Smartphones, while probably the best technology ever invented, have gotten a little boring in the last few years. Same form factor, same specs, same engine. We really haven’t seen any new evolution in the device. However….Motorola’s Moto Z, with its array of modules and super thin 5.2mm profile, has heads turning.
Motorola Moto Z Design & Specs
As mentioned, the Moto Z is ever so thin, the slimmest on the market. And because the phone is so thin, Motorola had no room for a headphone jack. However, this could be the new norm since other manufacturers are considering doing the same, including iPhone. This probably has to do with the advent of wireless accessories, and of course due to the new Motorola Mods, which we’ll discuss in just a bit.
Available in a black/grey version and a white/gold and black/rose gold version, the camera on the Moto Z protrudes, and there is an exposed 16-pin connection on the back for the new Moto Mods. Additionally, Motorola packed in a lot of screen in a small amount of space.
From an internal standpoint, the Motorola Moto Z has a Snapdragon 820 processor, a 13-megapixel camera, and an AMOLED Quad HD display. This display is so aweosome, and the Snapdragon 820 processor is probably the fastest engine we’ve reviewed to date…even faster than the Samsung S7.
Camera
The Moto Z’s camera has a 13-megapixel sensor, an f/1.8 aperture lens for better low light, and OIS along with phase detection autofocus. All of these features produce really great photos, something Moto phones have always been pretty good at. The Force Droid addition’s camera jumps up to 21 megapixels.
The MotoMods
A 16-pin connector on the back of the Motorola Moto Z accommodates the new MotoMods, and it takes literally no effort to use them. Snap one on, hear the short confirmation chirp, and you’re good to go without installing apps or anything else. If a MotoMod runs out of battery, the phone’s power supply takes over
The available Mods are plenty. The first are the Style Covers, a piece of plastic that comes with the phone.
Next up is the Power Pack. Because of the Droid’s small frame, it only fits in a relatively small 2,600 mAh battery, and they’re available for around $80. And while the Droid Z does a tremendous job conserving battery when idle, the Power Pack is a nice edition.
The JBL SoundBoost creates a powerful speaker custom fit for the Moto Z Droid. It gets 10 hours of battery life off its own internal battery. The JBL Mod offers rich sound, especially in the bass, that makes it a pleasure to use.
The Insta-Share Projector is another great idea, although it really sucks up the battery, giving you about 2 hours of movie viewing. Having said that, the Insta-Share Projector is bright. It has 50 lumens and 480p resolution, which is good enough for cinema quality. It runs $300, a little salty for a mere add-on, but still pretty cool.
Bottom Line
The Moto Z Droid and the Moto Z Droid Force, along with all of the mods, are currently only available on Verizon. Both models come in 32GB and 64GB options with 2TB microSD storage. We’re giving the new Z line full marks for several reasons. The design is extremely unique and light, the MotoMods implementation is well done, and the camera is superb.
If you want the lightest phone on the market, with a super fast processor and Mod options, the Moto Z Droid line is for you. You can purchase the Motorola Moto Z through Verizon Click Here.
