Moto Z3 Review: Design, Specs, and Performance Insights

Key Highlights

  • The Moto Z3 is a verizon exclusive android smartphone. It has a thin shape and a glass back that shines.
  • You get a 6-inch amoled screen that shows rich colors. and a tall 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen looks good, even outside in direct sunlight.
  • The Z3 uses the snapdragon 835 chip from last year. It gives good speed, but it is not the latest flagship hardware.
  • The mod system works with all moto mods, so you can add features. It will also work with the coming 5G mod. This lets it keep up with new network technology.
  • On the back, there are two 12MP cameras. On the front camera, you get a single 8MP lens. You can get many types of photo and video with them. But the low-light shots are not as good as some others.
  • The battery life is okay so you get a 3,000mAh battery. Audio goes through the usb-c port. That means there is no headphone jack.

Introduction

If you want an Android phone that gives you good value and strong performance, the Moto Z3 could be the right choice. This new smartphone from Motorola comes with a bright AMOLED screen, two cameras on the back, and a Snapdragon 835 chip. The phone stands out among other Android phones because it has great compatibility with Moto Mods and can work with 5G in the future. The Moto Z3 has some good specs that people want in a modern smartphone. Let’s take some time now to see what this Moto device can give to users who want all the main features without paying too much.

Moto Z3 at a Glance

Motorola’s Moto Z3 is sold only with Verizon, and it costs $480. This price puts it in the mid-range for smartphones. It came out as a flagship for Verizon. One thing it has that stands out is support for all moto mods you get for earlier models, like battery packs and gamepads. You get to use these moto mods because of the good compatibility. The Moto Z3 runs on Android 8.1, which is called Oreo. The phone is not the most powerful one you will find, but its different features make it easy to choose over other phones like it.

What makes the Moto Z3 stand out is that it is ready for the future. The new 5G Moto Mod will bring next-gen coverage on Verizon. People will get this starting early next year. While you wait for the 5G perks, there is a lot to like about the Moto Z3. It has a tough build, good specs, and costs less than many other top phones. Now, let’s look into the features that shape the way people use the Moto Z3.

Key Features Overview

When you look at new ideas in phones, the Moto Z3 stands out with its moto mods. These parts use magnets to connect to the back of the phone, so you can add things like better battery or a new camera in just seconds. With moto mods, you can choose what you want your phone to do for you. It lets you make the phone work the way you want. This makes the moto Z3 feel new each time you change it.

  • The 6-inch AMOLED screen gives bright and crisp colors. It is easy to read text and watch videos on this display. You can use it for web browsing. The screen brightness is strong, so it looks good even when you are outside.
  • The fingerprint sensor is on the right side, just below the volume buttons. It feels natural to touch with your thumb.
  • A 3,000mAh battery supports the battery life. You can add Power Pack Mods if you want more time to use your device.

For staying connected, the Moto Z3 has Bluetooth 5.0 and a USB-C port. But, it does not have the usual headphone jack. You need to use a dongle to plug in your headphones. This Moto phone brings together new features and handy add-ons. Is it worth buying? Adam Ismail says, “Motorola’s flagship won’t make you want a better display.” The price is good for what you get compared to others.

Release Date and Market Position

The Moto Z3 came out last year. You can get it only from Verizon. It is made for people who want a flagship phone look and feel, but at a midrange price. The phone stands out because there will be a Mod coming next year that can make it work with 5G. But, the device has the Snapdragon 835 chip, which is from last year.

Compared to the OnePlus 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S9, the Moto Z3 does not have the same level of power or the latest specs. But, the Moto Z3 is more affordable and comes with a modular design that some people like. With a price of $480, the Moto Z3 is good for you if you want to use Verizon’s network and do not need new or top hardware.

When you look at the market, the Moto Z3 is a good pick for those who like mods. If you do not mind that the phone does not have the latest parts inside, this is one you can get. The Moto Z3 works about as well as other mid-level phones that came out that year. What makes it stand out is the modular system and its 5G compatibility, which means it can still keep up for years to come.

Design and Build Quality

Motorola made the Moto Z3 a lot like the other phones in the Moto Z-series. The design looks familiar but has a few smooth updates. You get a shiny glass back and a slim build. This helps give the Moto Z3 the feel of a top android phone. But it is a little wider than last year. This may make it hard to use with one hand. The Moto Z3 keeps what people like about Motorola’s flagship android phones and tweaks a few things to feel new.

On the right side of the Moto, you will see the fingerprint sensor. It sits right below the volume buttons. On the back of the phone, there are connector pins for Moto Mods. You can use these pins to add new features to your phone with ease. The build feels strong. But it is not water-resistant, so you do not want to get it wet. Next, we will look at the materials and how the phone feels in your hand.

Materials and Ergonomics

The Moto Z3 has Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and back. This is different from the Moto Z2 Force’s strong ShatterShield screen. The glass makes the Moto feel shiny and smooth. But it does not protect the phone from drops like the Z2 Force edition did. A case is a good accessory to use to keep your phone safe.

The phone is slim and the bezels are thin. This makes it feel easy to hold even though it is wider. The fingerprint sensor is on the right side, so most people find it simple to use. The power button has a ridged feel. You can find it fast without needing to look. Moto Mods can snap on easily. They add new features to the moto without making it harder to grip. The phone keeps its good feel in your hand and does not lose functionality.

Motorola chose to keep a simple glass design for their phones. This choice makes the phone look good, but it is not as tough as some other models. People who used and tested these phones have different things to say about how strong they feel. A lot of people like that the phone feels solid and well-made. But there are some who say they want better protection, like what ShatterShield can give.

Durability According to Reviews

Durability is important for people who buy phones. The Moto Z3 uses Gorilla Glass 3. Some people like it, and some do not. The glass can stop small scratches, but drops are a problem. The Z2 Force has a strong build with aluminum and ShatterShield, so it protects better against falls. People who test phones also say the Moto Z3 does not have water resistance. Other companies now give this feature in their phones.

Amazon customer feedback shows there are a few common problems. Some people say the glass might crack if you drop the phone. There is also some scuffing when the phone falls. The phone can handle splashes of water, but it is not made to be in a lot of water for a long time. Users feel it is not safe if the phone gets very wet.

Common things that people talk about include the glass on the Moto Z3 breaking easily and it not being able to keep out water. If you want something strong that lasts, it is good to look at these problems. You should think about them before you choose to buy the Moto Z3.

Display Quality and User Experience

Display performance is strong on the Moto Z3. The phone has a 6-inch amoled screen. Colors on this screen be bright. Blacks look deep. The text and images also be very clear. You see this at a 2,160-by-1,080 resolution. Everything looks sharp, no matter if you are inside or out in the sun. Its 18:9 aspect ratio makes the borders thin. This gives you a bigger viewing area and helps you feel more part of what you see.

User experience gets better with brightness that is strong and color settings that you can change. You can set brightness, saturation, and temperature to fit what you like for web browsing or just enjoying entertainment. Up next, you will see how the display specs stack up next to other smartphones in the same group.

Screen Specs and Visuals

The Moto Z3 has an AMOLED display that is known for its bright colors and clear picture. It is 6 inches across. This screen has a resolution of 2,160 by 1,080 pixels. You get 402 pixels in each inch. That is the same as the OnePlus 6. The display gives sharp detail when you watch videos or look at photos.

  • The brightness goes up to 564 nits. You can see the screen well in direct sunlight, so using it outdoors is easy.
  • The 18:9 aspect ratio makes the bezel small. This gives the device a new, stylish look and more space on the screen.
  • There are color settings. You can pick either a muted look or a bright one, so it fits what you like.

Lab tests say that the Z3’s screen shows 228% of the sRGB color range. The colors look very good and true. The display is as good as screens on phones like the Galaxy S9, which cost a lot more. You get great quality when you do web browsing, gaming, or stream videos on this phone. The strong visual performance makes everything look better.

Audio Performance and Feedback

Audio on the Moto Z3 comes from its earpiece and Bluetooth 5.0, as it does not have a headphone jack. To use wired headphones, you will need the USB-C dongle that comes with it. The earpiece also works as a speaker. It gives clear sound for calls, but music playback is just average.

Bluetooth 5.0 lets you use and switch more than one wireless audio device. You can go from your headphones to your speakers with no trouble at all. The audio quality is good for most people. But if you are someone who likes rich audio, you might feel that the sound is not as good as some flagship products.

Lab tests show the audio on the Moto Z3 is good when you use it for calls. But, it is just okay for music and movies. The battery life is also about average compared to other phones in its group. The Moto Z3 gives a good feel overall. Still, people who want better audio and longer battery life will find other options that may be better for them.

Performance and Hardware Specs

Performance on the Moto Z3 comes from the Snapdragon 835 chip and 4GB of RAM. This was the top setup last year. While you will not get the newest feel, the device still works well. Apps open smoothly, and you can do several things at once. The phone also runs games with no problem. People will like the microSD slot because you can add more storage. The slot lets you use cards up to 512GB.

When you use the Z3 for real-life stuff, it works well next to other phones that cost about the same. You can play games, surf the web, and do many things at once without problems. The numbers for speed might not be as high as the latest flagship phones, but it still does a good job. Now, let’s look at the specs more closely.

Processor, RAM, and Storage

The Moto Z3 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip. It has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of space inside to store your things. This was among the best you could get last year. So, it is still good for most people who use the moto phone for everyday tasks. But, if you want to get into gaming or play new, heavy games, there might be better options now.

A microSD slot gives you more space, with support for up to 512GB. This is good for people who use a lot of apps and media. Benchmarks say that the scores are close to others, but they don’t beat the newer processors. For example, the OnePlus 6 uses a Snapdragon 845, which gives faster performance.

Spec Category      Moto Z3                              OnePlus 6                 Samsung Galaxy S9

Processor              Snapdragon 835              Snapdragon 845          Snapdragon 845

RAM                    4GB                                        8GB                            4GB

Storage                 64GB                                    128GB                        64GB

OS                       Android 8.1 Oreo                 Android 8.1 Oreo      Android 8.0 Oreo

When you look at other midrange models, the Z3 has good hardware for day-to-day use. It is solid and will get the job done. But it is not the fastest when you compare it to other phones in the same price range.

Real-World Usage and Speed Comparison

In daily use, the Moto Z3 works well. Apps open fast, and web browsing feels smooth. The phone does a good job with multitasking because of the Snapdragon 835 and 4GB RAM. Gaming is good, too. You can play games like PUBG at high settings, but the frame rate is not as smooth as what you get on a new flagship phone.

Speed tests show that the Moto Z3 is a bit slower than some other phones like the Samsung Galaxy S9. The Samsung usually gets higher scores in these tests. But for most people, this might not matter. In daily use, this phone will seem fast enough if you do things like text, call, or browse. You may only notice the gap if you want the best for gaming, or if you use the phone a lot for video. For normal use, the Moto still works well.

For value, the Moto Z3 gives you good speed and a low price. This phone is a nice choice for people who want reliable moto performance. You do not have to spend a lot to get what you need. As Sascha Segan says, “The Moto Z3 is fast and responsive. It can handle multitasking. There are no big slowdowns.”

Camera Performance and Capabilities

Photography on the Moto Z3 uses two 12MP cameras on the back and an 8MP front camera. With this setup, you can take photos, record videos, and snap selfies. The back cameras include a monochrome sensor. This helps the phone take better pictures in low-light and lets you make real black-and-white photos.

Outdoor photos from the camera have good detail and nice color. But when you take photos inside or when the light is low, the pictures can be different. Sometimes, they get blurry, and the camera may not focus well. Now, let’s look at the camera specs and see how the photo quality compares to other smartphones in this price range.

Rear and Front Camera Details

The phone has two cameras on the back. One is a 12MP color sensor and the other is a 12MP monochrome sensor. These two work together to help get better low-light pictures and sharper photos. Pictures taken outside look sharp and the colors are correct. However, if you take photos indoors, there can be some blur or the camera might miss the focus.

Manual controls for focus, ISO, and shutter speed in the moto camera app help you get better and more reliable shots, even in tough lighting. The app also lets you try things like portrait mode and Spot Color, which makes your photos more fun and creative. For video, the Moto Z3 can shoot steady 4K at 30fps. It does not feel as smooth as the 60fps you find on the most expensive models, but it still gives you good videos.

The front 8MP camera works well for selfies and video chats. It gives clear pictures, so you can use them on your social media. In this price range, the Z3 camera is strong. However, some phones, like the Pixel and samsung Galaxy S9, do better when the lighting is hard or tough.

Photo & Video Quality vs. Competitors

The Moto Z3 is good for taking photos and videos every day. It is not the best, though. When you compare it with the samsung Galaxy S9, oneplus 6, and iphone 8, the Z3 does not do as well. It struggles the most with bright and dark parts of the pictures, mainly when you are inside or if there is not much light.

  • Outdoor photos look clear, but the Z3 makes bright spots too bright and can not show as many details as the iPhone and Galaxy models.
  • Portrait mode and the monochrome effects are fun to use and feel creative, but since there is no real telephoto lens, the background does not separate as well.
  • Video is steady at 4K/30fps. Even so, top rivals give you better results and smoother video with faster frame rates.

Overall, the Moto Z3 gives you many camera features. But the way it works is not always steady. It can be very good or just okay when you look at other phones in the same price range.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Moto Z3 is a strong smartphone choice. The phone is designed well and works fast. Its camera can do many things, which is good for both beginners and those who love tech. This phone brings style and good functionality together. The Moto Z3 has features for different people and stands up well to other phones out there. If you want a good phone for each day or want to take nice pictures and enjoy media, consider the Moto Z3. If you have any other questions or want advice about your smartphone options, feel free to ask for a consultation!

FAQs

Q1: Is the Moto Z3 5G compatible, and does it make a difference?

A: Yes, the Moto Z3 can use 5G with the Moto Mod accessory. This Mod has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modem and its own battery. When you attach this mod, users, especially on Verizon, get to use faster LTE and the new 5G speeds.

Q2: Common issues reported by Moto Z3 users

A: Users and reviewers often say there is a problem with build quality. Glass can crack when you drop it. The battery life is not as good as you want. The phone also does not have a headphones jack. Some people have small issues with compatibility when they use certain Mods. There is some carrier bloatware that can make the phone lose functionality.

Q3: Should I choose Moto Z3 or Moto Z3 Play?

A: Between the Moto Z3 and Moto Z3 Play, the Moto Z3 is stronger. It has a better processor and better camera specs. The price is a bit higher. Both phones work with moto mods and use Android. If you want more power and want to have 5G compatibility in the future, the Moto Z3 would be a good pick.