Moto Z Play image 1
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Motorola Moto Z Play

$180

Overview

Motorola Moto Z Play is a budget Android smartphone released in 2016 with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED, Snapdragon 625 chipset, 16 main camera, and 3510 mAh battery.

The device runs My UX with features like Ready For. Priced at $180, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Motorola Moto Z Play

The display of Motorola Moto Z Play measures 5.5 inches with Super AMOLED technology. Peak brightness reaches 450 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x1920 pixels resolution.

Size
5.5 inches
Type
Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080x1920 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
450 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Motorola Moto Z Play features 1 rear cameras: 16 main. Video recording supports up to 2160p.

Main Sensor
16
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
2160p

The battery of Motorola Moto Z Play has 3510mAh capacity with 15 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 120 min minutes.

Capacity
3510mAh
Wired Charging
15
Full Charge Time
120 min minutes

The performance of Motorola Moto Z Play is powered by the Snapdragon 625 chipset with Adreno 506 GPU. Geekbench scores reach 850 single-core and 3000 multi-core. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 65000.

Chipset
Snapdragon 625
CPU
Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU
Adreno 506
Geekbench Single
850
Geekbench Multi
3000
AnTuTu Score
65000

The memory of Motorola Moto Z Play offers 3GB RAM with 32GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR3 technology. Storage is 32GB 3GB RAM. Storage can be expanded via microSD card.

RAM Options
3GB
Storage Options
32GB
RAM Type
LPDDR3
Storage Type
32GB 3GB RAM
Expandable
Yes

The connectivity of Motorola Moto Z Play includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

5G
Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth
4.0
NFC
Yes

The build of Motorola Moto Z Play weighs 165.0g with Aluminum frame and Glass back. Dimensions measure 156.4 x 76.4 x 7 mm (6.16 x 3.01 x 0.28 in).

Dimensions
156.4 x 76.4 x 7 mm (6.16 x 3.01 x 0.28 in)
Weight
165.0g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Glass

The software of Motorola Moto Z Play runs Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Stock Android. Software support extends 1 years through 2027.

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

Compare Motorola Moto Z Play

Motorola Moto Z Play vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Motorola Moto Z Play offers competitive value at $180 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$180 price point
Snapdragon 625
5.5" display

Motorola Moto Z Play vs Motorola Moto G Power

Motorola Moto Z Play offers competitive value at $180 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$180 price point
Snapdragon 625
5.5" display

Motorola Moto Z Play vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Motorola Moto Z Play offers competitive value at $180 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$180 price point
Snapdragon 625
5.5" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorola Moto Z Play

Motorola Moto Z Play has a 16 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Motorola Moto Z Play with Snapdragon 625 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.

Related: mobile gaming

Motorola Moto Z Play receives 1 years of updates through 2027. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Yes, Motorola Moto Z Play supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.

Related: 5G connectivity

Motorola Moto Z Play has a 3510mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Motorola Moto Z Play at $180 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Motorola Moto Z Play supports 15 wired charging with full charge in approximately 120 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

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

Related: storage capacity

Motorola Moto Z Play has a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Motorola Moto Z Play ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Motorola Moto Z Play 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

16

Chipset

Snapdragon 625

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G LTE Bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 - USA
5G Sub-6 Bands
5G mmWave Bands
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM ModeDual SIM
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA Support

Launch

Announced2016
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$300

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)156.4 x 76.4 x 7 mm (6.16 x 3.01 x 0.28 in)
Weight (g)165.0
Build MaterialsGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, aluminum frame
FrameAluminum
Back FinishGlass
Colors["Black/Silver/Black Slate", "White/Fine Gold/Sugar White"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged Certifications
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded Dimensions
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeSuper AMOLED
Size (inches)5.5
Resolution (px)1080x1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio9:16
Pixel Density (ppi)306
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)69.1
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)
Peak Brightness (nits)450
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)240
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
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 Policy1 years
ChipsetSnapdragon 625
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 506
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesDual ISP
ModemSnapdragon X9 LTE
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-Core850
Geekbench Multi-Core3000
AnTuTu Score65000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM3GB
RAM TypeLPDDR3
Storage32GB
Storage Type32GB 3GB RAM
Storage SpeedeMMC 5.1
Expandable Storage
Slot TypemicroSD
USB OTG
Filesystem Encryption

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor16
Main Sensor Size1/2.8 inch
Main Sensor ModelN/A
Main Lensf/2.0, 1.3mm
OIS
AutofocusPDAF
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 Size1/3.1 inch
Aperturef/2.2
AF/OISN/A
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock2D

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX
DAC/Amp

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth4.0
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 Sensors
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)3510
TypeLi-Ion 3510 mAh, non-removable
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging15
Wired StandardQuick Charge 3.0
0-50% Time (mins)60 min
Full Charge Time120 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 Window1 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 Tool
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 Play Review: Solid Performance for the Price

6.5/10
Good

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

(3.3 stars)
Pros
  • + Excellent value for money
Cons
  • - Performance may struggle with demanding tasks
  • - Camera performance is average

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