Motorola Moto E22

Motorola Moto E22 Review: A Practical Pick for the Budget-Conscious, But With Caveats

I've spent the better part of two weeks using the Motorola Moto E22 as my daily driver, and it's given me a solid sense of where this phone fits in the current landscape. Priced to be accessible, it’s clearly aimed at those who prioritize affordability. My testing involved the usual daily grind – emails, social media, some light browsing, and the occasional photo. While it gets the basics done, there are definitely trade-offs to consider.

From Motorola's perspective, the E22 feels like a play for the value-conscious consumer, a segment they’ve traditionally served well. In a market saturated with increasingly expensive flagship devices, a reliable and affordable option like the E22 holds a certain appeal. The sub-$200 price point (or thereabouts, depending on the retailer) puts it in direct competition with other entry-level smartphones, and the question becomes: what does Motorola offer at this price?

Picking up the Moto E22 for the first time, the design is, well, functional. The “Crystal Blue” of my review unit is inoffensive, though I wouldn’t call it eye-catching. At 163.6mm tall, 74.7mm wide, and 8mm thin, it sits comfortably in the hand, and the 169g weight is manageable. The build doesn't scream premium, but it doesn't feel cheap either. It’s practical, built for everyday use, rather than making a statement. I appreciate the inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner; it's responsive and intuitively placed.

The 6.5-inch IPS LCD display is where some of the cost-cutting becomes apparent. While the 90Hz refresh rate does make scrolling and animations smoother than standard 60Hz panels, the 720 x 1600 resolution (resulting in a pixel density of 270 ppi) leaves something to be desired. Text can appear a little soft around the edges, and while media consumption is acceptable, it lacks the sharpness and vibrancy of higher-resolution displays. Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but I found it struggling under direct sunlight. For casual browsing and social media, it’s sufficient, but for anyone who watches a lot of videos or plays visually rich games, the limitations will be noticeable.

Performance is handled by the MediaTek Helio G37 chipset, paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM (my test unit had the latter). In my testing, the G37 is adequate for basic tasks like checking emails, browsing the web, and light social media use. However, push it with multitasking – switching between several apps, for example – and you’ll encounter noticeable lag and stuttering. Gaming is definitely not a strong suit. While less demanding titles will run, don't expect smooth frame rates or high graphical fidelity on anything intensive. During prolonged use, particularly when gaming or running multiple apps, I did observe some warming on the back of the device, though it never became alarmingly hot.

The camera system on the Moto E22 is fairly basic. The rear setup features a 16MP main sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor. In well-lit conditions, the main camera can capture decent shots with acceptable detail, suitable for social media sharing. However, dynamic range is limited, and colors can appear somewhat muted. Low-light performance is predictably underwhelming, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. The 2MP depth sensor aids in portrait mode, providing some level of background blur, but it's not the most refined implementation. The 5MP front-facing camera is sufficient for video calls and quick selfies, but again, don’t expect stellar image quality. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps, and the quality is on par with the still photos – usable in good lighting, but struggles in less ideal conditions. Compared to smartphones with more sophisticated camera systems, the E22 clearly falls short.

Battery life from the 4020mAh cell is respectable. In my typical daily use, which involves a mix of browsing, social media, and some light media consumption, I could generally get through a full day without needing to reach for the charger. However, on days with heavier usage, including more extended periods of video streaming or gaming, I found myself needing a top-up in the late afternoon. Charging speeds are on the slower side. The included 10W charger takes a considerable amount of time to fully replenish the battery, so overnight charging is definitely recommended.

The Moto E22 runs on Android 12. Motorola’s approach to Android is generally clean and close to stock, which I appreciate. There’s minimal bloatware, and the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Key features include the usual suite of Google services, and Motorola’s “My UX” offers some subtle customizations and helpful additions without feeling intrusive. While Motorola’s update policy for budget devices isn’t always the most generous, it’s worth noting that this phone is likely to receive at least one major Android update and security patches for a reasonable period.

Analyzing the value proposition, the Motorola Moto E22 makes sense for a specific type of user. If your priorities are affordability and basic smartphone functionality – making calls, sending texts, browsing the web, and light social media use – then the E22 is a capable contender. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those who need a reliable secondary device. However, if you prioritize a high-resolution display, powerful performance for gaming or demanding apps, or a versatile camera system, you’ll likely be disappointed and should consider spending a bit more for a device that better meets those needs. In a competitive market, devices like the Xiaomi Redmi series or Realme C series offer similar features at comparable price points, so it’s worth comparing specifications and user reviews before making a decision.

In conclusion, the Motorola Moto E22 is a functional and affordable smartphone that delivers on the basics. It’s not going to wow you with cutting-edge features or top-tier performance, but it provides a reliable Android experience for those on a tight budget. If you need a no-frills phone that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the Moto E22 is worth considering. However, be aware of its limitations, particularly in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your individual needs and budget constraints.