Moto E (2nd Gen): Water Resistance Explained

Is the Moto E (2nd Gen) Truly Water Resistant?

Many smartphone users today seek devices that can withstand the occasional accidental splash or light rain. When it comes to the second generation of the popular Moto E, the question of its water resistance is a common one. While it doesn't boast a full IP rating for submersion, the Moto E (2nd Gen) does feature a water-resistant coating designed to protect it from minor water exposure. This means that while you shouldn't take it for a swim, a light splash from a drink or a brief encounter with drizzle is unlikely to cause immediate damage. However, it's crucial to understand that this coating does not make the phone water resistant in the traditional sense; it's more about offering a degree of defence against everyday mishaps.

Hardware Rundown: What Powers the Moto E (2nd Gen)?

The second generation Moto E, launched in 2015, was a budget-friendly smartphone that packed a respectable punch for its price point. It sports a 4.5-inch LCD display with a 540p resolution, offering clear visuals for everyday tasks. Under the hood, it's powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, paired with 1 GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth performance for basic applications and multitasking.

Storage-wise, the device comes with 8 GB of internal storage, of which approximately 5.47 GB is accessible to the user. For those needing more space, a microSD card slot is included, supporting expandable storage of up to 32 GB. This is a significant advantage for users who like to store music, photos, and videos locally.

Connectivity options include both 3G and 4G LTE variants. The 3G model is equipped with a Snapdragon 200 SoC, while the more capable 4G LTE version runs on a Snapdragon 410 SoC, offering faster data speeds. The rear camera is a 5-megapixel shooter, though it notably lacks an LED flash. A VGA front-facing camera is included for video calls and selfies.

Powering the device is a 2390 mAh Li-ion battery, which is not user-replaceable. One of the standout features for a budget device of its time was the inclusion of Motorola's Moto Display technology. This allowed the phone to show notifications and the time without needing a dedicated LED notification light, saving battery life and adding a touch of premium functionality.

The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides good scratch resistance. However, it's important to note that this does not make the screen shatter-resistant, so caution is still advised when handling the device.

Customisation and Design: The Motorola Band

A unique aspect of the Moto E (2nd Gen) design is the absence of a removable back cover. Instead, the SIM and microSD card slots are accessed by carefully removing the "Motorola Band" – an accent band that encircles the phone. Motorola made these bands available in various colours, including the stock black and white, along with six other vibrant options. This allowed users to personalise their device and give it a fresh look.

Software Journey: From Lollipop to Marshmallow

Originally launched with Android 5.0.2 "Lollipop", the Moto E (2nd Gen) received an update to Android 5.1.1 "Lollipop". The 4G LTE variant later received the Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" update in select regions in February 2016. While Motorola initially promised updates for the Moto E line, the rollout of Marshmallow was limited. However, the LTE version eventually received the update across Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia (excluding China), demonstrating Motorola's commitment to supporting this budget-friendly device.

Generational Comparison: How Does the 2nd Gen Stack Up?

To better understand the Moto E (2nd Gen), let's compare it with its predecessors and successors:

As you can see, the second generation represented a solid upgrade over the first, particularly in display size, storage, and processor options (especially the 4G variant). The third generation further improved upon these aspects, offering a larger, higher-resolution display, more RAM, and a better camera system.

Models and Variations

The second generation Moto E was available in two primary models, each with several specific SKUs:

• 3G Model (Otus): Powered by the Snapdragon 200. Variations include XT1505 (Global), XT1506 (Global, Dual SIM), and XT1511 (US model).
• 4G/LTE Model (Surnia): Utilising the Snapdragon 410. Variations include XT1514 (Brazil, Dual SIM), XT1521 (Global, Dual SIM), XT1523 (Brazil, Dual Sim, 16 GB), XT1524 (Global models), XT1526 (Sprint variants for US), XT1527 (USA model), XT1528 (Verizon Prepaid for US), and XT1529 (for LTE in Rural America Partners).

All three generations of the Moto E share common connectors: micro-SIM cards and micro-USB B power connectors.

Official Accessories for Personalisation

Motorola understood the desire for personalisation and offered official accessories to allow users to make their Moto E (2nd Gen) their own. Beyond the standard black or white bezel, users could purchase replaceable colour bands in shades like yellow, turquoise, blue, raspberry, purple, and red. Larger "Grip Shell" cases were also available, offering both protection and another layer of customisation.

Motorola's Manufacturing and Press Reception

In a significant move announced in August 2015, Lenovo began manufacturing Motorola smartphones in India, with the 4G variant of the Moto E (2nd Gen) being the first device produced at the Sriperumbudur plant. This move aimed to streamline production and potentially reduce costs.

Upon its release, the Moto E (2nd Gen) received positive feedback from tech reviewers. Publications like Ars Technica praised its solid build quality, decent screen, near-stock Android experience, adequate performance, and excellent battery life. Criticisms were generally directed at the camera quality, limited internal storage, and the absence of NFC for mobile payments. They also noted that the cheaper 3G-only model lacked some of the advantages found in the slightly more expensive 4G LTE version.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Moto E (2nd Gen)

Q1: Can I submerge the Moto E (2nd Gen) in water?
No, the Moto E (2nd Gen) is not waterproof. It has a water-resistant coating that protects against light splashes, but it is not designed for submersion.

Q2: Does the Moto E (2nd Gen) have a flash for the camera?
No, the 5 MP rear camera on the Moto E (2nd Gen) does not feature an LED flash.

Q3: Can I replace the battery on the Moto E (2nd Gen)?
No, the 2390 mAh battery is integrated and not user-replaceable.

Q4: What Android version did the Moto E (2nd Gen) launch with?
It originally launched with Android 5.0.2 "Lollipop".

Q5: How do I access the SIM and microSD card slots?
These slots are located under a removable plastic "Motorola Band" that encircles the phone.

In conclusion, the Moto E (2nd Gen) was a commendable effort in the budget smartphone market. While its water-resistant coating offers a safety net against minor spills, it's best to treat it with care around liquids. Its blend of performance, display quality, and customisation options, especially for its price, made it a popular choice for many users.

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