Moto E3 (2016) Review: Affordable Android for Budget Users

The Moto E3 (2016, model XT1700), also known as Moto E (3rd Gen.), is an entry-level Android smartphone released by Motorola Mobility (Lenovo) in July 2016. It offers a 5-inch HD display, MediaTek MT6735P chipset, 8MP rear camera, and a removable 2800mAh battery, targeting budget users seeking essential smartphone features with improved cameras and 4G LTE connectivity. Below are its detailed English specifications:

1. General Information

Launch Date: Announced on July 14, 2016, released in July 2016.
Model Number: XT1700 (global variant).
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow; no official OS upgrades beyond this version.
Core Purpose: Entry-level device for daily communication, web browsing, and basic photography with 4G LTE at an affordable price.

2. Display

Type: 5-inch IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16:9 aspect ratio, 16M colors, 60Hz refresh rate, 5-point multi-touch.
Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels (HD), ~294 ppi, ~66.9% screen-to-body ratio.
Features: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, scratch resistance, brightness up to 380 nits, sunlight readability mode.

3. Performance & Memory

Processor: MediaTek MT6735P (1.0 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53).
GPU: Mali-T720 MP2, supports 1080p video playback and casual 2D games.
RAM: 1GB LPDDR3 (only option).
Storage: 8GB eMMC 4.5 (user-available ~4.5GB); microSDXC slot (up to 32GB expansion, dedicated slot).
Performance Benchmarks: AnTuTu (v6) ~25,000; GeekBench 4 single-core ~400, multi-core ~1,200.

4. Camera

Rear Camera: 8MP (f/2.2, 28mm wide, 1.4μm), autofocus, LED flash, HDR, panorama; video: 1080p@30fps.
Front Camera: 5MP (f/2.2, 25mm wide), fixed focus, supports HDR; video: 720p@30fps.

5. Connectivity

Network: 4G LTE (Cat 4, 150 Mbps down/50 Mbps up)/3G HSPA+/2G GSM; dual-SIM (Micro + Nano, dual-standby).
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz only), Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot.
Bluetooth: 4.0 with A2DP, LE for wireless audio.
Ports: Micro USB 2.0 (data/charging, USB-OTG); 3.5mm audio jack.
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS with A-GPS.
Other: FM radio with RDS; no NFC.

6. Battery & Power

Type: Removable 2800mAh Li-Ion battery.
Charging: 5V/1A wired charging (5W), no fast charging; full charge ~3 hours.
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours talk time (3G), ~300 hours standby (typical); endurance rating ~40 hours.

7. Design & Physical Specs

Dimensions: 143.8 x 71.6 x 8.5 mm (5.66 x 2.82 x 0.33 in).
Weight: 140.6g (4.96 oz) with battery.
Build: Plastic back and frame, removable battery cover, non-IP rated.
Colors: Black, White (region-dependent).
Security: No fingerprint sensor; screen lock via pattern, PIN, or password only.

8. Software & Features

UI: Near-stock Android with Moto Assist (contextual notifications), Moto Alert (emergency messaging).
Multimedia: Single front-facing speaker, MP3/AAC/FLAC playback, 1080p video playback.
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor.