After weeks of teasing and many leaks leading to today’s announcement, Motorola has officially announced a new entry-level Android smartphone that again redefines what an entry-level Android smartphone can be in the Moto E. The Moto E features a 4.3- inch display at 960×540 resolution and 256ppi with Gorilla Glass and a dual-core Snapdragon 200 processor with 1GB of RAM. It comes with a 5-megapixel camera that can capture panoramas as well as video albeit without an LED flash.
The goal with the Moto E is to expand smartphone availability as widely as possible, the idea being that this phone is meant to replace non smartphones and feature phones in emerging markets completely. Where the Moto G was meant to be Motorola’s reintroduction to worldwide markets outside of the US, the Moto E reflects what those markets want in an ideal smartphone for a low price.
Unlike the previous Moto G, the phone also includes support for a microSD card at up to 32GB, an FM radio, and a 1,980mAh battery that Motorola claims is good for a full day, taking into account feedback from international customers on the Moto G. The Moto E runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Motorola is guaranteeing one major update, with more updates being a possibility. The phone will be sold unlocked for $129 while 80 carriers will sell the phone in 40 countries. Pre-orders are available now, though credit cards will be charged immediately, suggesting a release within the next 2-3 weeks.
Following the Moto E confirmation, Motorola also announced the forthcoming release of the Moto G with LTE. The phone is otherwise identical to the original Moto G with the inclusion of an LTE radio, which will be sold for $219 unlocked and will now feature a microSD slot, addressing the most desired feature for the unexpectedly popular phone. That version of the phone will launch in the next few weeks with estimates pointing to an early June release.
