Motorola Moto Z3 Play Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 156.5 x 76.5 x 6.8 mm, making it a slim device that's easy to handle. Weighing just 156 grams, it feels lightweight yet solid in hand. The phone features a Gorilla Glass 3 front and back, combined with a 6000 series aluminum frame providing a premium feel and additional durability. Users have the choice of a single SIM or dual SIM capability, allowing flexibility in usage.

Display

The device sports a 6.01-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, offering crisp and vibrant visuals. The 18:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, perfect for watching videos or playing games. Furthermore, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which enhances its resistance to scratches and drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the Moto Z3 Play is powered by the Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. The octa-core processor, consisting of four 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores and four 1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, ensures smooth performance across a variety of tasks. The Adreno 509 GPU handles graphics-intensive applications and gaming seamlessly. Depending on the variant, the phone comes with either 4GB or 6GB RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and running demanding applications.

Software

Initially shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, the Moto Z3 Play supports upgrades to Android 9.0 Pie. This ensures that users can experience the latest features and improvements in the Android ecosystem, such as enhanced battery management, refined user interface elements, and advanced notification controls.

Storage Options

The device offers multiple storage configurations, including 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage. Additionally, users can expand the storage further using the dedicated microSDXC slot, accommodating extensive media libraries or larger app installations without sacrificing phone performance.

Camera Capabilities

The Moto Z3 Play features a dual-camera setup on the rear, comprised of a 12 MP f/1.7 main sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor for creating striking bokeh effects. This combination allows for high-quality photography with dual-pixel PDAF and improved low-light capabilities. The camera app offers several features, including a dual-LED dual-tone flash and panorama mode. Video recording capabilities extend up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, providing versatility in capturing moments.

The front-facing 8 MP camera, with its wide-angle lens, delivers excellent selfies and supports full HD video recording at 30fps. This makes it suitable for video calls and selfies in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

A 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery powers the Moto Z3 Play. Although it might seem modest by today’s standards, the phone is equipped with 15W fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back to using their device without long waits. The efficient Snapdragon 636 chipset and AMOLED display assist in maintaining reasonable battery life throughout the day.

Connectivity and Network

The device supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it compatible with numerous carriers worldwide. It covers extensive 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring robust connectivity across different regions.

Additional connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and NFC for contactless payments. While it lacks a 3.5 mm headphone jack, audio is delivered via the loudspeaker, and USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support expands peripheral connectivity.

Additional Features and Sensors

The Moto Z3 Play is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing quick and secure access to the device. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.

Pricing and Availability

Launched in June 2018, the Moto Z3 Play is available in Deep Indigo or Onyx Black (for the 128/6GB model only). Priced at approximately 400 EUR at launch, it offers a compelling option for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience with unique modular capabilities.