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Motorola Moto Z

$249

Overview

Motorola Moto Z is a budget Android smartphone released in 2016 with a 5.5-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 820 chipset, 13 main camera, and 2600 mAh battery.

The device runs My UX with features like Ready For. Priced at $249, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Motorola Moto Z

The display of Motorola Moto Z measures 5.5 inches with AMOLED technology. Peak brightness reaches 430 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1440x2560 pixels resolution.

Size
5.5 inches
Type
AMOLED
Resolution
1440x2560 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
430 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Motorola Moto Z features 1 rear cameras: 13 main. Video recording supports up to 2160p.

Main Sensor
13
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
2160p

The battery of Motorola Moto Z has 2600mAh capacity with 15 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 90 min minutes.

Capacity
2600mAh
Wired Charging
15
Full Charge Time
90 min minutes

The performance of Motorola Moto Z is powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset with Adreno 530 GPU. Geekbench scores reach 1600 single-core and 3800 multi-core. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 140000.

Chipset
Snapdragon 820
CPU
Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) - USAQuad-core (2x1.8 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) - Global
GPU
Adreno 530
Geekbench Single
1600
Geekbench Multi
3800
AnTuTu Score
140000

The memory of Motorola Moto Z offers 4GB RAM with 32GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4 technology. Storage is 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM. Storage can be expanded via microSD card.

RAM Options
4GB
Storage Options
32GB
RAM Type
LPDDR4
Storage Type
32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Expandable
Yes

The connectivity of Motorola Moto Z includes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 4.1. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
4.1
NFC
Yes

The build of Motorola Moto Z weighs 136.0g with Aluminum frame and Aluminum back. Dimensions measure 153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm (6.04 x 2.96 x 0.20 in).

Dimensions
153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm (6.04 x 2.96 x 0.20 in)
Weight
136.0g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Aluminum

The software of Motorola Moto Z runs Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Stock Android. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
UI
Stock Android
Update Policy
2 years

Compare Motorola Moto Z

Motorola Moto Z vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Motorola Moto Z offers competitive value at $249 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$249 price point
Snapdragon 820
5.5" display

Motorola Moto Z vs Motorola Moto G Power

Motorola Moto Z offers competitive value at $249 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

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Motorola Moto Z vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Motorola Moto Z offers competitive value at $249 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Motorola Moto Z

Motorola Moto Z has a 13 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Yes, Motorola Moto Z is excellent for gaming with its Snapdragon 820 chipset. It handles demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

Related: mobile gaming

Motorola Moto Z receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Motorola Moto Z has a 2600mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Motorola Moto Z at $249 is a budget device offering Snapdragon 820. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Motorola Moto Z supports 15 wired charging with full charge in approximately 90 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

Motorola Moto Z is available in 32GB storage options. Storage can be expanded via microSD card for additional capacity.

Related: storage capacity

Motorola Moto Z has a 5.5-inch AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate and 430 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Motorola Moto Z ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Motorola Moto Z delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

5.5"

Main Camera

13

Chipset

Snapdragon 820

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2G BandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - USA
4G LTE Bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13 - USA
5G Sub-6 BandsN/A
5G mmWave BandsN/A
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation4x4 MIMO
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM ModeDual SIM
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA SupportN/A

Launch

Announced2016
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$699

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm (6.04 x 2.96 x 0.20 in)
Weight (g)136.0
Build MaterialsGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame
FrameAluminum
Back FinishAluminum
Colors["Black/Gray", "Black/Rose Gold", "Black/Gold", "White"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged Certifications
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded DimensionsN/A
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeAMOLED
Size (inches)5.5
Resolution (px)1440x2560 pixels
Aspect Ratio9:16
Pixel Density (ppi)306
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)72.0
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)120
Peak Brightness (nits)430
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)240
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetSnapdragon 820
CPUQuad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) - USAQuad-core (2x1.8 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) - Global
GPUAdreno 530
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesDual Pixel PDAF
ModemSnapdragon X12 LTE
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-Core1600
Geekbench Multi-Core3800
AnTuTu Score140000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM4GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4
Storage32GB
Storage Type32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Storage SpeedUFS 2.0
Expandable Storage
Slot TypemicroSD
USB OTG
Filesystem Encryption

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor13
Main Sensor Size1/3.06"
Main Sensor ModelOmniVision OV13850
Main Lensf/2.0, 27mm
OIS
Autofocuslaser
Pixel Binning
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashDual LED
Video Resolution2160p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264, H.265
Slow Motion720p@120fps
Video StabilizationEIS
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

ResolutionN/A
Sensor Size1/3.2"
Aperturef/2.2
AF/OISN/A
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock2D

Audio

LoudspeakersVoice 64dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 81dB
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX
DAC/AmpIntegrated

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth4.1
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBUSB Type-C
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient LightN/A
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)2600
TypeLi-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging15
Wired StandardQuick Charge 3.0
0-50% Time (mins)30 min
Full Charge Time90 min
Wireless ChargingN/A
Wireless StandardQi
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box
Battery Health FeaturesBasic

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherStock Android
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesBasic
AccessibilityStandard
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsPhone, Charger, USB Cable, SIM Ejector
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Motorola Moto Z Review: Solid Performance for the Price

6.9/10
Good

Our comprehensive review of the Motorola Moto Z covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.5 stars)
Pros
  • + Powerful Snapdragon 820 chipset for smooth performance
Cons
  • - Camera performance is average
  • - Battery life could be better

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