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Motorola Moto Z Force review

8.4/10 AVG.
RATING
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Motorola Moto Z Force
Motorola Moto Z Force
Motorola Moto Z Force
Motorola Moto Z Force
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8.4/10
Informr score
The Motorola Moto Z Force currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 18 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The latest modular addition to the Moto family is turning heads, but it has an upgraded premium version as well--the Motorola Moto Z Force.

In many ways, the phone is identical to its lower-priced sibling. They both feature the same Snapdragon 820 processor, 32 or 64GB of storage, modular add-ons, lack of headphone port and beautiful 5.5-inch QHD display.

While the design is similar, the Moto Z Force is slightly thicker--largely due to the increased battery capacity. However, many reviewers agreed that the added heft was a welcome addition to the phone. With a 3500mAh battery, reviewers had no problems pushing a day and a half of usage on a single charge.

The other major change is an upgraded rear camera. Replacing the 13MP chip on the Moto Z with a 21MP Sony chip, the Moto Z Force wowed reviewers and performed comparably to the best flagships currently available. The camera also adds phase-detection autofocus to the feature list to make snapping shots even faster.

While the differences might seem minor, so is difference in price. If you’re on the fence about which to grab, PC Magazine says, “If you're going to spend $600 on a phone, you might as well spend $700. Go out and get a Moto Z Force.”

For more information on what to expect from the rest of the phone’s features, check out our review summary for the Motorola Moto Z!


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.2 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
21+ MP
Camera
Camera
21+ MP
3500 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Beta News
Beta News

Moto Z Force Droid has great physical balance; packs a shatter-resistant screen, if dropped; responds nearly instantly to touch or voice; and feels over prolonged use like a companion (there Google Assistant helps). What's not to like about that?

- Joe Wilcox, Beta News
GSMArena
GSMArena

The Moto Z Force is a phone for Android power-users who would rather experience Android as it was meant to be, Nexus style, but with a few extra features on top. Although you wouldn't get the quickest updates as you would on Nexus devices, the Moto Z Force offers much more than the pure Android expe...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
Phandroid
Phandroid

The Moto Z Force Droid is definitely the “better” of the two latest devices from Motorola and Lenovo. With its larger battery, better camera, and ShatterShield display you’d be hard pressed to pass this device up if given the opportunity. Even though its a bit heavier and thicker,...

- Andrew Myrick, Phandroid
PCWorld
PCWorld

The Moto Z Force is one of the best smartphones Motorola's ever made, though it's best without any mods attached to it.

- Florence Ion, PCWorld
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

There are only two downsides to the Z Force Droid: it's big and it lacks a headphone jack. But I think it's worth putting up with these issues. While I'd still pick the Galaxy S7 as my own device because I'm into smaller phones, the Z Force Droid combines lots of power, some great accessories, and m...

- Sascha Segan, PC Magazine


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


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


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


If your Moto Z Force 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
5.5"

The Motorola Moto Z Force's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 Quad core 2.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (Update Available: 7.1.1 Nougat) operating system (OS).

Camera
21+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 21+ MP 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
3500mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3500 mAh battery. Motorola's performance ratings are 1306 minutes, 648 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Moto Z Force Specs

Overview
Release Date September 30, 2016
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (Update Available: 7.1.1 Nougat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 Quad core 2.2 GHz
Internal Storage 32/64 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.14 W/kg
Body: 1.14 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
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
21+ Megapixels
Zoom
8x digital
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, Zero shutter lag, HDR
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
Night mode, Front camera flash
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Pixel Density 535 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 3500 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 610 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 648 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1306 minutes
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.6 x 7.6 x 0.7 cm (6.1 x 3 x 0.3 in)
Weight 163 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Motorola Moto Z Force Droid
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Motorola Moto Z Force Reviews
Where to buy Motorola Moto Z Force
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