Moto Z3 Review: Proven Hardware Chasing A 5G Future
Moto Z3 Review: Introduction
Whereas Motorola's previous generation Moto Z2 Force was priced at $720 unlocked, direct from Motorola when it launched last year, the Moto Z3 debuts at a much more palatable $480 as a Verizon Wireless exclusive. You can also pay for the device using a Verizon installment plan for $20/month for 24 months. In addition, if you're a new customer switching to Verizon, you can get $300 off the purchase with a smartphone trade-in.
The Moto Z3 only comes in one color, black, although you can change things up with different colored Moto Mod style covers that magnetically attach to the back of the phone. In the box you'll find a USB-C to USB-A cable and a Motorola Turbo Charger along with a USB-C to headphone adapter (given that you won't find a 3.5mm jack on-board).
Looking at the Moto Z3's specs may give you a sense of deja vu. Like the Moto Z2 Force that came before it, the Moto Z3 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. There are no optional configurations, so if you need more than what's provided internally, you'll have to purchase a microSD card (up to 2TB cards are supported).
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| Model Name | Moto Z3 |
| Display | 6.01-inch
Super AMOLED Display (2160 x 1080 Resolution, 402 ppi
pixel density) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Dimensions |
156.5
x 76.5 x 6.75mm, 156g |
| SIM | Single SIM (nano) or Dual SIM (nano)/SD Card Slot |
| Protection | Splash
Resistant |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| OS | Android v8.1.0 (Oreo) |
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64
GB Micro SD up to 2TB |
| Camera | 12 MP f/2.0 rear camera, dual
pixel PDAF, dual-tone LED flash, Video 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps,
720p@120fps 12MP, depth sensor 8 MP f/2.0 front facing camera, Video 1080p |
| Networking | GSM
/ HSPA / LTE support v5.0 Bluetooth, NFC, USB Type-C, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, A-GPS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Gyro,
Compass, Proximity |
| Battery | 3000 mAh Non-Removable Li-Ion Battery |
| Colors | Black |
| Extra |
Moto Mods Version 2.5 Full Support |
| Price | Approximately $480 |
To some, the Moto Z3's lack of the current, newer Snapdragon 845 processor may be a deal breaker for what should be a flagship device, but we're not so certain that should be the case. In fact, the Moto Z3 is still a good all-around performer and is priced right for those that are beholden to the Verizon Wireless network.
The display has increased in size compared to the Motorola Z2 Force, growing from 5.5 inches to 6.01 inches. It's still a Super AMOLED unit, although this time around it has an 18:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2160x1080, which is actually a downgrade from the Z2 Force's 2560x1440. One other thing of note is that there will not be a "Force" version of the Moto Z3, which means no ShatterShield screen technology -- instead, the Z3 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
So, let take a closer look at what the Moto Z3 has to offer, shall we?
