Motorola E4 Plus Vs Samsung J2 Prime Is The Upgrade Worth It

For millions of budget-conscious smartphone users, upgrading from an older device isn’t just about getting something newer—it’s about whether that upgrade delivers real improvements in daily use. The Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime and Motorola E4 Plus are two devices that occupied the entry-level market around the same time, appealing to users looking for affordable smartphones with basic functionality. But if you're currently using the J2 Prime and considering a move to the E4 Plus, the key question remains: Is the upgrade actually worth it?

This comparison dives deep into design, performance, battery life, camera quality, software experience, and long-term usability to help you make an informed decision—especially if your current phone is slowing down or no longer receiving updates.

Design and Build Quality: A Step Forward

The Samsung J2 Prime features a compact 5-inch display with a plastic body and a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints. While functional, its build feels dated even by 2017 standards. It’s lightweight but lacks durability, and the screen-to-body ratio is minimal, limiting modern usability.

In contrast, the Motorola E4 Plus steps up with a larger 5.5-inch display and a more refined matte-finish polycarbonate back. Though still made of plastic, the textured rear offers better grip and resists smudges. The slightly larger size accommodates a bigger battery without making the phone unwieldy. Motorola also improved ergonomics with rounded edges, making one-handed use more comfortable despite the increased screen size.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the E4 Plus’s larger screen provides better readability in sunlight due to its higher brightness levels.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both phones rely on entry-level hardware, but there are meaningful differences. The J2 Prime runs on a 1.4 GHz quad-core Exynos 7570 (Samsung’s in-house chip), paired with 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. This setup struggles with multitasking and can lag when running more than two apps simultaneously.

The Motorola E4 Plus uses a slightly faster MediaTek MT6737 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, also quad-core, but comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. That extra gigabyte of RAM makes a noticeable difference in app switching and overall responsiveness. Users report fewer crashes and smoother navigation through menus and social media feeds.

“Even small RAM upgrades in budget phones can significantly improve user experience, especially in app retention and background processing.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Neither phone handles gaming well, but casual titles like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers run more smoothly on the E4 Plus due to better memory management and optimized Android skin.

Battery Life: Where the E4 Plus Shines

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is battery capacity. The J2 Prime packs a modest 2600 mAh battery, which typically lasts a full day with light usage but often requires midday charging under heavier loads.

The Motorola E4 Plus, however, boasts a massive 5000 mAh battery—one of the largest in its class at the time. This allows for up to two full days of moderate use on a single charge. For users in areas with unreliable electricity or those who travel frequently, this extended endurance is a game-changer.

Feature	Samsung J2 Prime	Motorola E4 Plus
Display Size	5.0 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	540 x 960 pixels	720 x 1280 pixels
Processor	Exynos 7570	MediaTek MT6737
RAM	1.5 GB	2 GB
Storage	8 GB	16 GB
Battery Capacity	2600 mAh	5000 mAh
Rear Camera	8 MP	13 MP
Front Camera	5 MP	8 MP
OS (Launch)	Android 6.0	Android 7.1

Camera and Multimedia Experience

The J2 Prime’s 8MP rear camera produces acceptable photos in daylight but struggles in low light, delivering grainy images with poor dynamic range. The 5MP front-facing camera is adequate for video calls but lacks detail.

The E4 Plus improves here with a 13MP rear sensor that captures sharper details and better color reproduction. While still limited by a fixed-focus lens and lack of flash optimization, it performs noticeably better in mixed lighting. The 8MP front camera supports wider selfies and clearer video chats—important for social media users.

Audio output is another area where Motorola pulls ahead. The E4 Plus includes a dedicated audio amplifier and supports HD voice calling, resulting in louder speakerphone volume and clearer earpiece sound during calls.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a street vendor in Manila, relied on her J2 Prime for managing customer orders via messaging apps and tracking daily sales. After 18 months, the phone began freezing regularly, and the battery drained within half a day. She considered buying a new model but was hesitant due to cost.

She eventually upgraded to the E4 Plus after testing it at a local electronics store. The immediate benefits were clear: messages loaded faster, she could keep her calculator, chat app, and notes open simultaneously, and the battery lasted two full workdays. “I don’t have to carry a power bank anymore,” she said. “That alone made the switch worth it.”

Software and Long-Term Usability

The Samsung J2 Prime launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and received one major update to Android 7.1 Nougat. Support ended shortly after, leaving many devices vulnerable to security flaws and incompatible with newer app versions.

The Motorola E4 Plus shipped with Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and maintained cleaner, near-stock Android. While it didn’t receive Android 8.0 Oreo officially, its uncluttered interface meant lighter system overhead and longer app compatibility. Motorola’s commitment to timely security patches—even for budget models—gave users peace of mind.

Additionally, the E4 Plus supports Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi b/g/n, and GPS with faster lock-on times, enhancing connectivity reliability compared to the J2 Prime’s older radio modules.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Own Upgrade Need

1. Assess current pain points: Does your J2 Prime freeze often, take too long to boot, or fail to hold a charge?
2. Check app performance: Are WhatsApp, Facebook, or banking apps becoming sluggish or crashing?
3. Review battery behavior: Do you need to charge multiple times a day? Is the battery swelling?
4. Test alternatives: Try the E4 Plus (or similar) in-store or borrow one temporarily.
5. Compare total cost: Factor in repair costs for your current phone versus the price of a used/refurbished E4 Plus.
6. Decide based on value: If the upgrade solves critical issues and extends usability by 1–2 years, it’s likely worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Motorola E4 Plus run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

While not ideal for heavy multitasking or high-end games, the E4 Plus can handle essential apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube (in lower resolutions), and Google Maps with reasonable performance. Clearing cache regularly and avoiding too many background apps helps maintain speed.

Is 16GB storage enough on the E4 Plus?

Yes, especially since it supports microSD cards up to 128GB. Moving photos, videos, and apps to external storage frees up internal space. Using cloud services like Google Photos further reduces local storage burden.

Does the upgrade make sense purely for battery life?

Absolutely. If your J2 Prime’s battery has degraded over time, the E4 Plus’s 5000 mAh cell offers nearly double the endurance. For users without easy access to charging, this may be the single most valuable improvement.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the Samsung J2 Prime to the Motorola E4 Plus isn’t about chasing cutting-edge specs—it’s about addressing real-world frustrations. The E4 Plus delivers tangible improvements: longer battery life, smoother performance thanks to 2GB RAM, better cameras, and a cleaner software experience.

If your J2 Prime is showing signs of age—slow response, frequent crashes, short battery life—the upgrade offers meaningful relief. At typical resale prices (often under $60 for a used E4 Plus), the investment pays off quickly in convenience and productivity.

It won’t transform your digital life, but it will make everyday tasks easier, faster, and less frustrating. For budget users who depend on their phones for communication, commerce, and organization, that’s value you can feel every day.

💬 Have you upgraded from a J2 Prime or used either of these phones? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the Motorola E4 Plus is the right step forward.