Display and Processor
Moto E includes a 4.3 inch display with a qHD resolution of 960×540 pixels resulting in 256 ppi pixel density. In comparison, the Zenfone 4 features a 4 inch display with WVGA resolution of 480×800 pixels that totals to 233 pixels per inch and the Zenfone 4.5 is fitted with a relatively larger screen size of 4.5 inches that has a resolution of 480×854 pixels and a pixel density of 217 ppi. On comparing all these displays, the Moto E has a better pixel count and it would definitely display crisp and sharp content. Also, all the three smartphones use Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection onboard to make them scratch resistant. The Moto E is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset paired with Adreno 302 graphics engine. On the other hand, both the Zenfone 4 and Zenfone 4.5 are stuffed with Intel Atom Z2520 dual-core chipsets that tick at 1.2 GHz clock speeds. While the Intel chipsets hyper threading technology is known to render faster execution of instructions, the Snapdragon 200 chipset is widely used by the entry-level smartphones as it optimizes the battery life and delivers smooth navigation. In addition, all the smartphones include 1 GB of RAM for efficient switching between the apps. We expect Moto E to perform better out of the three, the UI transitions were fastest on Moto E compared to the other three.
Camera and Internal Storage
In terms of camera, Moto E appears to be the weakest contender as it comes with a 5 MP primary snapper that is devoid a LED flash for better low light performance and a front-facer facilitating in making video calls. When it comes to the Zenfone 4, the handset features a similar 5 MP sensor, but it tops with the presence of a VGA front-facer. Lastly, the Zenfone 4.5 appears to be the best in the trio with an 8 MP rear camera that is teamed up again with a VGA front-facing camera and LED Flash. In the current trend, when selfies and video calling are prevalent, the lack of a front-facer in the Motorola phone sounds like a major downside to the handset despite its popularity. On the storage front, both the Zenfone models arrive with 8 GB of internal storage capacity, whereas the Moto E packs a low 4 GB of storage capacity. Also, the Asus phones support expandable storage up to 64 GB while that of the Motorola offering is only 32 GB.
Battery and Features
A juicy 1,980 mAh battery powers the Moto E, whereas that in the Zenfone 4 is a 1,600 mAh and the one in the Zenfone 4.5 is a 1,750 mAh unit. We expect a decent backup from these entry-level phones, but again Moto E will lead in this segment. Both the Zenfone 4.5 (Customized Zen UI) and Moto E (stock) run on Android 4.4 KitKat, whereas the Zenfone 4 based on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean can be upgraded to v4.4 KitKat. Also, they are dual SIM offerings with standard connectivity features onboard to let the users stay connected all the time. However, the Motorola offering has an upper hand because it can be expected to receive timely update to Android L and comes with several unique features such as Moto Migrate to transfer the content from the old smartphone to the new one and AfterMe navigation service.
Key Specs
Price and Conclusion
When it comes to the pricing, these three phones cost more or less the same without much difference. In terms of hardware and specs, the Asus Zenfone 4.5 appears to be a better offering, though its performance is yet to be figured out. On the other hand, the Moto E’s customization options and the inclusion of unique software aspects make it excel. If your choice is for a device that can keep you updated with the trend with a front-facer and large internal storage space, you ought to choose the Asus Zenfone 4.5.
