A practical phone for basic usage

MOTO is well known for making practical and dependable devices that are affordable. And that is what Moto M (far right) is.
This Android smartphone has all you really need, minus the frills, and with a grounded price tag.
From the phone’s design to the box it comes in, the Moto M is very understated.
It hides a 64-bit MTK Helio P15 octa-core 2.2GHz, 32GB of storage and 4GB of memory, which is more than enough to run its standard Android 6.0 ­interface.
I must admit that the Google Now Launcher, which is the stock interface for Android, is one of my favourites, and the standard by which I measure other Android interfaces.
It has all the must-have basic features such as an app drawer, but it lacks certain features such as the ability to change the number of icons on the home screen.
In the two weeks I used the Moto M as my main driver, I learned to love its simplicity.
Its 5.5in full high-definition display lacks curves, but is good enough to read, preview pictures, and view videos on.
The phone feels substantial in the hand. At the back of the phone is a slight bump for the 16MP camera and flash, and a shallow indent for the fingerprint reader.
These design cues make it easy to unlock the phone and differentiate the two sensors without looking.
The rear camera has Phase Detection Autofocus to make it speedy, and dual CCT flash to make photos look natural.
The result is what you would expect from a phone in its price range, which is acceptable in most conditions. Expect slow shutter speed and some noise in low-light photos.
The forward-facing camera, on the other hand, is an 8MP couple with a typical beautification mode for selfie fiends.
One unique feature of the Moto M is its implementation of Dolby Atmos. It enhances the audio of Dolby Atmos compatible apps and media when listened through earphones or headphones.
Personally, I think it is a nice addition. However, unless you regularly listen to music, watch videos, or play games on your phones with good quality ­headphones or ­earphones on, this feature may just go to waste.
In my daily use, I find that the Moto M’s 3,050mAh battery is adequate to last a full day of heavy usage. Its non-distinguished look did not bother me, but its poor call quality was often noted by those who called me.
For RM1,199, the Moto M is simple, reliable, and has just the right specs to make it a solid pick. It is available in gold and grey at your local mobile store.
For more, visit the Moto Malaysia website.