16/04/2009
The Motorola Moto E4, a device that once occupied a significant niche in the ultra-affordable smartphone market, continues to be a point of interest for those seeking a no-frills mobile experience without breaking the bank. While newer models have emerged, understanding the capabilities and limitations of the Moto E4 can still be valuable, especially if you're considering a second device, a phone for a younger user, or simply trying to troubleshoot an existing unit. This article delves into the various aspects of the Moto E4, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview.
The Moto E4 sports a design that prioritizes durability and ease of use over a sleek, premium aesthetic. It features a removable back cover, a characteristic that has become increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This allows for easy access to the battery, SIM card slot, and microSD card slot – a significant advantage for users who prefer to swap batteries or expand storage without complex procedures. The build is predominantly plastic, which, while not as luxurious as glass or metal, contributes to its resilience against minor drops and bumps. The device feels solid in hand, with a comfortable grip.
The display is a 5.0-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This translates to a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi. While not the sharpest screen on the market, it offers sufficient clarity for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and social media. Colours are generally vibrant, and viewing angles are decent, making it acceptable for casual media consumption. However, under direct sunlight, the display can sometimes be challenging to read due to limited brightness.
Under the hood, the Moto E4 is powered by a quad-core MediaTek MT6737 processor, paired with either 1GB or 2GB of RAM, depending on the variant. This configuration is designed for basic smartphone operations. For everyday use, such as making calls, sending texts, and light browsing, the Moto E4 performs adequately. However, users who push the device with demanding applications, heavy multitasking, or graphics-intensive games will likely experience slowdowns and occasional stutters. The 1GB RAM variant, in particular, can struggle with keeping multiple apps open simultaneously.
The operating system is typically Android Marshmallow or Nougat, depending on the release and any available updates. While these are older versions of Android, they are generally stable for the hardware. It's important to note that receiving major Android version updates for devices in this price bracket is often limited. The user interface is clean and straightforward, characteristic of Motorola's approach, which helps in maximizing the performance of the available hardware.
Camera: Capturing the Moment
The Moto E4 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. Images tend to be sharp enough for casual sharing on social media, with reasonably accurate colours. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles, producing noisy and less detailed images. The autofocus can also be a bit slow, which might lead to missed shots if you're trying to capture fast-moving subjects.
The 5-megapixel front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls. Again, performance is best in well-lit environments. While the cameras are not a standout feature, they are functional for basic photography needs. Video recording is typically limited to 720p at 30fps, which is standard for this class of device.
Battery Life: A Strong Contender
One of the most praised aspects of the Moto E4 is its battery life. It houses a 2800 mAh removable battery. For most users, this battery capacity, combined with the relatively low-power components and HD display, translates to a full day of moderate usage. On lighter usage days, it's not uncommon for the Moto E4 to last into a second day. The ability to easily swap out the battery for a spare is also a significant plus for power users who are constantly on the go and may not have immediate access to a charger.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Moto E4 supports 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, and GPS. It also includes a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Some variants may also include a fingerprint scanner, typically integrated into the home button, which adds a layer of convenience and security for unlocking the device and authorizing purchases.
Users have reported occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues, as seen in the user feedback provided. Problems with Wi-Fi disappearing or failing to connect even with the correct password can be frustrating. These issues can sometimes stem from the router, the phone's Wi-Fi chip, or software glitches. Troubleshooting steps might include restarting the phone and router, forgetting and re-adding the Wi-Fi network, or checking for software updates. In more persistent cases, a factory reset might be considered, although this should be a last resort.
Is the Moto E4 Still a Good Buy?
The question of whether the Moto E4 is a good phone in today's market depends heavily on your expectations and needs. If you're looking for a device for basic communication, occasional web browsing, and social media, and you prioritize battery life and a removable battery, the Moto E4 can still be a functional choice, especially if found at a very low price point or as a used device. However, for users who demand a smooth multitasking experience, high-quality photography, or the latest software features, the Moto E4 will likely feel outdated and underpowered.
Considering the availability of newer budget smartphones that offer better performance, improved cameras, and updated software at competitive prices, the Moto E4 faces stiff competition. Its main selling points remain its affordability, the convenience of a removable battery, and a generally reliable experience for core functions. The mention of deals where the unlocked Moto E4 costs less than $100 on Amazon and free offers from Best Buy highlight its position as an ultra-low-cost option. However, the landscape of budget smartphones is constantly evolving, with manufacturers consistently pushing the envelope on value.
User Experiences and Troubleshooting
User feedback often highlights the Moto E4's strengths, such as its battery life and ease of use for basic tasks. However, challenges can arise, as indicated by the user who experienced difficulties after a factory reset, being unable to proceed past the Wi-Fi connection screen. This scenario, where the phone gets stuck during setup, is not entirely uncommon with Android devices, especially after a reset. The tip to remove the SIM card and skip the Wi-Fi connection during setup is a valid workaround that has helped many users bypass such initialisation hurdles. Once the phone is set up, the SIM card can be reinserted, and Wi-Fi can be connected.
Common Issues and Potential Solutions:
| Problem | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi disconnects or slow internet | Restart phone and router, forget and re-add Wi-Fi network, check for software updates, consider factory reset (backup data first). |
| Phone stuck during setup after reset | Remove SIM card before setup, skip Wi-Fi connection, complete setup, then reinsert SIM and connect to Wi-Fi. |
| Slow performance / app crashes | Close unused background apps, clear app cache and data, uninstall unnecessary apps, perform regular restarts, consider factory reset. |
| Camera quality in low light | Use in well-lit areas, try third-party camera apps that offer more manual controls, avoid digital zoom. |
| Battery drain | Reduce screen brightness, disable unused background data and location services, check battery usage by app in settings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the Moto E4 run modern apps?
While it can run many apps, its performance will be limited, especially with newer, more resource-intensive applications. Expect slower loading times and potential lag.
Q2: Is the Moto E4 upgradable to the latest Android version?
Officially, no. The Moto E4 was released with older Android versions and is unlikely to receive major Android version updates from Motorola.
Q3: Does the Moto E4 have a fingerprint scanner?
Some variants of the Moto E4 do feature a fingerprint scanner, typically located on the front home button.
Q4: Is the Moto E4 water-resistant?
No, the Moto E4 is not designed to be water-resistant.
Q5: What is the main advantage of the Moto E4?
Its primary advantages are its affordability, good battery life, and the convenience of a removable battery and back cover.
In conclusion, the Motorola Moto E4 carved out a space for itself as a dependable budget smartphone. While its hardware may not compete with contemporary devices, its practical features, particularly its enduring battery life and user-friendly design, continue to make it a relevant option for specific user needs. Understanding its capabilities and potential pitfalls is key to making an informed decision about its use or purchase.
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