Motorola Moto Z2 Play Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Motorola Moto Z2 Play

The Motorola Moto Z2 Play, announced and released in June 2017, is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone designed to offer a compelling user experience with its versatile features and modular design. This device stands out due to its compatibility with Moto Mods, which extends its functionality beyond conventional smartphones. The Z2 Play caters to the needs of users looking for a device that balances performance, aesthetics, and innovative features.

Design and Build

Crafted with a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3) and a sturdy aluminum back and frame, the Moto Z2 Play offers a premium, sleek appearance. The dimensions of 156.2 x 76.2 x 6 mm and a weight of 145 grams contribute to its slim and lightweight profile, making it comfortable for daily use. The device offers a dual SIM option with Nano-SIM support, increasing its appeal for users who need to manage more than one mobile number simultaneously.

Display

The Z2 Play features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. With a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, it delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, making it ideal for media consumption. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 ensures durability and resistance to scratches, enhancing the display's longevity and resilience against everyday use.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the Moto Z2 Play is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8953-Pro Snapdragon 626 chipset built on a 14 nm process. The octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU coupled with an Adreno 506 GPU ensures that the device handles multitasking and graphic-intensive applications smoothly. Users can choose between two configurations: 32GB of internal storage with 3GB of RAM or 64GB of storage with 4GB of RAM, both of which support microSDXC for expandable storage.

Camera Capabilities

The Moto Z2 Play is equipped with a capable 12 MP rear camera featuring an f/1.7 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, and Laser autofocus, which ensure sharp and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera supports various photography features, including a dual-LED dual-tone flash and panorama. It can record videos in 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and slow-motion at 720p with 120fps.

For selfies, the device offers a 5 MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 1/4.0" sensor size, complemented by a dual-LED dual-tone flash for improved photo quality in low light. The front camera can also record videos in 1080p at 30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

The Z2 Play is powered by a 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. The device supports 15W wired charging that promises to charge the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes, offering an efficient charging experience. Though the endurance rating stands at 76 hours, users enjoy talk time of up to 30 hours on 3G networks.

Software and Updates

Out of the box, the Moto Z2 Play runs on Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), with an upgrade available to Android 9.0 (Pie). This upgrade offers users an enhanced software experience with newer features, improved security, and optimized performance.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports various connectivity options, including LTE (with multiple band support), HSPA, and a range of wireless technologies like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. Navigation is facilitated by GPS and GLONASS. For physical connectivity, it uses a USB Type-C 3.1 port and offers OTG functionality with a magnetic connector for Moto Mods.

Additional features include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The presence of an FM radio and a 3.5mm audio jack adds value for entertainment and audio convenience.

Sound and Audio Quality

The Moto Z2 Play offers a robust sound experience with its loudspeaker. The audio quality is maintained at a high level, providing clear sound output with minimal noise at -93.4dB and excellent crosstalk isolation at -94.4dB. This makes it suitable for media playback and voice calls.

Moto Mods Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Moto Z2 Play is its compatibility with Moto Mods, modular accessories that attach to the phone via the magnetic connector on the back. These mods allow users to enhance their phone's capabilities, ranging from improved audio and camera functionality to extended battery life and even projecting video with a compatible mod.

Variants and Pricing

Available in three striking colors: Lunar Gray, Fine Gold, and Nimbus Blue, the Moto Z2 Play provides aesthetic versatility to suit different tastes. The device was launched at a price point of approximately 230 EUR, which positioned it competitively in the mid-range smartphone market.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto Z2 Play is a versatile and innovative device that strikes a fine balance between performance, design, and modularity. Its support for Moto Mods sets it apart in a crowded market, offering unprecedented customization and functionality for users. While it may be an older device as of 2023, its focus on durability, feature-rich specifications, and future-proof software updates make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable yet innovative smartphone experience.