So, which Moto Z version is right for you? We have the details on the differences between models.
As was the case in 2015, Motorola has announced multiple versions of its flagship phone. This year, we have , but also a Moto Z Force — and then there are the "Droid Editions" of each. Thankfully for everyone, the difference between each model isn't all that substantial — there are just a few key points differentiating the Moto Z from the Moto Z Force, and Verizon hasn't changed things up too much in the Droid Edition versions either.
Ready to understand all of the fine details separating these models? Read on.
Moto Z vs. Moto Z Force
Motorola has done an admirable job in keeping the Moto Z and Moto Z Force very similar, save for the stand-out features of each that it chose to differentiate them with. Both phones have the same specs in terms of processor, screen size and resolution, RAM, storage, ports, radios and capabilities. Both charge and output audio over USB-C, and have water-resistant coatings to hopefully save the phone if it takes an accidental splash.
For the most part, it comes down to camera sensor size and battery capacity.
Physically, both phones have the same style of design, as well as materials — in fact, at a glance it's tough to tell which one is which. They both have the same look on the front, including the speaker, camera and fingerprint sensor placements, though you'll notice the Moto Z Force has ever-so-slightly wider bezels in order to accommodate its shatterproof screen. The Moto Z Force is of course slightly thicker than the standard Moto Z, on account of its larger 3500 mAh battery that's a solid bump over the 2600 mAh in its sibling. Speaking of battery, the Moto Z Force will also come with a higher-power charger to top up that bigger cell — it charges with a 30W (5V/6A) charger, compared to the 15W (5V/3A) charger in the smaller model.
That extra bit of thickness doesn't change its compatibility with Moto Mods, though, which is important — you can take a Mod from one Moto Z and move it to a Moto Z Force, and you won't notice a difference.
The only other notable difference here is the camera sensor, where the Moto Z Force has a 21MP sensor instead of 13MP on the Moto Z. Aside from the sensor, both phones have the same camera capabilities — an f/1.8 lens, OIS, laser autofocus and the same software. The camera sensors both have the same pixel size, even, at 1.12-microns.
And the 'Droid Edition' versions
Verizon hasn't destroyed these Droids ... a nice change of pace.
Thankfully, there aren't actually that many differences in the "Droid Edition" versions of the Moto Z and Moto Z Force, straying from the completely new phones we had last year with the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2. In 2016, the "Droid" version basically just means the exclusive Verizon model.
Externally, the only difference is the subtle Droid branding on the camera pod — and that's it, the hardware is the exact same otherwise. The current couple of color schemes available from Verizon are no different than what will be generally available internationally, and the size and shape of the Droid Editions matches that of the other versions, meaning Moto Mods can be used across models.
The biggest changes are in the software, naturally, as you're going to find Verizon's pre-loaded software, including its Messages+ app and all of the other services you probably don't want. But you're going to expect that on any Verizon phone — these are no different. You can just be glad that the rest of the phone has gone untouched.