Motorola

Motorola Moto Z (2016)

Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996
Adreno 530
4 GB / 32 GB
5.5 inch (1440 x 2560 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

This phone comes equipped with a 5.5 inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 chipset, and 4 GB of RAM.

Keep reading to find out what else this phone can do.

Table of Contents

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

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Motorola Moto Z specifications

BrandMotorola
NameMoto Z
ModelMOTOZ
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.8 oz
Dimensions6.04 x 2.96 x 0.2 inch
Colorsblack, gold
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Motorola Moto Z is about 4.8 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996
CPUQuad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 1.6 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 530

The Motorola Moto Z comes with Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow) out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1440 x 2560 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays enable an Always-On Display feature. A part of the screen remains active to display the time, date, and notifications. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Motorola Moto Z 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 Z has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

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Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera5 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Moto Z has optical image stabilization (OIS). It counters camera shake.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Moto Z smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The Moto Z comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 2600 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 battery of Moto Z isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, magnetometer, proximity

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 Moto Z phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment.

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

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
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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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