Moto Z2 Play First Impressions: A Modular Maverick

The latest generation of Moto Z Play comes with modular parts.

Moto Z2 Play is here in India. (Photo: The Quint)

Motorola (yes, not Moto) has launched the modular-laden Moto Z2 Play in India, priced at Rs 27,999. The phone will be available via both; online (Flipkart) and offline but at this price point, it’s directly competing against the Honor 8 and OnePlus 3T.

When Motorola shared its media invite, we presumed that the speculations of the dual rear camera featuring Moto G5S will be put to bed, but as it turns out, we’ve got the Moto Z2 Play. So, what does this phone offer that others don’t?

Design

It’s good to see that Motorola has continued its modular formula with the Moto Z2 Play, and even trimmed down the size of the phone to 5.8-mm. The metal-body finish adds gloss to the device, and with a weight of 145 grams, the phone doesn’t weigh you down either.

All metal body design with non-removable battery. (Photo: The Quint)

That said, Moto Z2 Play isn’t too dissimilar from last year’s Moto Z Play and that’s something worth highlighting.

Display and More

Moto Z2 Play comes with a 5.5-inch Full-HD Super Amoled display that is bright, offers good colour saturation, and is readable in sunlight. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 626 along with 4GB RAM but for this price (especially when the OnePlus 3T packs Snapdragon 821), buyers would surely want more bang for their buck.

5.5-inch Full-HD 1920x1080 pixels display. (Photo: The Quint)

Motorola claims the processor won’t be a deal-breaker, but we’ll reserve our verdict when we review the phone and see if that’s really the case. To top it all off, Moto Z2 Play is loaded with a 3000mAh battery that would never see the end of day, if not for the turbo-charging feature that has steadied the ship for Motorola over the past year or so.

Moto Mods

Motorola has been pushing developers to design and create more mods for its devices, and they even hosted a developer event for it last year. The result seems to have showed up this week, with multiple mods announced along with the Moto Z2 Play.

All the mods announced at the Moto Z2 Play launch. (Photo: The Quint)

Moto Mods Prices

• Hasselblad camera: Rs 19,999
• Insta Share projector: Rs 19,999
• Moto PowerPack: Rs 3,999
• JBL Sound Boost: Rs 6,999

The mods are available at discounted prices starting from Rs 1,999 if you pre-order the Moto Z2 Play.

Camera

The big highlight of the Moto Z2 Play, understandably at this price, is the main camera in tow. The 12-megapixel snapper with f/1.7 aperture might be the same as that of the Samsung Galaxy S7 but in terms of quality, but the camera is justified at its price.

12-megapixel camera on the Moto Z2 Play. (Photo: The Quint)

The camera offers good detailing. (Photo: The Quint)

Not sure if the Moto Z2 Play will be low-light friendly. (Photo: The Quint)

Macro shots highlight the colour palette of the camera. (Photo: The Quint)

What We Think

Moto Z2 Play embarks on yet another comeback for Motorola in India. This is a mid-range phone that’s flirting with the so-called flagship killer territory. You can also opt for a phone with dual camera by paying Rs 28,000, or the OnePlus 3T as well.

So, what could possibly appeal you about the Moto Z2 Play? Quick Android updates are a given, it’ll be a reliable performer, and you get the option to try out mods. For the rest, stay tuned for our review.