Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G): the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015

On February 25, 2015, Motorola released Moto E 2nd Gen (aka Moto E 2015, or Moto E 4G) through an innovative Moto E press conference box.  Everyone, not just journalists,  can join the press conference at any time to get more info on  Moto E 2nd Gen at StartWithMotoE.com.

The new Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is probably the best value-for-money smartphone you can get in 2015.

What’s new in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015)

1. Bigger (4.5″) and better (IPS) display

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) shares the similar look of the old Moto E.  The display is slightly larger at 4.5″.

Although the screen resolution is still qHD (540*960),  it is upgraded to IPS panel, which will definitely give you better visual experience.  You may read this post on the display technology for smartphones.

2. Faster quad-core processor

The processor in new Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is upgraded from dual-core in the old Moto E to quad-core.

For Moto E 2nd Gen 4G model, the processor is Qualcomm Snapdragon 410,  which can be found in many middle-range ($200-$400)  smartphones and tablets.

3. More storage (8GB)

The meager 4GB internal storage in the old Moto E is often complained. Although you can add a 32GB SD card, a lot of apps cannot be moved to SD card. Many owners feel frustrated because they cannot install their favorite games/apps due to lack of internal storage. For moving apps to SD card, you may check this guide.

The Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) gives 8GB storage with SD card support (up to 32GB).  So, for most users, this is probably sufficient.

4. Improved rear camera

The rear (main) camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is still 5MP. There is still no flash. You may think the camera is still the old one

You are wrong.

The camera is actually significantly improved.

Autofocus is available in the main camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015).  This feature is very useful when you take photos with some printed text, for example, scan a few pages of a book/magazine.

For videos, the camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) now supports 720p HD video, not just 480p as in old Moto E.

Auto HDR and burst mode is also available in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015). We are still testing them.

5. The front camera, although it is just a VGA one

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) adds one front VGA camera. It is suitable for taking selfies to share through MMS. You can also use it for video chat/calls.

6. Larger (20% more) battery

The old Moto E actually has decent battery life. Most users reported 1 to 2 days of normal usage for each charge.

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is packed with a 2390mAH battery, which is 20% larger than its predecessor. You should get similar battery life even using 4G LTE.

7. 4G LTE

Moto E 2nd Gen also supports 4G LTE (in Moto E 4G models). If your area has 4G LTE coverage, the new Moto E will give you faster mobile data access. Some carriers also provide VoLTE, which gives faster voice call connection and far better voice quality.

Of course, 4G LTE will consume data quota faster.

Also, if you are looking for the dual-SIM model, you still have to get the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G model, which will be released in Q2 2015.

8. Moto Display

Moto Display (old name: active display) is one of the prominent and unique features in Moto X.

Now, Moto Display is also available in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015).  It works similar to the ambient display in Android Lollipop. But Moto Display provides more options.

9. Quick capture

Quick capture is another exclusive feature in Moto X (and Moto X 2nd Gen). You can launch the camera by simply twisting your wrist.

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) now get quick capture so that you can snap photos faster than any others.

10. Customization

Customization is still a luxury for smartphones.

Motorola introduced Moto Maker for Moto X owners so that they can choose different colors and materials for the phone.

Now, part of such customization comes to Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015): replaceable trim and back cover.

When and where can I buy Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015)

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) was already released in the US.  If you live in the US, you can order it now from Motorola online store. The price (4G LTE) is $149.99.

For other regions, the availability will vary from March to April. You may check with local Motorola distributor. The price may vary, but it should be around $150.

We will update the progress of the international availability here.

When will be the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G version available?

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) 4G LTE model is a single SIM phone. If you want to get a dual-sim Moto E 2nd Gen, you have to wait for the release of the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G model.

The 3G model will be released in Q2 2015.

Will the 4G LTE model of Moto E 2nd Gen sold in US work in my country?

The frequency used for 4G LTE varies from country to country (even from carrier to carrier in one country in some cases). You may check this page or check with your carrier on the bands (frequencies) in your carrier network.

The following 4G LTE bands are supported in the US version of Moto E 2nd Gen: band 2, 4, 5, 7, 12 and 17.

Please also note, the 3G frequencies used in the US may be also different from those in your carrier.

So, do check the 3G and 4G frequencies.

It is best to buy a local version from the local distributor and you will not worry about network compatibility issues. In addition, in most regions, you can get a one-year local warranty if you buy the device locally.

Why Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G) is the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015

Moto G (and Moto G 2nd Gen) probably was the best value-for-money smartphone in 2014.

It seems the $150 Moto E 2nd Gen now provides even higher value for money (VFM). And it supports 4G.  It seems Motorola is serious to reach more customers with affordable and high-quality smartphones.

Based on the incredible (at $150)  combination of hardware and software,  I would say Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G) is the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015.

What do you think about Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015, Moto E 4G)?

Please share your thought in the comment box below.