Moto Z2 Play release date, price and specifications
Afterplenty of leaks and rumours, Motorola has announced theMoto Z2 Play. This phone is successor to the 2016 Moto Z Play, and will sit as a mid-range option behind the flagship Moto Z2, which hasn’t been officially unveiled yet.
When is the Moto Z2 release date?
In the UK you can pre-order a Z2 Play immediately, with expected delivery on 14 July.
How much does the Z2 Play cost?
You canbuy a Z2 Playfrom Motorola’s website for £379, but you can use the code UKWELCOME10 to get £10 off. It’s also available from John Lewis, Amazon, Argos and other retailers.
What are the Moto Z2 Play’s specs?
Here are the key specifications, and how they compare to the original Moto Z Play:
Moto Z2 Play
Moto Z Play
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Screen
5.5in Super AMOLED, 1920×1080, 403ppi
5.5in Super AMOLED, 1920×1080, 403ppi
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 626
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
GPU
Adreno 506 GPU
Adreno 506 GPU
RAM
4GB LPDDR3 RAM
3GB LPDDR3 RAM
Storage
64GB (microSD up to 2TB)
32GB (microSD up to 2TB)
Rear camera
12Mp
16Mp
Front camera
5Mp front
5Mp front
Wireless
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 4.0
Wi-Fi
802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi
802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi
NFC
Yes
Yes
GPS
A-GPS, GLONASS
A-GPS
SIM type
Single nano SIM (UK model)
Single nano SIM (UK model)
Ports
USB-C port
USB-C port
Audio
3.5mm headphone jack
3.5mm headphone jack
Battery
3000mAh
3150mAh
Sensors
Fingerprint reader, Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Ultrasonic
Fingerprint reader, Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Gyroscope, Hall Effect, Magnetometer, Proximity
Dimensions
156.2 x 76.2 x 5.99mm
156.4 x 76.4 x 6.99mm
Weight
145g
165g
So the Moto Z2 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and – slightly – faster too. Naturally, it’s compatible with Moto Mods so you can snap on a projector, Hasselblad camera, JBL speaker and other gadgets.
It’s a minor update, really: a redesigned fingerprint reader and although Motorola claims a 30-hour battery life, it’s disappointing that the capacity has been reduced. Obviously, we’ll have to wait until we can test the new phone to see what impact this has.
Another reduced spec is the main camera, down from 16- to 12Mp. Any photographer will know that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it may even lead to better quality, especially in low light.
The new focusing system combines dual-pixel tech with laser autofocus that works up to 5 metres, which Motorola says allows the Z2 to focus on objects three times further away when it’s virtually dark.
Software wise, there’s a new Night Display which is really just a blue-light filter. There’s also Instant queries in Moto Voice so you can get weather and calendar updates.
Author: Jim Martin, Executive Editor, Tech Advisor
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
