Lenovo Motorola Moto E3 8GB LTE Black grade A

Moto E3 features some great specifications available at this price point. It’s a significant improvement over the Moto E (2nd Generation), especially when you look at the screen. Moto have given us a 5" inch 1080 x 720p HD display which wouldn’t look out of place on a handset twice its price.

Some cheaper phones might offer some similar specs but often take a hit in one area or another. However the Moto E3 is a brilliant all rounder and should remain a phone you can rely on for a number of years.

Google Android 6.0 Lollipop

The latest version of Google's OS, Android 6 is installed on the Moto E3.

New features in Android 6.0 include improved security and a new permissions model. This means that when you install new applications, they have to ask you when they access certain features of the system such as the camera or your contacts list. You can then allow or deny that access, giving you more control over your phone.

Memory management has changed in Android 6.0 too. For several years, you haven't been able to install apps directly to an SD card. Instead it could only be used to store media such as pictures, videos and music.

Now when you install a memory card, Android will ask you if you want to make it part of the internal storage. If you do this then it is as if the card is 'part' of the phone, so you can properly increase your storage and run apps off the card. The only trade off is that you will now not be able to swap that card out to another phone - it will have to stay in the phone. Finally there have been several improvements to battery life and power saving. Android 6.0 now puts apps to sleep in a much better fashion. If you regularly leave apps running without closing them down, Android is now clever enough to stop them draining the battery but still let them wake up if they receive information.

Battery

With a 2,800 mAh battery, the new Moto E3 has improved its battery size from the 2nd generation Moto. With a battery this big you will be sure to get a full days use. Dash to school or work in the morning, meet up with family or friends. Then head out for the evening. All without worrying about stopping to recharge.

Services and software

The Android system will provide you with most of the applications you should need, including Gmail, Maps, Photo Gallery, Hangouts for texting, Drive for documents and many more. You will also have access to Google Play to be able to install new applications from the Internet.

Motorola do not add much to the system, keeping the software close to stock Android so that leaves you to the personalisation of the device. There are a few apps installed though - Motorola Migrate helps you transfer content from an old phone to your new Moto E3. You will also have Moto Assist and Alert, which work in combination with your calendar and contacts, to provide you with useful updates and reminders, throughout the day.