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The Moto Z2 Force is Motorola’s 2017 flagship phone. It’s no surprise that it packs top-notch processing power that operates on Android 7.1.1. The phone is slimmed out compared to its predecessor, boasting dual 12-megapixel rear cameras and ShatterShield technology that protects your phone against a shattered or cracked screen.
Leading the pack when it comes to modular phones, Motorola’s Moto Mods features allow you to transform and enhance the camera, audio and all-around functionality of your Moto Z2 Force. And now the phone is available on all US mobile phone carrier networks in super black, fine gold and lunar grey.
The Moto Z2 is no longer available on Motorola.com, but check out newer phones like the Moto Z3 and Z4.
The Moto Z2 Force has a 7,000-series aluminum chassis that lends to its sturdy functionality. Let’s see what’s inside:
The Moto Z2 Force’s battery-saver mode improves battery life by minimizing performance. If you won’t be able to access a charger anytime soon, it can help you get the most out of your battery — and maybe a few extra minutes of FaceTime.
| Moto Z2 Force | |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch; 2,560×1,440 with ShatterShield |
| Processor | 2.35GHz octa-core CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Pixel density | 534 PPI |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| RAM | 4GB 6GB (international) |
| Storage | 64GB 128GB (international) MicroSD of up to 2TB |
| Mobile software | Android 7.1.1 Nougat |
| Camera | Dual 12MP |
| Front camera | 5MP |
| Battery | 2,730 mAh Nonremovable 15W TurboPower |
| Connectivity | 3.5 mm to USB-C headphone adapter Bluetooth 4.2 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz with MIMO Moto Mods connector |
| Colors | Super Black, Fine Gold, Lunar Grey |
| Dimension and weight | 156x76x6 mm and 5 ounces |
An important feature of any phone, it’s only fair it that cameras get their own section. I mean, do you not want future selfies and food pics to get likes on Instagram?
On the back on the phone are two 12MP cameras. The main lens is RGB standard, and the second lens shoots in monochrome to deliver true black-and-white photos. The two lenses combined allow for taking photos with that trendy depth effect, where your subject’s in focus against a blurry background.
The camera comes with phase detection and laser autofocus yet no optical image stabilization. Lacking this feature can lead to blurred photos and shaky videos, unless you have a steady hand. We should also note that without proper lighting, your photos may be washed in darkness.
The front-facing 5MP camera — the one you’ll take all of your selfies with — comes with flash and a wide lens that does the job just fine.
What really impresses us about the Moto Z2 Force camera is manual focus options in pro mode. You can control white balance, shutter speed, ISO, focal length and exposure to get exactly what you want out of a photograph on your phone.
Video capabilities on this phone are superb if you have a steady hand (remember, no optical image stabilization). It can shoot up to 4K at 30 frames per second and can capture 1080P slow-motion video at 120 frames per second.
Moto Mods are cool (and pricey) extras that snap on the back of the Moto Z2 Force to enhance performance. Because they’re more novelty than necessity, we’ll call them the Spirit Airlines of cellphone add-ons. Here’s what they offer.
The Moto 360 Camera is exactly what you think it is, snapping to the phone’s body and protruding from the top to capture 4K 360-degree video while recording 3D audio. It also lets you take 150-degree, super-wide-angle photos that are simulate a panorama effect. =
If the party’s music isn’t loud enough and you have JBL SoundBoost, you’re an instant hero who can play music for up to 10 hours with a built-in battery. Party tip: Don’t throw it in the pool — it’s only splashproof. =
Projecting videos from your phone onto any flat surface is pretty futuristic, but Motorola’s figured it out. Projecting up to 70 inches while on the built-in kickstand, the phone makes it easy to share photos and videos with your family and friends. =
This Moto Mod will have people mistaking your phone for a true digital camera with 10x optical zoom, xenon flash (for better photos in low light) and the ability to shoot in RAW. It also comes with a carrying case!
It’s just like the controllers you play with on gaming systems — but on the go. Staying charged for up to eight hours, it immensely reshapes gaming on a smartphone through dual-control sticks, a directional pad and four action buttons.
If you’re constantly too busy to sit down and charge your phone, get a power pack. It’s wireless charging at its finest that can give you up to 22 hours of extra battery life. The best part: Charging the pack itself to 50% power takes only 20 minutes.
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View detailsThe new Moto Z2 Force is a noteworthy phone — with or without the Moto Mods. While the battery’s shrunk with the size of the phone, its life hasn’t changed at all. And now with the one of the fastest processors on the market, the Moto Z2 Force can compete with top contenders on the market.
