Review and tests of Motorola Moto Z2 Play. Smartphone swiss army knife. Motorola Moto Z2 Play review: let's play with Moto
Moto Z is the top series of the product line Motorola Moto, which first appeared last year. It is logical that this year the time has come for the heirs of last year’s models. In this review, we introduce you to the Moto Z2 Play, the successor to the Moto Z Play, which was the most available model in the line. The Moto Z2 Play has gone up a bit in price, bringing the device closer to the top models on the market. The changes compared to its predecessor lie primarily in the design, which is now based entirely on metal. In addition, the device has a thinner profile. Dimensions and 5.5-inch screen were retained because, like all other products in the Moto Z line, Moto Z2 Play is compatible with so-called Moto Mods, which we will talk about below. The smartphone also has a new processor, new camera And new battery, and all this, of course, will pass our tests.
Motorola Moto Z2 Play price
Current average price smartphone 27,000 - 28,000 rubles. More expensive than Samsung Galaxy A5, but also more interesting.Construction and design
At first glance it looks similar to its predecessor from last year, but in fact has some key design differences. For example, the glass back has been replaced with metal. Glass or metal is of course a matter of taste (I personally am for metal), but in any case, the Moto Z2 Play looks stylish and, unlike glass, does not collect fingerprints on the body. The thickness of the smartphone is reduced and is only 6 millimeters. The reduction also affects the weight of 145 grams, which is unusual for a 5.5-inch smartphone.![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-23-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-3.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-4.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-5.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-6.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-7.jpg)
Moto Mods
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-9.jpg)
Screen
The screen size of the Motorola Moto Z2 Play is 5.5 inches, just like other Moto Z models. The resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which, despite the screen size, will give you a good picture. The pixel density is around 403 pixels per inch. Another notable advantage of the smartphone is the matrix Super AMOLED, which guarantees high level contrast and great job outside under the sun. Plus, the screen can boast wide viewing angles as expected. In the display settings menu, in addition to the standard ones, you will also find the ability to switch to a more saturated color mode.Specifications Motorola Moto Z2 Play
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-8.jpg)
operating system | Android 7.1.1 (Nougate), planned update to Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
---|---|
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 MSM8953-Pro (8-core, 2.20 GHz, Cortex-A53) |
RAM | 4 GB |
Internal memory | 64 GB |
GPU | Adreno 506 |
Screen | 5.5" Super AMOLED capacitive multi-touch screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution |
Connection | Bluetooth v4.0, A2DP, LE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, GPS, A-GPS |
Cameras | main 12-megapixel with autofocus, dual LED flash, front 5-megapixel |
Additionally |
|
Battery | 3000 mAh |
Dimensions | 76.2 x 156.2 x 6 mm |
Weight | 145 g |
Battery
Unsurprisingly, the battery in the Motorola Moto Z2 Play has a slightly lower capacity than its predecessor, since the smartphone is thinner. In the case of the 2017 model, we are talking about a 3000 mAh battery, compared to 3510 mAh for last year's model. However, this does not always guarantee a large time difference battery life. To test the smartphone's battery life, we conducted five endurance tests that include phone calls, Wi-Fi and 3G surfing, video viewing and 3D gaming. To make a fair comparison with other competing models, we also installed following settings: screen brightness 120 cd/m2, off Wi-Fi module, GPS, 3G and Bluetooth are disabled (except for the 3G surfing test).Battery testing, comparison with Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and Moto Z Play
Telephone conversation
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-10.jpg)
Internet surfing with Wi-Fi
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-11.jpg)
Internet surfing with 4G
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-12.jpg)
Watch video
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-13.jpg)
3D games
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-14.jpg)
Software
Motorola Moto Z2 Play runs on the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system and comes with a clean version without an additional proprietary shell. However, there are many additional applications in addition to the standard Google package.Performance
The Motorola Moto Z2 Play is powered by the Snapdragon 626, which boasts a 14nm process (not the most advanced in 2017, but not the oldest either). It has eight Cortex-A53 cores with clock frequency 2.2 GHz, which is the main difference from the Snapdragon 625-based Moto Z Play. The chip has an X9 modem that provides Cat. 7 LTE, or in other words, download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps. The Snapdragon 625 also supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac, NFC, Quick Charge 3.0 Fast Charge Technology, Full HD, up to 24 megapixel camera and 4K video recording. Graphics are processed by the Adreno 506 chip. RAM is 3 GB. In terms of battery life, the chip appears to be quite efficient based on battery test results. The internal memory is 32 GB, with 13 GB occupied by operating system files. There is also microSD slot with support for cards up to 256 GB.CPU testing
Geekbench 3.0 (multi-core)
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-15.jpg)
Vellamo 3 Metal
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-16.jpg)
Vellamo 2 Metal
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-17.jpg)
Graphics chip testing
GFXBench 2.7 (T-Rex, Offscreen)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-18.jpg)
GFXBench 3.0 (Manhattan, Offscreen)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-19.jpg)
3DMark (Ice Storm Unlimited)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-20.jpg)
Operating temperature
After testing compute and graphics performance, we measure case temperature, which shows how hot the device gets after heavy 3D gaming workload. After several hours of gaming, we check the maximum temperatures in three different areas on the back of the smartphone. The hottest spot was in the chamber area, where the temperature reached 32.1 degrees. This, of course, is nonsense. Let me remind you that the body temperature is 36 degrees and the phone could simply be heated by hands. Thus, we can safely say that the Moto Z2 Play does not have any overheating problems. This is also facilitated by the metal body of the smartphone.![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-21.jpg)
Camera Motorola Moto Z2 Play
![](https://i0.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-22.jpg)
Examples of photos taken on Motorola Moto Z2 Play
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-23-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-24-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-25-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-26-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-28-300x225.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/reviewzorro.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Moto-Z2-Play-29-300x225.jpg)
Conclusion - does it make sense to buy?
Moto Z2 Play is a worthy successor to the Z Play smartphone. It will amaze you with its extremely thin profile and all-metal construction. The main camera protrudes noticeably, but this is to some extent understandable given the thickness of 6 mm. It is also possible to add Moto Mods, which can change the appearance of the smartphone or give it capabilities that cannot be obtained from other smartphones, such as a projector or a 360-degree camera. This is a 2017 model, so it is not surprising that the smartphone is equipped with a port USB Type-C, a fingerprint sensor and the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, with an update to Android 8 Oreo also planned. Also available special applications Moto with various features that improve and facilitate the use of the device. The model's battery is 3000 mAh, but the smartphone surprised us with its rather good battery life. The smartphone has good performance thanks to the Snapdragon 626 mobile chip, while maintaining a low body temperature after prolonged use. The camera has an upgrade of 12 megapixels and an f/1.7 aperture. Photos taken with a smartphone are quite good.Pros of Motorola Moto Z2 Play
- Stylish metal design and 6mm thickness
- Ability to add various Moto Mods
- Fingerprint sensor and USB Type-C port
- Long battery life
- Pure Android 7.1 Nougat + a few extra Moto features
- Low temperature body after prolonged load
- 12-megapixel camera with f/1.7 aperture, laser autofocus and 4K video recording
Cons
- Very protruding camera
- Increased cost compared to its predecessor
Review from the owner of Motorola Moto Z2 Play, opinion about Moto Mods
Finally, we suggest you look at this interesting review from the owner and his opinion about Moto Mods.The waltz between Lenovo and its Motorola is very interesting to watch. At first it was about preserving both the Moto line and the VIBE series, then VIBE disappeared, but the “double” brand Lenovo Moto and Lenovo smartphones without sub-brand (in small quantities). Now we are talking about the fact that smartphones will be produced only under the Moto brand - I don’t think, however, that the epic will stop there.
The gadgets themselves can get lost in this fuss, but that’s not the case. Unlike another revived legend, Nokia, which so far is mainly selling its “face,” Moto has very interesting developments behind its soul. Moto Mods are not a thing of the past - the topic continues to develop, new modules appear, and Z2 is already the second generation of smartphones that support Mods.
But Moto Z2 Play is notable not only for its ability to expand functionality. This is a smartphone that is curious in its positioning. On the one hand, it has an AMOLED display, a front-facing fingerprint scanner, slim body, splash protection. On the other hand, it has a middle-class platform, Qualcomm Snapdragon 626, LTE only category seven (and not category 9 or 12, like modern flagships), RAM only 3-4 GB. And the price is 35 thousand rubles. Z2 Play seems to freeze at the junction of two worlds - a semi-flagship.
⇡ Specifications
Moto Z2 Play | |||||
Display | 5.5 inches, AMOLED, |
5.5 inches, AMOLED, 2560 × 1440 pixels, 535 ppi, capacitive multi-touch | 5.15 inches, IPS, 1920 × 1080 pixels, 423 ppi, capacitive multi-touch | 5.15 inches, IPS, 1920 × 1080 pixels, 428 ppi, capacitive multi-touch | 5.5 inches, AMOLED, 1920 × 1080 pixels, 401 ppi, capacitive multi-touch |
Safety glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | No information | Yes, manufacturer unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 (eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores, 2.2 GHz) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (dual 2.2 GHz Kryo cores + dual 1.6 GHz Kryo cores) | HiSilicone Kirin 960 (four ARM Cortex-A73 cores, 2.4 GHz + four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, 1.8 GHz) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8996 (quad Kryo cores, 2.45 GHz + quad Kryo cores, 1.9 GHz) | |
Graphics controller | Adreno 506, 650 MHz | Adreno 530, 624 MHz | ARM Mali-G71 MP8, 850 MHz | Adreno 540, 710 MHz | Adreno 540, 710 MHz |
RAM | 3/4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB (6 GB version available) | 6 GB | 6/8 GB |
Flash memory | 32/64 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB (there is a version with 128 GB) | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB |
Memory card support | Eat | Eat | Eat | No | No |
Connectors | USB Type-C, 3.5 mm mini-jack | USB Type-C | USB Type-C, 3.5 mm mini-jack | USB Type-C | USB Type-C, 3.5 mm mini-jack |
SIM cards | Two nano-SIMs | Two nano-SIMs | Two nano-SIMs | Two nano-SIMs | Two nano-SIMs |
Cellular connection 2G | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz CDMA 800, 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz CDMA 800 |
Cellular 3G | UMTS/HSPA+ 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz | |
Cellular 4G | LTE Cat. 7 (300/150 Mbps): bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66 | LTE Cat. 9 (up to 450 Mbit/s): bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28 | LTE Cat. 6 (300/50 Mbit/s): bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE Cat. 16 (1000/150 Mbit/s): bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE Cat. 12 (600/150 Mbps): bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40 , 41, 66 |
WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
NFC | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
Navigation | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS (BeiDou and Galileo are implemented by the chipset, but not declared) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo |
Sensors | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass), ultrasonic | Light, proximity, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass), IR sensor | Light, proximity, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass), barometer, IR sensor | Illumination, proximity, accelerometer/gyroscope, magnetometer (digital compass) | |
Fingerprint scanner | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
Main camera | 12 MP, ƒ/1.7, hybrid autofocus, dual LED flash, 4K video recording | 13 MP, ƒ/1.8, contrast autofocus with laser illumination, LED flash | Dual module, 20 + 12 MP, ƒ/2.2, hybrid autofocus, dual LED flash | Dual module, 12 MP: 27 mm, ƒ/1.8 + 52 mm, ƒ/2.6 (2x zoom); on wide angle there is an optical stabilizer; phase detection autofocus, dual LED flash | Dual module, 16 + 20 MP, ƒ/1.7 + ƒ/2.6, contrast autofocus on the wide-angle module + phase detection autofocus on the telephoto module, dual LED flash |
Front camera | 4 MP, fixed focus, flash | 5 MP, fixed focus, flash | 8 MP, ƒ/2.4, fixed focus | 8 MP, fixed focus | 16 MP, fixed focus |
Nutrition | Non-removable battery: 11.4 Wh (3000 mAh, 3.8 V) | Non-removable battery 9.88 Wh (2600 mAh, 3.8 V) | Non-removable battery 12.16 Wh (3200 mAh, 3.8 V) | Non-removable 12.73 Wh battery (3350 mAh, 3.8 V) | Non-removable battery: 12.54 Wh (3300 mAh, 3.8 V) |
Size | 156.2 × 76.2 × 5.99 mm | 155.3 × 75.3 × 5.19 mm | 147.3 x 70.9 x 7.45 mm | 145.2 x 70.5 x 7.45 mm | 154.2 × 74.1 × 7.25 mm |
Weight | 145 grams | 136 grams | 155 grams | 168/182 grams ( regular version/ ceramic) | 153 grams |
Housing protection | Splash protection | Splash protection | No | Splash protection | No |
operating system | Android 7.1.1 Nougat | Android 6.0 Marshmallow | Android 7.0 Nougat, EMUI shell | Android 7.1.1 Nougat, MIUI shell | Android 7.1.1 Nougat, OxygenOS shell |
Current price | 34,990 rubles (for 4/64 GB version) | 40,000 rubles | 26,990 rubles | 29,990 rubles | 32,000-36,000 rubles |
⇡ Appearance, ergonomics and software
Making a phone with your own face today is a real feat. The days of the RAZR or N98 are long gone, experiments with form have been crushed by the huge touch display- the space for designers to express themselves is reduced to some tiny details. Nevertheless, compared to the general (especially Chinese) background, Moto is doing very well with this.
The main thing that distinguishes last generations seniors Moto smartphones, is their thinness: less than six millimeters on average, excluding additional cover. Well, it has a very unique appearance “out of the box” - with open contacts on the rear panel. The smartphone looks like a model for assembly, and not a final device, which, however, is not far from the truth, given the modular concept.
It is not necessary to use Moto Mods - you can simply cover the back panel with a replaceable cover. This is also nice - I don’t think that many people will regularly buy new covers for themselves to refresh their impressions of their own smartphone, but the opportunity to immediately choose, for example, a back panel “like wood” or with some kind of print, is very Fine.
Replaceable modules, like covers, are attached to the back with magnets - in one movement and very securely. Realized great.
Other distinctive features of the Z2 Play: a round main camera unit with an integrated lens and dual flash, as well as a flash for the front camera on the front panel - a rarity these days. An oval key with touch rather than mechanical control and a fingerprint scanner integrated into it will not surprise anyone today. You can also note the absence of a visible grille for the main speaker - the conversational speaker takes the rap for two here, and I wouldn’t say that this is such a brilliant solution.
Moto Z2 Play, back panel: camera unit with lens and dual flash, microphone at the bottom
But there is a mini-jack, which tragically disappeared from the Moto Z. In the end, we are talking about the Play version - it is still simpler, it should not make user revolutions. It's still more convenient to live with a mini-jack - that's why it's here. And those who want to proudly stand at the forefront of progress can choose flagship devices.
Specifications
- Android 7.1.1
- Display 5.5 inches, AMOLED, 1080x1920 pixels, 401 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Li-Ion battery 3000 mAh, operating time in mixed mode up to 40 hours, fast charging
- Version for one nanoSIM card, two nanoSIM cards, separate memory card slot in the tray
- 3/32 GB memory or 4/64 GB memory, memory cards up to 256 GB
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 chipset, octa-core Cortex A53 @ up to 2.2 GHz, Adreno 506 GPU
- Front camera 5 megapixels, dual-section flash
- Main camera 12 megapixels, f/1.7, phase detection autofocus
- Noise reduction system, three microphones
- Fingerprint sensor
- FM radio
- USB Type C, USB OTG, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, NFC
- GPS/GLONASS
- Color options – Lunar Gray, Fine Gold, Nimbus Blue
- Dimensions – 156.2x76.2x6 mm, weight – 145 grams
Scope of delivery
- Smartphone
- Charger supporting fast charging
- Wired stereo headset
- SIM tray eject tool
- Additional panel for back wall
- Instructions
Positioning
In 2017, the Z line becomes premium for Motorola, in fact these are the company's flagships, but with one caveat - there is an expensive, top-end flagship with the Force prefix, which uses an unbreakable ShutterShield screen, and a more affordable Z2 Play. The difference between these models in cost is noticeable, almost twofold. The issue of positioning the Z2 Play is complex, since based on the cost of 400 euros in Europe (35,000 rubles in Russia), this is a mid-segment model, and the filling corresponds to this segment. In my opinion, this device meets a couple of requirements from potential buyers, namely for a long time works on a single charge, clean and most up-to-date Android without add-ons and additional functions, good body materials. In fact, we have a device for those who choose a phone for a couple of years and want it to work for a long time on each charge. At the same time, such a buyer does not require the most top-end characteristics; for example, it is not important for him to have the most powerful processor, and the balance of the device comes to the fore. For fans of the brand that still exist, this is also an interesting decision.
Design, dimensions, control elements
The model is available in three colors, I don’t know which color suits you best, they are all interesting in some way.
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/1.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/2.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/3.jpg)
The phone is easily recognizable, but, for example, I don’t like the case being too thin, its thickness is 6 mm! It digs into your hand, and the camera window protrudes a lot and constantly clings to various objects if you carry the phone that way.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/01.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/06.jpg)
But the device comes with an additional cover, a kind of panel that removes this “defect”, the device becomes a couple of millimeters thicker, but there are no problems with ergonomics.
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/003.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/004.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/005.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/006.jpg)
Please note that there are contacts on the back panel, they are intended for Moto Mods, with the help of these accessories you can expand the functionality of the device, the company has released a fairly large number of “mods”, here and external speaker JBL, both battery and camera.
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/07.jpg)
In my opinion, the best way is to use external battery, its capacity is 3000 mAh, which gives you about 1.5 times more energy, and the device will work not for two days, but for all three days. In this aspect, the phone is a record holder, but we will talk about this later.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/007.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/008.jpg)
At the top end you see a tray for SIM cards, depending on the market there may be two or one (nanoSIM format), on the other side you can install microSD card. That is, the slot allows you to use up to two SIM cards and a memory card at the same time.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/09.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/10.jpg)
On the right side there are two volume keys and an on/off button. The phone has three microphones and a well-implemented noise reduction system.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/05.jpg)
Above the screen there is a front camera and an LED flash, a proximity sensor, but the central key is a fingerprint sensor; pressing is not supported, but you can enable gesture support in the settings and scroll through lists on this button.
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/11.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/014.jpg)
The device has a 3.5 mm jack, and at the bottom there is a standard USB Type C connector for charging your phone.
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/all-face.jpg)
The dimensions of the device are 156.2x76.2x6 mm, weight - 145 grams. It's quite wide, but with an extra pad or some Moto Mods it fits well in the hand, it shouldn't be used without them, although it is possible. The case is made of metal, the front panel is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the oleophobic coating is good.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/01.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/001.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/002.jpg)
There are no complaints about the build quality, it's still the same good old Motorola.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/012.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/011.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/010.jpg)
Display
Screen 5.5 inches, AMOLED, 1080x1920 pixels, 401 ppi, automatic brightness adjustment, Corning Gorilla Glass 3. As for me, automatic brightness adjustment often darkens the screen too much, this is done so that the device works longer. And if in normal modes this is not so noticeable, then when shooting with a camera on the street on a not very sunny day it becomes a problem; you have to peer into the screen. Exactly for this reason I turned it off automatic adjustment brightness
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic/03.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/pic2/013.jpg)
But if you manually set the screen brightness, then in most cases it will be comfortable for you. After the flagships from Samsung, I did not have enough display brightness, it seemed dim, but this is typical for most models in this price segment, both with AMOLED and TFT screens. For example, Huawei uses exactly the same aggressive brightness reduction algorithms for most use cases.
For the average person, the screen on the Z2 Play will be more than enough, especially if you have not used devices with QHD displays, otherwise you will definitely not have enough of it.
Battery
The built-in Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh, according to Motorola, can provide up to 40 hours of phone operation in mixed mode, which means that you can easily do different things on the phone for two days. As a rule, the stated and real time Motorola's are the same, and so it happened in my case, the device worked on average for about two days with 5-6 hours of display operation (60% backlight).
The playback time for unconverted video is a little more than 16 hours at maximum brightness, this is a very decent result.
Considering what you can buy external battery in the form of a mod (3000 mAh), you will easily get three days of work. And if you play on the device, then it will be 15 hours of pure time with such a battery, that is, a full day from morning to sunset. In terms of operating time, this device is very good, which will captivate many.
Fast charging is supported, the complete charging time with the complete device is about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Memory, RAM, chipset and performance
The phone has 4 GB of RAM, you can choose 64 GB of internal memory (there is an option for 3/32 GB), but there is also support for microSD memory cards up to 256 GB.
The chipset inside the phone is Snapdragon 626, 8 Cortex A53 cores up to 2.2 GHz, graphics accelerator – Adreno 506. The performance of this solution is not maximum, but it is quite enough for most typical tasks. Look at the results synthetic tests below.
USB, Bluetooth, communication capabilities
Version BT 4.2, all profiles are supported, which can be considered a nice feature of the device. Depending on the model number, different frequencies are supported for LTE, there are always the following bands: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13.
For Wi-Fi there is support for 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The phone has NFC, but the USB version is 3.1 (Type C).
Camera
The front camera is 5 megapixel, it has a two-section (!) flash. The pictures are of average quality. The main camera has a rather interesting interface.
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/scr/32.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/moto/z2-play/scr/33.jpg)
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The characteristics of the main camera are as follows: 12 megapixels, f/1.7, phase detection autofocus. Unfortunately, the shooting quality is very average, it is not strong point device, however, look for yourself.
Software features
Just like other devices from Motorola, this one is built on pure Android 7.1.1, no add-ons and nothing superfluous.
From a multimedia point of view, I liked this device, it plays music well, and, comparing it with classmates of predominantly Chinese origin, I give preference to it, the sound is reproduced cleaner and better.
The Moto app shows you how you can swipe your wrist to activate the camera, how you can record a voice tag to wake up your phone, and introduce you to night mode.
The implementation of FM radio is normal, it works with a headset.
When you turn it on for the first time, you are prompted to install additional programs, including from Yandex, but you can safely refuse them. That is, the preset here is delicate, there is no need to delete anything.
Impressions
Motorola always has everything in order with speech transmission, and no Chinese even came close to their noise reduction system, it is excellent. The ringer volume is above average, it can be heard quite well in noisy places, the vibration alert is average or a little muffled, you just can’t feel it.
With a Russian price of 34,990 rubles, this device did not turn out to be a win-win option, since for this money you can choose many alternatives from the “Chinese”. For example, the Honor 9 that just went on sale has the same battery size (almost the same), a 5.15-inch screen (IPS), fast charging and a price of 27,990 rubles. The difference in cost is quite noticeable, and not in favor of the device from Motorola. And this is a famous Chinese.
Or you can remember such a device as the OnePlus 3T, which today costs about 34,000 rubles (27 thousand on the gray market). Good model in all respects, which looks like a good buy.
![](https://i0.wp.com/mobile-review.com/review/image/oneplus/3t/pic/foto-29.jpg)
There are a huge number of models in the segment of about 35,000 rubles, and they are very different, these are former flagships and current devices from Chinese manufacturers. Against this background, Motorola Z2 Play stands out only due to its brand name and unusual appearance. It is difficult to say how much this will be enough. What do you think about this device and its cost?
P.S. Full review will appear in August, after studying not a prototype, but a commercial sample. Commercial samples will have a better camera, the operating speed will change a little, but overall the idea is clear to you at first glance.
Motorola Moto Z2 Force is a combination of reliability, elegance and top-end performance. In addition to the gadget's extensive functions, you can add new features to it using add-on modules.
A screen that cannot be broken
A bright and contrasting 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 is assembled using proprietary ShatterShield technology. The screen module consists of 5 layers:
- plastic;
- flexible glass;
- sensor;
- the screen itself;
- durable aluminum base.
This makes the display incredibly durable. You can throw your smartphone on the floor from a height of up to 2 meters, drop heavy objects on it - not a scratch will remain on the screen!
Control with your voice
The smartphone received a proprietary Moto shell, in which special emphasis is placed on advanced controls. For example, switching to previous page, opening the settings menu, activating the screen - all this can be programmed for gestures.
A system utility Moto Voice allows you to control your gadget using voice commands. Just speak a few phrases into the speaker, and smart smartphone will remember your voice. After that, just ask to show the calendar or weather widget, and Moto Z2 Force will instantly execute the command.
Ahead of time
In its class, the Moto Z2 Force, equipped with an 8-core Snapdragon processor 835 with 4 GB of RAM shows perhaps the best performance. The gadget responds to commands with lightning speed, works excellent in multitasking mode and maintains high frame rates in graphically advanced games.
In addition, Moto Z2 Force demonstrates impressive capabilities when working with mobile networks. When the 4G LTE module is running, the smartphone's throughput reaches 1 GB per second, so the gadget is quite ready for the emergence of ultra-fast fifth-generation networks.
Build your smartphone
Motorola Moto Z2 Force is modular smartphone, so you can upgrade the function you need.
Are you missing the capabilities of a 22 megapixel dual main camera with optical stabilization? Install the wide-angle Moto 360 Camera module, which also allows you to broadcast online.
Are you an avid gamer and ready to spend hours playing your favorite game? A module in the form of a gamepad with familiar controls is provided for you. Connoisseurs of quality and strong sound can install a JBL speaker, and to watch movies, a projector module is connected to the smartphone.
With overlays, you can even change the appearance of your smartphone, for example, use a panel made of wood or corrugated metal. And to extend battery life, simply install the TurboPower Pack plug-in battery.
Please note that in our online store you can only buy the smartphone itself. To purchase additional modules, please visit the manufacturer's website.
Color
Deciding on the type of device (phone or smartphone?) is quite simple. If you need a simple and inexpensive device for calls and SMS, it is recommended to choose a telephone. A smartphone is more expensive, but it offers a wide variety of options: games, videos, the Internet, thousands of programs for all occasions. However, its battery life is significantly less than that of a regular phone.General characteristics
Type
Modern smartphones can use not only regular SIM cards, but also their more compact versions micro SIM and nano SIM. An eSIM is a SIM card integrated into the phone. It takes up virtually no space and does not require a separate tray for installation. eSIM is not yet supported in Russia. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
nano SIM Multi-SIM mode variable Weight 145 g Dimensions (WxHxD) 76.2x156.2x5.99 mmScreen
Screen type color AMOLED, 16.78 million colors, touch Type touch screen multi-touch, capacitive Diagonal 5.5 inches. Image Size 1920x1080 Pixels per inch (PPI) 401 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Automatic screen rotation There is Scratch-resistant glass There isMultimedia capabilities
Number of main (rear) cameras 1 Main (rear) camera resolution 12 MP Main (rear) camera aperture F/1.70 Flash front and rear, LED Functions of the main (rear) camera autofocus, laser Recording videos There is Max. video resolution 3840x2160 Max. video frame rate 30fps Front camera yes, 5 MP Audio MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA, FM radio Headphone jack 3.5 mmConnection
Standard
There are several basic standards cellular communication that are supported modern phones. In Russia it is used almost everywhere GSM standard. For high speed transmission For data, 3G and 4G LTE standards are used - the highest speed of the existing standards. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A Interfaces
Almost all modern smartphones have Wi-Fi and USB interfaces. Bluetooth and IRDA are a little less common. Wi-Fi is used to connect to the Internet. USB is used to connect your phone to a computer. Bluetooth is also found in many phones. It is used to connect wireless headphones, for connecting your phone to wireless speakers, as well as for transferring files. A smartphone equipped with an IRDA interface can be used as universal remote control remote control. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.2, USB, NFC Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS modules and GLONASS allow you to determine the coordinates of your phone using signals from satellites. If there is no GPS modern smartphone can determine its own location based on signals from base stations mobile operator. However, finding coordinates using satellite signals is usually much more accurate. Glossary of terms for the category Mobile phones
GPS/GLONASS A-GPS system yesMemory and processor
CPUFlashlight yes USB-host yes
Before purchasing, check the specifications and equipment with the seller.