While technically not the first Lenovo-made Moto device, the Moto Z is the most important. After dropping Motorola for just Moto and replacing long time head Rick Osterloh, Lenovo is finally fleshing out its 2014 acquisition from Google. The Moto Z lineup consists of two devices with nearly identical designs and compatibility with backplate modules that add extra functionality and styling.
The Moto Z is the truer flagship of the pair with an incredibly svelte design that comes in at just 5.2 mm. It’s powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB or 64GB of storage, and features a 5.5-inch quad HD AMOLED display and a 13MP camera with laser-assist and phase detection autofocus. Its 2600mAh battery is rated at 30 hours of life.
The Moto Z Force is still a respectable 7 mm thin. The added thickness of the device allows for a 21MP camera with optical image stabilization and laser autofocus and a quite large 3500mAh battery. Other specs remain exactly the same as the regular Z.
Of note, neither device has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but rather relies on USB Type C for plugging headphones in. A 3.5mm to USB-C headphone port adapter is included in the box. The port also provides Turbo Charging, with up to 15 hours of power with a 15 minute charge on the Z Force.
Both devices are running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with the usual software features we’re familiar with from previous Moto devices. Four sensors located on the corners of the device allow users to activate the Ambient Display to show notifications, and twisting the device launches the camera and it is still always listening for a hotword.
A first for Moto devices, Lenovo went with a full metal body. However, the device loses its traditional element of customization in the switch for a more premium look and feel. To remedy this, Lenovo is the second OEM this year to offer modules. StyleMods — which attach magnetically to the back of the phone — come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials.
In the same vein, Lenovo is also introducing MotoMods which add extra functionality and use pins on the back of the device to transfer data. At launch, Lenovo partnered with JBL to make a speakers module and Hasselblad to create an camera module that features a grip and optical zoom lens. Others include a pico projector, Incopio battery pack, and wide angle lens, with third-parties being able to create and sell their own.
The Moto Z and Z Force will be available in the US this summer through Verizon as the Moto Z Droid and Moto Z Force Droid. It will be available unlocked in the Fall and globally in September.
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