an oleophobic coating, which adds a layer of durability against scratches and smudges, making it an ideal companion for everyday use.

The phone’s body is available in two color options: Iron Gray and Fine Gold, both of which give the device a premium look that belies its affordable price point. Buttons and ports are ergonomically placed, enhancing the user’s experience in terms of accessibility and ease of use.

Display Quality

The Moto E4 Plus features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, providing good color accuracy and wide viewing angles that make it a pleasure to use for watching videos and browsing. With a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, and a pixel density of approximately 267 ppi, the display offers sharp images and text. Although not the highest resolution available on the market, for its price range, it provides respectable output for everyday tasks and general multimedia consumption.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Motorola Moto E4 Plus is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 chipset, which houses a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 308 GPU. This combination provides adequate performance for daily tasks such as texting, calling, and moderate app usage. Although not designed for heavy gaming, the Moto E4 Plus performs well for casual gaming and most standard smartphone operations.

Running on Android 7.1 Nougat, the device provides a clean and intuitive interface with access to a wealth of Android applications through the Google Play Store. The user interface is mostly stock Android, meaning less bloatware and more room to customize with your chosen apps.

Camera Features

Main Camera

The Moto E4 Plus is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture, 1/3.1" sensor size, and 1.12µm pixel size. It features autofocus capabilities and is supported by an LED flash, panorama, and HDR for improved photo quality under various lighting conditions. The camera captures 1080p video at 30fps, providing decent video quality for capturing everyday moments.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is 5 MP with an f/2.2 aperture, 1/4.0" sensor size, and 1.4µm pixel size, supplemented by an LED flash. This ensures that your selfies are adequately lit, even in low-light conditions. The integration of these features makes the selfie camera suitable for basic video calls and social media updates.

Exceptional Battery Performance

Arguably the most significant feature of the Moto E4 Plus is its impressive 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. For users prioritizing battery life, this phone delivers on durability, often lasting two days on a single charge with regular use. This is a true game-changer in its category, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the move or in locations where charging opportunities are infrequent.

Additionally, the device supports 15W wired charging, which contributes to reducing downtime when recharging is necessary. However, it is important to note that wireless charging is not available for this model.

Connectivity and Network Support

The Motorola Moto E4 Plus supports a range of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of connectivity both domestically and internationally. It covers a wide selection of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, providing a strong and reliable connection whether you're browsing, downloading, or streaming.

In terms of local connectivity, the phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS (with GLONASS). However, it does not support NFC, which may be a limitation for users who rely on mobile payment services. The inclusion of FM radio is a plus for users who enjoy radio broadcasts.

Memory and Expandability

The Moto E4 Plus offers two internal storage options of 16GB and 32GB, both paired with 2GB of RAM. While the internal storage may seem modest by today's standards, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot allows for storage expansion, offering users the flexibility to supplement their storage based on their individual needs.

Sound Quality

The audio experience on the Moto E4 Plus is straightforward, with a standard loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer using traditional wired headphones. The audio output is clear and sufficient for both calls and media playback, aligning with user expectations for a device in its class.

Additional Features and Sensors

The phone includes essential sensors such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, which add to its functionality and enhance user interaction. The fingerprint sensor in particular provides an added layer of security and convenient unlocking.

Price and Availability

At the time of its release, the Motorola Moto E4 Plus was priced at approximately 120 EUR, making it a highly competitive option in the budget smartphone market. It is readily available, with the market offering variations based on regional specifications.