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Motorola Moto Z3
Motorola Moto Z3
Motorola Moto Z3
Motorola Moto Z3
...


7.5/10
Informr score
The Motorola Moto Z3 currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 21 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

The Moto Z3 is a decent phone for the price with its good display and smooth performance but it falls short of being great due to its poor camera performance and limited carrier availability.

What's good

  • Bright, vibrant display
  • Good value
  • Snappy performance
  • All-day battery life

What's bad

  • Awkward ergonomics
  • Poor low-light camera performance
  • Only available to Verizon customers

Motorola has always offered a decent smartphone experience at an affordable price. The Moto Z3 is no exception. Although it might not offer the performance and features of other premium smartphones, it will be the first 5G upgradeable smartphone thanks to its mods. But, as you might expect at the price point, Motorola had to make compromises. Did they make the right ones?

If you’ve seen the Moto Z3 Play , then you’ve seen the Moto Z3. The design is almost identical. While thin, many found it awkward and uncomfortable in the hand due to its poorly placed side fingerprint scanner, high volume button, and slippery glass back. 

If you’re looking for a waterproof phone, you’ll be disappointed. The phone is splash resistant, but it likely won’t survive a drop in a puddle.

It comes equipped with the same 6-inch, full HD+ (2160-by-1080 pixel) display from the Z3 Play. While not as sharp as Quad HD, it’s crisp and offers the same pixel density as the OnePlus 6

Reviewers were happy with the viewing angles and overall sunlight legibility. They found the colors vibrant but a bit on the saturated side. You can adjust screen saturation and color temperature to suit your taste if you agree.

On paper, the Z3’s hardware doesn’t sound great. It comes with the Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM. Compared to other phones at this price, the processor is dated. Yet, in real life tests, critics could handle multi-task and play high-end games without significant issues.

Interestingly, Motorola opted for a processor that cannot handle 5G. Instead, it uses a Motorola mod to add 5G access. The Mod itself comes equipped with a Snapdragon X50 5G modem, an X24 4G modem, and its own 2,000mAh battery. Including an additional battery in the mod makes up for the extra power needed for the 5G and 4G mode.

The phone itself comes with a 3,000mAh battery. Experts could get around a full day of juice with moderate usage. Heavier use without mods drained the battery in about 7.5 hours.

Like other smartphones, the Z3 has a dual-lens 12MP main camera. One lens captures color while the other captures black-and-white images. Unfortunately, while the specs look good, results didn’t impress reviewers. 

Reviewers captured detailed pictures with good color reproduction in outdoor lighting situations. However, once they ventured indoors, the camera’s autofocus often missed the mark leading to blurry pictures. 

Once in low lighting, their pictures were even worse due to camera shake and grain.

While not a bad phone, reviewers are rather tepid in their recommendation. The Verge states, “... The Moto Z3 is an extremely decent phone for its price… but… it’s a 2017 flagship phone in 2018.” Tom’s Guide adds, “Motorola has put together a solid budget flagship in the Moto Z3, even in spite of its modest specs and familiar design… Still, the Moto Z3 feels like a half measure in too many respects…”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.35 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.35 GHz
6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
12+ MP, f/2.0
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/2.0
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Digital Trends
Digital Trends

The Moto Z3 brings strong performance, an all-day battery, and an affordable price tag. The potential of 5G aside, it’s the best option for Verizon subscribers looking for a sub-$500 phone.

- Julian Chokkattu, Digital Trends
Hothardware
Hothardware

The Moto Z3 is somewhat of an enigma. It has one foot in the past with its 2017-era hardware specs, but it tries to be forward-looking by dipping its toe in the 5G wireless future that is coming in 2019. Are there enthusiasts/early adopters that would traditionally be drawn to 5G that want to ride t...

- Brandon Hill, Hothardware
Techaeris
Techaeris

The moto Z3 Verizon is another very solid mid-tier phone from Motorola that is really challenging the idea that everyone needs a flagship phone. The power button placement is irritating and the camera could be a bit better but for the price you get good value here.

- Alex Hernandez, Techaeris
GSMArena
GSMArena

We'll start by saying that the Moto Z3 is not worthy of the number 3 in its name. At this point, the phone solely exists for Verizon to promote its 5G network and market it as the first 5G-upgradable phone with the 5G Moto Mod.

- GSMArena
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

The Moto Z3 is a solid device – and one worth considering, but not because of its potential to be your first 5G phone at some point in the future. This is a handset that performs well across most areas, even with last year's Snapdragon 835 in it.

- Corey Gaskin, PhoneArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola Moto Z3 user manual here.


Motorola backs up the Moto Z3 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Moto Z3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The Motorola Moto Z3's screen size is 6 inches with 1080 x 2160 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.35 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 9.0 Pie) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/2.0 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
64 GB

Internal memory is 64 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3000 mAh battery. Motorola's performance ratings are 1262 minutes, 649 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Moto Z3 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 16, 2018
Regions Available USA
Operating System Android 8.1 Oreo (Update Available: 9.0 Pie)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz
Internal Storage 64 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.11 W/kg
Body: 1.18 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/2.0
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, Dual camera feature (12 MP 2nd camera), Slow motion recording, Zero shutter lag, Time lapse mode, HDR
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture f/2.0
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2160 pixels
Pixel Density 402 pixels
Size 6 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass, 2.5D glass
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 908 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 649 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 562 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1262 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Ceramic Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.65 x 7.65 x 0.675 cm (6.2 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 156 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Motorola Moto Z3 Reviews
Where to buy Motorola Moto Z3
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