Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) smartphone
Motorola

Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen)

September 2016 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen), also known as the Moto E3, is an entry-level Android smartphone released in late 2016. It features a 5-inch HD display, an 8MP main camera, and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Designed for budget-conscious users, it also includes splash resistance and a removable battery.
Display5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 3
ChipsetMediaTek MT6735P Quad-core 1.0 GHz
Main Camera8 MP with autofocus and LED flash
BatteryRemovable Li-Ion 2800 mAh
Starting from $683

💰 Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) Price

The Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) lowest price is $683, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size5.0 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow
ChipsetMediaTek MT6735P
CPUQuad-core 1.0 GHz
GPUMali-T720

Memory

Internal8GB
RAM1GB
Card slotmicroSDHC, up to 32GB

Main Camera

Modules8 MP, AF
FeaturesLED flash
Video720p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Modules5 MP
Video720p

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 2800 mAh

Body

Dimensions144.4 x 72 x 9.9 mm
Weight137 g
BuildPlastic body, splash resistant (nano-coating)
SIMSingle SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS
RadioFM radio, RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedJuly 2016
StatusReleased September 2016

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Decent 5-inch HD display for its class
  • Splash-resistant nano-coating adds durability
  • Removable battery allows for easy replacement
  • Near-stock Android experience

Cons

  • Limited 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage can lead to performance issues
  • Weak processor for demanding tasks
  • No further Android OS updates beyond Marshmallow
  • Camera performance is basic
  • No NFC for mobile payments
★ Our Verdict

The Moto E (3rd Gen) offered good value for its time with a decent screen and splash resistance, but its limited performance and lack of future updates hinder its long-term usability.

The Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) is an older budget smartphone, primarily suitable for very basic use cases like calls, messaging, and light web browsing. Due to its age, limited RAM, and outdated Android version (6.0 Marshmallow with no further updates), it will struggle with modern apps and multitasking. While its splash resistance and removable battery were notable features for its price in 2016, contemporary budget phones offer significantly better performance, cameras, and software support. Consider this phone only if you need a very inexpensive, secondary device or a simple phone for a child, and understand its limitations regarding app compatibility and security updates. For daily use, newer budget alternatives provide a much better experience.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) handset
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety Information

Standard manufacturer's warranty, typically 1 year, subject to regional regulations.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) released?

The Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) was officially released in September 2016, following its announcement in July of the same year.

What operating system does the Moto E (3rd Gen) run?

The Moto E (3rd Gen) launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Motorola confirmed that this model would not receive updates to Android 7.0 Nougat or later versions.

Is the Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) water resistant?

Yes, the Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) features a splash-resistant nano-coating, providing protection against accidental spills and light rain, but it is not designed to be submerged in water.

What are the camera specifications of the Moto E (3rd Gen)?

The phone is equipped with an 8-megapixel main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 720p video. For selfies, it has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

Can the storage on the Moto E (3rd Gen) be expanded?

Yes, the Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSDHC card.

Does the Moto E (3rd Gen) have a removable battery?

Yes, the Motorola Moto E (3rd Gen) features a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery, allowing users to easily replace it if needed.