Another year, another phone that still works with Moto Mods.
Ever since the first Moto Z handsets launched in 2016, this particular series hasn't changed all that much over the years. New models get less bezel around the display and better specs, but for the most part, the phones remain the same to accommodate Motorola's Moto Mod system.
That can make Moto Z phones appear boring to some people, but we need to give credit where it's due for Motorola continuing to stay committed to its modular accessories.
For 2019, the Moto Z series is getting a new addition in the form of the Moto Z4. It looks a lot like the Moto Z3 and Z3 Play from last year, and while it might have a hard time standing out thanks to phones like the Google Pixel 3a, it's still worth diving into in case you're interested in it.
Here's everything you need to know!
- Start with our review
- Then take a look at the specs
- Comparing the Z4 to other phones
- Remember Moto Mods? Those still work
- There's an in-display fingerprint sensor!
- And just one rear camera 😕
- You can buy the Z4 right now
- These are the best accessories
More than a phone
Moto Z4
$495 at Amazon $500 at Verizon
Keep on using your Moto Mods for another year.
On its own, the Moto Z4 is a fairly compelling mid-range smartphone. It's got a Snapdragon 675 processor, 6.39-inch OLED display with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and expandable storage. Things get more interesting when you factor in support for Motorola's Moto Mods, but at this price, it's got a lot of competition.
Read and watch our review
The Moto Z4 is an...interesting phone.
On its own, it's a pretty enticing package. The Z4 offers excellent battery life, very clean software, support for Verizon's 5G network, and has access to a unique accessory system with Motorola's Moto Mods.
Unfortunately, that's where our praise for the phone stops. The Moto Z4 suffers from laggy performance, an unreliable in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a dim display (not to mention that the Moto Mods don't even fit well on the phone).
Add that together with stiff competition from the likes of the Google Pixel 3a, and the Moto Z4 is a tough recommendation for anyone that can't use Verizon's 5G service or get it at a stupidly low price when it goes on sale.
Moto Z4 review: Here we go again
Here are the specs
Despite being the most expensive phone in Motorola's current U.S. lineup, the Moto Z4 is a mid-range device through and through.
The 6.39-inch OLED display with the in-screen fingerprint sensor is perhaps the highest-end feature being offered, but you're quickly reminded of its middle-of-the-road nature with things like a Snapdragon 675 CPU and 4GB of RAM.
Here's a quick snapshot of the most important details:
| Spec | Moto Z4 Specs |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 9 Pie |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor |
| Screen | 6.39-inch Full HD (2340x1080) OLED | 19:9 aspect ratio |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Expandability | microSD up to 512GB |
| Rear camera | 48MP, quad pixel phase-detect, laser autofocus f/1.7 lens dual-LED flash |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB-C to 3.5mm adapter included) |
| Headphone jack | Yes |
| Water resistance | Water-repellent coating |
| Security | In-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock |
| NFC | Yes |
| Battery | 3600mAh TurboPower charger (8 hrs battery in 15 min) |
Moto Z4 Specifications: Snapdragon 675, 4GB RAM, 48MP camera, and Moto Mod support in 2019
Pitting the Moto Z4 against its competition
If you're thinking about picking up the Moto Z4, we'd first recommend taking a look at our comparisons between it and some of its closest competition.
While the Z4 is a decent option in a bubble, there are other handsets out there that we tend to recommend over it.
To see what we mean, check out the links below 👇.
- Moto Z4 vs. Pixel 3a XL: Which should you buy?
- LG G8 vs. Moto Z4: Which should you buy?
- Moto Z3 Play vs. Moto Z4: Which should you buy?
All Moto Mods still work, including Verizon's 5G one
The Moto Z4 may not look very original on its own, but it does have something you won't find from any other company — Moto Mods.
Moto Mods are accessories you can snap onto the back of the Moto Z4 (or any Moto Z smartphone) for expanded functionality, with some of the most notable Mods being a battery pack, stereo speaker, Polaroid printer, and a 360-degree camera.
Furthermore, the Moto Z4 (at least the Verizon version) will work with the Moto 5G Mod that enables 5G connectivity on Verizon's network.
- Here's every Moto Mod you can buy for the Moto Z series
- Should you buy a Moto Z4 for 5G?
- My second bout with Verizon's wildly improved 5G network fills me with hope
The OLED display has a built-in fingerprint sensor
As mentioned above, one of the standout specs for the Moto Z4 is its display.
On its own, this should be an excellent canvas for consuming content of any kind. The 6.4-inch size is plenty big for watching movies, the OLED panel allows for vibrant colors and deep blacks, and the resolution of 2280 x 1080 means all of your media will look plenty crisp.
Taking things a step further, Motorola embedded an optical fingerprint sensor underneath the screen. Optical in-screen sensors have proven to be a bit slower and less reliable than traditional fingerprint sensors, but there's certainly a cool factor that you're getting with this feature.
There's just one rear camera
We've seen a lot of improvements in phone cameras in recent years, even with more affordable phones like the Pixel 3a. That's why it's so disappointing that Motorola didn't think to make this a priority for the Moto Z4.
The Z4 comes equipped with just a single 48MP rear camera that captures 12MP photos with support for optical image stabilization and a special night mode.
We need more time to test the camera for ourselves to see how it performs, but if past Moto Z phones are anything to go by, it'll simply get the job done without doing anything special to really wow us.
You can buy the Moto Z4 now
If you're interested in buying the Moto Z4 for yourself, you can buy the phone right now.
For those of you that prefer to buy unlocked, Amazon's selling an Alexa Built-in version of it for $495 — allowing you to use the assistant hands-free by just saying "Alexa" at any time. Furthermore, it also comes with a free Moto 360 Camera Mod to help you get started with your Moto Mod collection,
If you're a Verizon customer, you have a couple of options:
- Spend $500 to buy the Z4 outright
- Get it on a 24-month installment plan for $20.83/month
Verizon regularly runs sales on the Z4, so if you're interested in getting the phone through the carrier, be sure to check the listing often to see what kind of promotion is being offered.
Don't forget the accessories!
After picking up the Moto Z4, we'd recommend outfitting it with the right accessories — specifically, cases and screen protectors.
We always recommend protecting your phone to ensure it stays in good shape for years to come, and for the Z4, there are plenty of options out there. Here are a few of our top recommendations.
More than a phone
Moto Z4
$495 at Amazon $500 at Verizon
Keep on using your Moto Mods for another year.
On its own, the Moto Z4 is a fairly compelling mid-range smartphone. It's got a Snapdragon 675 processor, 6.39-inch OLED display with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and expandable storage. Things get more interesting when you factor in support for Motorola's Moto Mods, but at this price, it's got a lot of competition.
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