NEW YORK: Both Motorola and LG running on Android are affordable and earning more than a quick glance. Here is a comparison between the older LG Optimus L9 2 and the more recent Motorola Moto E.
With older or cheaper phones, the question of software can often be problematic. The LG Optimus L9 2 (yes, it’s quite a mouthful), model number D605, was originally released with Android Jellybean 4.1.2. That’s quite outdated, but luckily, LG paid attention to its cheaper and older models too, and the L9 2 now comes with Android Kit Kat 4.4.2 out of the box.
If users find themselves purchasing an older batch phone, they can still easily update from Jellybean to Kit Kat. While this isn’t the latest version of Android out there (sorry, no Lollipop officially), it’s still a relatively recent version of Android that works flawlessly.
Being a more recent model and running on a rawer version of Android, the Motorola Moto E comes with a later version. Let’s keep in mind that the Moto E was released almost a full year after the Optimus L9 2, so this is relatively unsurprising. Still, let’s give credit where it’s due the Moto E comes with Kit Kat 4.4.2 out of the box, which is already upgradable to the latest version of Kit Kat, 4.4.4. Add to that the fact that Motorola will likely release Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Moto E, and software-wise, the Moto E is a winner.
When it comes to design, the LG Optimus L9 2 is a winner, at least in terms of visual appeal. Not to say that the Moto E is necessarily ugly, but it kinds sends the “I’m cheap, but I work” message, rather than the “Yes, I look this good for such a low amount” message the Optimus sends. Granted, both smartphones use a plastic case, but LG managed to give its budget candidate a very premium look, despite using cheaper materials.
The LG Optimus L9 2 is prone to fingerprint markings though, but other than that, it really is a lookers, with nice, smooth edges and a great screen to case size ratio. It’s even durable I’ve personally dropped mine (unintentionally, I admit) from a considerable height, and the phone came out without any major bruises. The back cover came off after the impact, but the phone kept running, and apart from an unnoticeable dent on one of its sides, it’s in impeccable shape.
The Motorola Moto E is also fairly durable, and while it isn’t as visually appealing as its LG counterpart, still looks decent. It’s a bit chunky, but its curved back is extremely pleasant to the touch.
As far as displays are concerned, both phones surprised us pleasantly. On paper, the LG Optimus L9 2 has the better display it’s a 720×1280 pixel, 4.7 inch, 312 PPI IPS LCD screen, and it looks fantastic.
Motorola’s Moto E isn’t half-bad either while it comes with a smaller, 4.3 inch, 540×960 pixel, 256 PPI screens, it still manages to impress. Think about it this way Apple Smartphone displays have never been about the numbers, yet have somehow always managed to impress. The same principle applies to the Moto E, which might sound unimpressive, but rest assured, the phone’s display looks brilliant. It’s bright, has the right colours and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, something that the Optimus L9 2 lacks.
