By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Motorola just launched the Moto E smartphone for $179.99 geared to replace feature phones in price but adding various features and connectivity. Motorola is also updating the Moto G smartphone, now with 4G-LTE on Rogers and Fido as well as a microSD card slot for productivity.
Motorola is building on the success of the Moto G, which has shipped 150,000 units in Canada alone and has taken the world by storm as an affordable, yet capable smartphone running as close to a Pure Google experience as possible without being a Nexus device.
Motorola is currently in flux as it changes owners from Google to Lenovo, the Moto E and the updated Moto G are the first products launched in the post-Google era and seem to be catering to emerging markets, new smartphone buyers and transitioning feature phone users wanting a more dynamic phone with access to all the latest apps and Internet features.
Many believed the Moto G to be the lower-end offering but it has now been elevated to a midrange phone. The inclusion of 4G-LTE as well as memory expansion through a microSD card slot, gives users the two features they most desired. The Moto G's price point remains affordable at or $224.99 outright although Rogers and Fido both feature various plans on this device.
The Moto E does not feature LTE data speeds but it is available unlocked for $179.99 in Canada. I was impressed by the 4.3” display with 256ppi, which was quite sharp. The Moto E is smaller than the Moto X and the Moto G but feels solid and continues to have the ergonomic palmability that makes it feel great in the hand.
A variety of shells and covers are being offered as well for the Moto E although these may not all be available in stores. The Moto G also has the option for new Shells but these were sold though online retailers like Expansys.ca
Hit jump for the full release and details from Motorola.
Press release
Motorola was the first company to bring consumers the cellular phone, the flip phone and a really, really thin feature phone. Now we want to radically transform the mobile industry once again by making quality smartphones that can do great things available to practically everyone.
Nine months ago we launched the Moto franchise and flagship Moto X, which brought new value to smartphone buyers through exclusive experiences like Touchless Control and Active Notifications, and the fastest software upgrades in the industry.
Then we introduced Moto G, an exceptional phone at an exceptional price and now the best selling smartphone in Motorola history. Building on this success, the 16GB version will be coming to national retailers such as Staples, unlocked, with no contract, for $249 beginning in June.
Now we’re pushing the boundaries of the value equation even further with Moto E, a new class of smartphone that’s fully loaded and fairly priced -- a perfect combination for savvy shoppers and first-time smartphone buyers.
Smartphones haven’t always come at smart prices. The fact is, about 70 per cent of mobile phone users in the world are still using feature phones that can’t unlock the full wonder of the mobile Internet, in many cases because they don’t think it’s worth the $337 for a smartphone (the average selling price globally in 2013).
We believe it’s time the feature phone era came to an end and that quality smartphones are made accessible and affordable for all. Say hello to Moto E and join us in officially saying goodbye to the feature phone forever.
Moto E: Made to Last. Priced for All.
Built to last
Moto E has a high-resolution 4.3” display with 256ppi, the sharpest in its class. Everything from photos to videos to web pages comes to life in brilliant detail. Plus, Corning® Gorilla® Glass and a water-resistant splash guard help protect it for lasting durability.
Power to last
With a long-lasting 1980 mAh battery you can go all day without plugging in.1 So you can think about everything you want to do, not how much time you have to do it.
Software to last
Moto E runs Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat®, the latest version of the world’s most popular mobile platform. And with a guaranteed upgrade,2 you’ll know you’re always up to date with the best Android experience.
Style to last
Moto E features colorful interchangeable backs -- called Motorola Shells -- providing more than 20 color and design combinations to let you personalize the look of your phone.3
More features:
● Powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 200 processor with dual-core CPU and 1GB RAM, all the power you need to multi-task without slowing down.
● 5MP rear-facing camera with Motorola’s streamlined camera interface; touch anywhere on the screen to take a shot, capture panoramic pictures or record video.
● microSD slot for up to 32GB of expandable memory to save photos, videos, music, movies and apps.
● Built-in FM radio -- just tune in to listen to your favorite stations or pick up a new signal.
And the best part -- it’s priced at just $179 unlocked, with no contract. Available to Canadians this summer at retail in partnership with Ingram Micro Canada.
Moto G now featuring LTE
We’re now offering an upgraded version of Moto G, featuring LTE for the fastest network speeds. Moto G with 4G LTE has a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of expandable memory, the sharpest 4.5” HD display in its class, all-day battery, quad-core speed and colourful Motorola Shells to customize your phone. All this with the most current version of Android (4.4.2). Moto G with 4G LTE is coming to Rogers and FIDO on June 17. The outright price of Moto G LTE without activating any plans is $274.99 Rogers and $275 Fido $224.99/$225 is no term with a month to month contract
Learn more about mobile Internet access, feature phone usage and the desire for affordable smartphones around the world here.
Share your memories of what life was like before smartphones, while helping your family or friends say #GoodbyeFlipPhone and Hello #MotoE here www.goodbyeflipphone.com