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Motorola

Motorola Moto Z3 Play (2018)

Android OS v8.0 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
Adreno 509
4 GB / 32 GB
6 inch (1080 x 2160 px)
12 + 8 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus

This phone boasts a 6 inch Super AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset, and 4 GB of RAM.

Is this phone worth its price? Hopefully, it will become clear by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Motorola Moto Z3 Play smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

Motorola Moto Z3 Play / 1

Motorola Moto Z3 Play specifications

BrandMotorola
NameMoto Z3 Play
ModelZ3PLAY
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Colorsblue, gold
SIM typeNano SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

Motorola Moto Z3 Play / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.0 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 636
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.8 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.6 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 509

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play comes with Android OS v8.0 (Oreo) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Motorola Moto Z3 Play / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeSuper AMOLED
Screen size6 inch
Resolution1080 x 2160 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 6 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Motorola Moto Z3 Play / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Moto Z3 Play has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage of the Moto Z3 Play (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 + 8 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera5 MP

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let us capture a wider range of subjects. The main camera of Moto Z3 Play smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
HeadphoneUSB Type-C adapter

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This Motorola phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Moto Z3 Play smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Moto Z3 Play comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The Moto Z3 Play smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Moto Z3 Play does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Water

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Moto Z3 Play smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

With fast charging, we can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Motorola phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • Super AMOLED display
  • appropriate screen size
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no headphone jack
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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