Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Motorola Moto Z2 Play
...


8/10
Informr score
The Motorola Moto Z2 Play currently has an Informr score of 8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 43 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • All-day battery life
  • TurboCharge support
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Solid performance

What's bad

  • Lackluster camera
  • Bland design
  • Weak loudspeaker
  • Limited Moto Mod options
  • Screen not very bright

Less than a year after unveiling their ambitious first attempt at a modular phone, Motorola is back with its successor—the Moto Z2 Play. Looking at the specifications, it’s clearly more of a refinement than an upgrade. However, this doesn’t mean it lacks what it takes to offer a great experience.

Reviewers have had time to test out this new release and their weighing in around the web.

Let’s see what they’re saying…

The design of the Moto Z2 Play is very similar to its predecessor. But then, as reviewers noted, it needs to be to remain compatible with the growing selection of Moto Mod accessories. Reviewers were pleased to see that the metal back plate resisted fingerprints and helps with grip.

While there were a few complaints about bland or boring design, no one had issues with build quality. Phone Scoop said, “The Z2 Play is a good looking phone and it comes across as stronger and less delicate than the original.”

Heading around to the front, you’ll find a 5.5-inch 1080 AMOLED panel. Reviewers had differing opinions on the screen. Some found the colors inaccurate but loved the contrast. Others complained of trouble reading in bright environments. However, most agreed that it was well suited for everything from emails to gaming.

The phone features a similar processor to its earlier model—a 2.2Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 626 processor. Depending on the model, you’ll also find either 3 or 4GB of RAM. Reviewers had no issues with day-to-day performance. While some noted a few dropped frames in high-end games, they also said that games remained playable if not a bit choppy.

With 32 or 64GB of internal storage and support for microSD cards, you should have no problem keeping your favorite media and apps on-hand. Reviewers also noted that software on the phone—Android 7.1.1 Nougat—featured little in the way of modifications and was light on storage space.

One button navigation was a hit with reviewers. Instead of using on-screen buttons, you can use swipe controls on the front-facing fingerprint sensor to load recent apps or go back to a previous screen.

Unfortunately, camera reviews for the phone fall flat. With the 12MP rear camera offers phase detection and laser autofocus, reviewers found that a lack of optical image stabilization and inconsistent exposure made for a frustrating experience in all but the best of lighting.

The front-facing 5MP lens includes a dual-tone flash for well-lit selfies. However, reviewers again struggled with blurry shots or odd light balancing.

Android Authority summed up opinions well, saying, “Overall, camera performance is sufficient, but is unfortunately not very close to competing with the expensive flagships out there.”

The phone includes a 3000mAh battery. Reviewers found that it is enough to last through a day but still recommend nightly charging. However, if you find yourself low on juice, the included TurboCharger promises a few hours of runtime with only 15 minutes of charging.

Overall, reviewers agreed that the true value of the phone lies in how useful you’ll find the Moto Mods. If you’re looking for a powerful camera, you’re probably better off looking elsewhere. Otherwise, the Moto Z2 Play offers a compelling mid-tier experience at a fair price.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.2 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
12+ MP, f/1.4
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.4
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

With the Moto Z2 Play, Motorola is still on the path it started last year. The new model is slimmer, but at the cost of battery capacity. Dropping the battery size for aesthetics might not have been the best idea because Motorola has weakened one of the Z Play's best attributes. You can of course sp...

- Aditya Shenoy, Gadgets 360
GSM Dome
GSM Dome

This a premium built midrange smartphone which can have modules attached and it provides a premium build. It’s got a bright screen, OK camera and battery and since it sometimes bundles the module, their price is not that big of a problem anymore.

- Alexandru Stănescu, GSM Dome
Softpedia
Softpedia

Motorola isn't trying to trick you into believing that the Moto Z2 Play can do more than it can. It's a mid-range phone whose main highlight is the modular approach.

- Bogdan Popa, Softpedia
Coolsmartphone
Coolsmartphone

A small upgrade to the original but keeps the key selling points for upgrading customers.

- Dan, Coolsmartphone
GSMArena
GSMArena

All things considered, the Moto Z2 Play's fate comes down to fan love for the Moto Mod platform. If you don't plan on exploring the modular concept and searching for specialized add-ons, like a sliding keyboard or a scientific measurement multitool, among other weird plugins that occasionally pop up...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Motorola Moto Z2 Play user manual here.


Motorola backs up the Moto Z2 Play with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Moto Z2 Play 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.



Ask the Community


No questions for the moment.


Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The Motorola Moto Z2 Play's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 Octa core 2.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.4 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32/64 GB

Internal memory is 32/64 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 1460 minutes, 618 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Moto Z2 Play Specs

Overview
Release Date June 1, 2017
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 7.1.1 Nougat

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 Octa core 2.2 GHz
Internal Storage 32/64 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.25 W/kg
Body: 1.52 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO, 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 No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
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/1.4
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, HDR, Slow motion recording
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Wide-Angle lens, Front camera flash
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 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 401 pixels
Size 5.5 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
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 998 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 618 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 498 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1460 minutes
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Lunar Gray, Nimbus Blue, Fine Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.6 x 7.6 x 0.6 cm (6.1 x 3 x 0.2 in)
Weight 145 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Motorola Moto Z Play (2nd Gen)

32 GB variant has 3 GB of RAM.

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Motorola Moto Z2 Play Reviews
Where to buy Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Suggest a correction