Moto Z2 Force review: Heavy features on a thin phone

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.

Watch the unboxing

Moto Z2 Force features

The Moto Z2 Force has a 7,000-series aluminum chassis that lends to its sturdy functionality. Let’s see what’s inside:

• Display. Bright, vibrant, sharp, crisp (or any other word you’ve heard to describe a crystal-clear screen) — the 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440 resolution) AMOLED display has a pixel density of 534 PPI. The high-performance display even handles VR via Google Daydream, giving its screen display no problem in competing with other phones on the market.
• Processing power. Inside the phone is a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor — no bigger than a dime — with Adreno 540 GPU and 4GB of RAM. This processing powerhouse allows for instantaneous audio and video streaming (making it easy to stream the second season of Stranger Things on the bus). You’ll get unmatched speed on Wi-Fi with gigabit-class speeds on a 4G network. And don’t sweat lags if you’re a gamer: It handles extensive, in-depth graphics flawlessly.
• Storage. The Moto Z2 Force currently offers only one storage option in the US: 64GB. While a modest amount of space, a microSD slot can support an additional 2TB. Outside of the US, you’ll get 128GB storage and 6GB RAM. Lame.
• Battery. You’ll make a slight sacrifice in battery power for this skinny phone. The 2,730 mAh battery is smaller by 22% since last year, but it can still last about a day with light use. On the plus side, TurboPower technology can charge your phone rather quickly — a plus if you’ve only 15 minutes to get some juice.

Moto Z2 Force specs

Pros and cons

Camera

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?

Photos

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.

Moto Mods

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.

Moto 360 Camera

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. =

JBL SoundBoost

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. =

Moto Insta-Share Projector

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. =

Hasselblad True Zoom Camera

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!

Moto Gamepad

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.

Power packs

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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Bottom line

The 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.