Moto Z Phones What You Need to Know
Moto Z Phones: What You Need to Know Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > Android
Display: 5.5 inch AMOLEDResolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 535 ppiFront camera: 5 MPRear camera: Dual 12 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 7.1.1 NougatFinal Android version: 8.0 Oreo for most carriers, 9.0 Pie for VerizonRelease Date: July 2017 The Z2 Force is an incremental update to the Z Force; the two smartphones are very much alike. The most significant upgrades are the processor, camera, a redesigned fingerprint scanner, and an available update to Android 8.0 Oreo. It also has more carrier support in the U.S. than the Z Force did. The fingerprint sensor is a bit larger than the Z Force's. It also responds better to gesture controls that enable the scanner to act as a Home, back, and current apps key. Plus, it can put the phone to sleep. The Z2 Force has two 12-megapixel cameras on the back, producing higher-quality photos than a single lens. The secondary sensor shoots in monochrome so you can get black-and-white snaps. It also helps you create the bokeh effect, in which part of the photo is in focus while the background is blurred out. The selfie camera has an LED flash for well-lit self-portraits. Otherwise, the Z2 Force is just like the Z Force. It features the same ShatterShield technology that protects it from everyday drops and bumps; however, the bezel is prone to scratches. It only has a single speaker embedded in the earpiece. To get better sound, you might consider the JBL SoundBoost Moto Mod. Neither of the Force smartphones has a headphone jack, but they come with a USB-C adaptor. Both have micro SD card slots.
Display: 5.5 inch AMOLEDResolution: 1080x1920 @ 401 ppiFront camera: 5 MPRear camera: 12 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 7.1.1 NougatFinal Android version: 9.0 PieRelease Date: June 2017 The Moto Z2 Play breaks with Motorola tradition and gives both the Verizon and unlocked version the same name, rather than tacking Droid to the end of the Verizon version. The Z2 Play adds a variety of voice commands, including "OK Google," which wakes up the phone and launches Google Assistant, and "Show me," which you can use to summon weather information and launch apps. "Show me" commands work even when the phone is locked, and these commands only work with your voice for security's sake. The fingerprint scanner works as a Home button, unlike previous models, and responds to gestures to go back and show recent apps. This design is an improvement, as many reviewers mistook the scanner for the Home button on older smartphones. Still, the gestures can sometimes be challenging to execute. The metal back is compatible with Moto Mods. Its battery life isn't as impressive as the Z Force phones, but that can be improved by attaching TurboPower Pack Moto Mod. It also has a headphone jack, which the Z Force models lack, and a micro SD slot.
Moto Z Phones: What You Need to Know
History and details of each release
By Molly McLaughlin Molly McLaughlin Senior Editor & Content Strategist Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 20, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS Motorola continues to release Android smartphones, including the Z series, which is compatible with Moto Mods. The Mods are a series of accessories that attach to your smartphone using magnets to add features such as a projector, speaker, or battery pack. In 2011, Motorola, Inc. split into Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions. Google acquired Motorola Mobility in 2012 and sold it to Lenovo in 2014. The Z series smartphones are nearly stock Android with a bit of Moto customization thrown in. They compete well with flagship phones from Google and Samsung. Here's a look at Motorola's recent Z phone releases.Moto Z4
Display: 6.4 inch OLEDResolution: 2340 x 1080 @ 402 ppiFront camera: 25 MPRear camera: 48 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 9.0 PieFinal Android version: Android 10.0Release Date: June 2019 The Moto Z4 (Verizon exclusive) is a 5G-upgradeable phone, meaning it can connect to Verizon's 5G network wherever it's available. With a 48 MP night vision-capable rear camera, a 25 MP selfie camera, and up to two days of battery life, the Z4 stands out from the competition. Now, with an integrated fingerprint sensor on the display glass, the phone has never been more secure. And, in a move sure to please audiophiles, the 3.5 mm headset jack is back. The Z4 is compatible with Moto Mods, has a Nano SD card slot, and is available in a 128 GB version.Moto Z3 and Z3 Play
Display: 6 inch AMOLEDResolution: 2160 x 1080 @ 402 ppiFront camera: 8 MPRear camera: Dual 12 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 8.1 OreoFinal Android version: 9.0 PieRelease Date: July 2018 The Moto Z3 (Verizon exclusive) and Z3 Play (unlocked) are very similar smartphones, the main difference being carrier compatibility and price. The biggest difference is that the Z3 is 5G-ready, meaning it can connect to Verizon's 5G network when it launches. Both smartphones are compatible with Moto Mods, have micro SD card slots, and lack headphones jacks. In addition, the phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensors located underneath the volume buttons. The Z3 comes in a 64 GB configuration, while the Z3 Play has 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB versions.Moto Z2 Force Edition
Display: 5.5 inch AMOLEDResolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 535 ppiFront camera: 5 MPRear camera: Dual 12 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 7.1.1 NougatFinal Android version: 8.0 Oreo for most carriers, 9.0 Pie for VerizonRelease Date: July 2017 The Z2 Force is an incremental update to the Z Force; the two smartphones are very much alike. The most significant upgrades are the processor, camera, a redesigned fingerprint scanner, and an available update to Android 8.0 Oreo. It also has more carrier support in the U.S. than the Z Force did. The fingerprint sensor is a bit larger than the Z Force's. It also responds better to gesture controls that enable the scanner to act as a Home, back, and current apps key. Plus, it can put the phone to sleep. The Z2 Force has two 12-megapixel cameras on the back, producing higher-quality photos than a single lens. The secondary sensor shoots in monochrome so you can get black-and-white snaps. It also helps you create the bokeh effect, in which part of the photo is in focus while the background is blurred out. The selfie camera has an LED flash for well-lit self-portraits. Otherwise, the Z2 Force is just like the Z Force. It features the same ShatterShield technology that protects it from everyday drops and bumps; however, the bezel is prone to scratches. It only has a single speaker embedded in the earpiece. To get better sound, you might consider the JBL SoundBoost Moto Mod. Neither of the Force smartphones has a headphone jack, but they come with a USB-C adaptor. Both have micro SD card slots.
Moto Z2 Play
Display: 5.5 inch AMOLEDResolution: 1080x1920 @ 401 ppiFront camera: 5 MPRear camera: 12 MPCharger type: USB-CInitial Android version: 7.1.1 NougatFinal Android version: 9.0 PieRelease Date: June 2017 The Moto Z2 Play breaks with Motorola tradition and gives both the Verizon and unlocked version the same name, rather than tacking Droid to the end of the Verizon version. The Z2 Play adds a variety of voice commands, including "OK Google," which wakes up the phone and launches Google Assistant, and "Show me," which you can use to summon weather information and launch apps. "Show me" commands work even when the phone is locked, and these commands only work with your voice for security's sake. The fingerprint scanner works as a Home button, unlike previous models, and responds to gestures to go back and show recent apps. This design is an improvement, as many reviewers mistook the scanner for the Home button on older smartphones. Still, the gestures can sometimes be challenging to execute. The metal back is compatible with Moto Mods. Its battery life isn't as impressive as the Z Force phones, but that can be improved by attaching TurboPower Pack Moto Mod. It also has a headphone jack, which the Z Force models lack, and a micro SD slot.