Moto E4 Plus: Budget Brilliance

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, finding a device that balances affordability with essential features can be a challenge. Motorola, a brand with a rich heritage in mobile technology, has consistently aimed to fill this niche with its Moto E series. The Moto E4 Plus, a standout in this lineup, has garnered attention for its impressive battery capabilities and a design that punches above its weight class. This article delves into the nitty-gritty of the Moto E4 Plus, examining its features, design, display, and overall performance to help you understand why it might just be the budget-friendly powerhouse you've been looking for.

Motorola Moto E4 Plus: A Closer Look

The Moto E4 Plus arrived on the scene with a clear mission: to deliver exceptional battery life without breaking the bank. Positioned as a more robust sibling to the standard Moto E4 and a more affordable alternative to the Moto G series, the E4 Plus prioritizes endurance. For many users, battery life remains a paramount concern, and Motorola has addressed this head-on by equipping this device with a substantial battery, promising at least two days of use on a single charge. This focus on longevity, coupled with a refined design and a surprisingly capable camera for its price point, makes the E4 Plus a compelling option in the budget smartphone market.

Design and Build Quality

One of the most striking aspects of the Moto E4 Plus is its design. Unlike its predecessor, the Moto E3, which sported a plastic shell, the E4 Plus boasts a premium metal design. This aluminium unibody construction lends the device a more substantial and sophisticated feel, often associated with more expensive handsets. The back of the phone features a subtle curve, enhancing its ergonomics and ensuring it sits comfortably in the hand, even during extended use. While the curved back aids comfort, it's worth noting that the E4 Plus is on the thicker and heavier side, weighing in at 198g and measuring 9.6mm thick. This is a direct consequence of its hefty battery, but Motorola has managed to integrate this large cell without significantly compromising the overall aesthetic. Compared to the lighter Moto E4 (151g) and Moto G5 (145g), the E4 Plus is certainly more noticeable in a pocket, but its solid build quality makes this trade-off understandable.

Accessing the internals, such as the SIM card and microSD card slots, requires removing the back cover. While this process can be a little fiddly, it's a minor inconvenience given that these components are not typically swapped out daily. A significant convenience factor is the front-mounted fingerprint scanner, located below the display. This sensor, while perhaps smaller than those found on flagship devices, proved to be reliable and quick in unlocking the phone, offering a secure and effortless way to access your device.

Key Design Features:

Display: Sizeable and Satisfactory

The Moto E4 Plus features a 5.5-inch HD display with a resolution of 720p. While this resolution might seem modest compared to the Full HD panels found on some competitors, it still offers a respectable pixel density of 267 pixels per inch. For everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and watching videos, the display is bright, clear, and perfectly adequate. You'd have to look very closely to discern individual pixels. However, if absolute sharpness and detail are critical for your viewing experience, you might consider older models like the Moto G4 or G4 Plus, which offered Full HD screens, or even the more premium Moto G5 and G5 Plus. The lower resolution of the E4 Plus, however, has a significant advantage: it places less strain on the battery, contributing directly to its stellar endurance.

Display Specifications:

Battery Life: The Star of the Show

The undisputed champion feature of the Moto E4 Plus is its battery. Equipped with a massive 5000mAh battery, this phone is engineered for longevity. Motorola boldly claims it can last at least two days, and user experiences often corroborate this. In a world where many smartphones struggle to make it through a single day, the E4 Plus offers a refreshing sense of freedom from the charger. Even with moderate to heavy usage, including browsing, social media, and occasional video playback, users report the battery barely dipping below 80% by the end of the day. This exceptional endurance means you can leave your power bank at home and have peace of mind knowing your phone will keep going.

The synergy between the large battery capacity and the lower-resolution display creates a remarkably efficient device. This combination makes the E4 Plus an ideal companion for travellers, heavy users, or anyone who simply dislikes being tethered to a power socket. The user feedback highlights this aspect emphatically, with many users switching from more expensive devices that offered inferior battery performance. The ability to control smart home devices, manage daily tasks, and maintain connectivity for extended periods without battery anxiety is a significant practical advantage.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Moto E4 Plus is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 processor, coupled with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the variant. While this chipset is not designed for demanding tasks like high-end gaming, it offers smooth and reliable performance for everyday operations. Navigating the user interface, switching between apps, and browsing the web are generally fluid experiences. The software experience is largely stock Android, which is a plus for many users who appreciate a clean and uncluttered interface. Motorola's adaptation of Android is often described as pleasant, with useful additions like the home screen widget that provides timely weather and rain forecasts.

An important update to note is that the Moto E4 Plus, along with the standard E4, did not receive the anticipated upgrade to Android Oreo. It remains on Android Nougat. While this might be a disappointment for some, Android Nougat is still a capable and stable operating system that provides a solid user experience for essential smartphone functions.

Performance Snapshot:

Camera Capabilities

The Moto E4 Plus is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. For a budget smartphone, the camera performance is surprisingly decent. Users have reported taking a number of good quality photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The camera is capable of capturing clear and detailed images, making it suitable for casual photography and social media sharing. While it may not rival the sophisticated camera systems of flagship phones, it certainly holds its own within its price segment. The front camera is also adequate for selfies and video calls.

Where to Buy and Pricing

The Moto E4 Plus was released in the US and UK with a price point of $179.99 / £159. It was available through various retailers, including Verizon and selected SIM-free stores in the US, and outlets like Argos in the UK. While an Australian release date was initially unconfirmed, the Moto E4 did eventually make its way to the region, suggesting a potential availability for the Plus model as well. The price positions it as a slightly more premium option than the standard Moto E4 but offers a significant upgrade in battery capacity and other features for the marginal increase in cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional 5000mAh battery life, often lasting two days.
• Premium metal design that feels good in hand.
• Reliable front-mounted fingerprint scanner.
• Bright and clear 5.5-inch HD display.
• Decent camera performance for its price point.
• Clean, stock Android experience.

Cons:

• Heavier and thicker than many competitors.
• HD (720p) display resolution might be too low for some.
• Does not receive Android Oreo update.
• Micro USB port (not USB-C).
• Back cover removal can be difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How big is the battery of the Moto E4 Plus?
A1: The Moto E4 Plus features a substantial 5000mAh battery.

Q2: Can I remove the battery on the Moto E4 Plus?
A2: No, the battery is non-removable.

Q3: Will the Moto E4 Plus get Android Oreo?
A3: No, Motorola confirmed that the Moto E4 Plus and E4 will not receive the Android Oreo update.

Q4: Is the Moto E4 Plus good for gaming?
A4: While it can handle light games, its processor is not designed for demanding, high-end gaming. It's best suited for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

Q5: Where can I buy a Moto E4 Plus?
A5: The Moto E4 Plus was available through various retailers in the US and UK at launch. Availability may vary depending on your region and current stock.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto E4 Plus stands out as a pragmatic choice for consumers prioritising battery life and a solid build without a hefty price tag. Its premium metal construction, reliable fingerprint scanner, and generally smooth performance for daily tasks make it a competent device. While the lack of an Android Oreo update and the lower screen resolution are points to consider, they are largely offset by the phone's exceptional battery endurance and affordable pricing. If you're seeking a dependable smartphone that won't leave you hunting for a charger, and you appreciate a well-built device that performs its core functions admirably, the Moto E4 Plus is a strong contender that truly delivers on its promise of lasting power.

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