Motorola Moto Z

Photo: Sinchen.Lin via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Motorola

Motorola Moto Z

September 2016 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Moto Z was Motorola's flagship smartphone for 2016, renowned for its incredibly thin design and innovative modular 'Moto Mods' system. It offered a premium Android experience with a high-resolution AMOLED display and powerful performance for its time.
Display5.5-inch QHD AMOLED
ChipsetSnapdragon 820
Main Camera13 MP with OIS and Laser AF
Battery2600 mAh with 15W TurboPower
Starting from $9,999 in International

💰 Motorola Moto Z Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $9,999, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely thin and lightweight design
  • Unique and easy-to-use modular Moto Mods system
  • Sharp and vibrant Quad HD AMOLED display
  • Strong performance for its era with Snapdragon 820
  • Near-stock Android experience with useful Moto enhancements
  • Fast TurboPower charging

Cons

  • Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Relatively small 2600 mAh battery for a flagship phone
  • Prominent camera bump without a Moto Mod attached
  • Moto Mods can be expensive add-ons
  • No official IP water resistance rating
★ Our Verdict

The Moto Z earns an 8/10 for its groundbreaking modularity and sleek design, coupled with solid flagship performance, despite compromises like battery size and the absence of a headphone jack.

The Moto Z, while an older model, still offers a unique experience for those interested in modular smartphones. Its ultra-thin design and the innovative Moto Mods system allow for significant customization and added functionality, from enhanced speakers to projectors. However, be aware of its smaller 2600 mAh battery, which might require frequent charging or the use of battery Mods. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means you'll rely on the included USB-C adapter or Bluetooth headphones. If you can find the phone and desired Moto Mods at a good price, it can be a fun and capable device, especially for casual use or as a secondary phone. Consider its age and the availability of software updates (up to Android 8.0 Oreo) when making your decision.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Moto Z Handset
  • Motorola TurboPower Charger
  • Bumper Case
  • Style Shell Mod
  • USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
  • SIM Ejector Tool

Motorola provides a one-year limited warranty for the Moto Z, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer usage, but it does not cover accidental damage.

❓ Questions & Answers

What are Moto Mods and how do they work?

Moto Mods are modular accessories that magnetically attach to the back of the Moto Z, instantly adding new functionalities like extended battery life, enhanced speakers, or a projector, without needing to restart the phone.

Does the Moto Z have a headphone jack?

No, the Moto Z does not feature a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users need to rely on a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (usually included in the box) or Bluetooth headphones for audio.

What is the battery life like on the Moto Z?

The Moto Z has a 2600 mAh battery, which was considered relatively small for a flagship phone at its release. Battery life can be average, and many users opted for battery Moto Mods to extend usage.

What operating system does the Moto Z run?

The Moto Z launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and was upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo, offering a near-stock Android experience with Motorola's useful software enhancements.

Is the Moto Z waterproof?

The Moto Z features a water-repellent nano-coating, which provides some protection against splashes and light rain, but it is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

What kind of camera does the Moto Z have?

The Moto Z is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and laser autofocus, capable of recording 4K video. It also has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with an LED flash.