Moto E (1st Gen) Review: Affordable Android Smartphone

The Moto E (1st Gen, 2014) is an entry-level Android smartphone launched by Motorola Mobility (acquired by Lenovo later in 2014) in May 2014. Positioned as an affordable daily-use device, it targets budget-conscious users seeking basic smartphone functionality with reliable performance and a durable design. Below are its detailed English specifications:

1. General Information

Launch Date: Announced May 13, 2014; released May 19, 2014
Model Numbers: XT1021 (GSM single-SIM), XT1022 (GSM dual-SIM), XT1025 (CDMA)
OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat; officially upgradable to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop; no further official updates
Core Purpose: Entry-level smartphone for basic communication, web browsing, and casual media consumption at a low price point

2. Display

Type: 4.3-inch IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16:9 aspect ratio, 16M colors, 60Hz refresh rate, 5-point multi-touch
Resolution: 540 x 960 pixels (qHD), ~256 ppi, ~65.5% screen-to-body ratio
Features: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, scratch resistance, brightness up to 380 nits, sunlight readability mode

3. Performance & Memory

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 (MSM8226, 28nm), quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU
GPU: Adreno 305, supports 720p video playback and basic 2D casual games
RAM: 1GB LPDDR2, sufficient for running stock Android and essential apps
Storage: 4GB eMMC 4.5 internal storage (user-available ~2.2GB); microSDXC slot (up to 32GB expansion, dedicated slot independent of SIM)
Performance Benchmarks: AnTuTu ~13,000 (v5); GeekBench 3 ~550 (single-core), ~1,800 (multi-core)

4. Camera

Rear Camera: 5MP (f/2.4, 28mm wide, 1.4μm), fixed focus, LED flash, HDR, panorama; video: 720p@30fps (no EIS)
Front Camera: No front-facing camera; no video calling capability

5. Connectivity

Network:
- GSM variants (XT1021/XT1022): GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (2G), HSPA 900/2100 (3G, up to 21 Mbps downlink)
- CDMA variant (XT1025): CDMA 800/1900, LTE bands (varies by carrier)
- Dual-SIM variant supports dual-standby
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz only), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth: 4.0 with A2DP, LE for wireless audio streaming
Ports: Micro USB 2.0 (data/charging, USB-OTG support); 3.5mm audio jack
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS with A-GPS for location-based services
Other: FM radio with RDS; no NFC

6. Battery & Power

Type: Removable 1980 mAh Li-Ion battery
Charging: 5V/0.7A wired charging (3.5W), no fast charging; full charge takes ~3.5 hours
Battery Life: Up to 13 hours talk time (3G), ~240 hours standby (typical); endurance rating ~35 hours

7. Design & Physical Specs

Dimensions: 124.8 x 64.8 x 12.3 mm (4.91 x 2.55 x 0.48 in)
Weight: 142g (5.01 oz) with battery
Build: Matte plastic back, textured grip for anti-slip, removable battery cover, non-IP rated
Colors: Black, White, Red, Blue (color options vary by region)
Security: No fingerprint sensor; screen lock via pattern, PIN, or password only

8. Software & Features

UI: Near-stock Android with minimal bloatware, Moto Assist (contextual notifications), Moto Alert (emergency messaging)
Multimedia: Single front-facing speaker, MP3/AAC/WAV playback, 720p video playback
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor