The Real Smartphone Innovation Motorola Moto Z (XT650)

Many predict modular smartphones are future smartphones. Where a smartphone has been equipped with a structural frame that is able to hold the component module so that the module can be replaced if it is damaged. Simply put, is a cellphone that can add or replace existing components. Previously, Google had published the ARA project, a first Modular cellphone project that has now run aground, then last year there was the LG G5. Now, Moto (which Lenovo has bought) launches the Moto Z and Moto Z Play as their first modular cellphones and a flagship duo that will fill two different gaps.

This modular mobile phone which is claimed to be 'The Real Smartphone Innovation' presents interesting accessories in the Incipio Offgrid Power Pack (Powerbank), Insta-Share Projector (projector), Hasselblad True Zoom (10x optical zoom camera) and JBL SoundBoost (speaker). The accessories are sold separately with the unit. Except Incipio which is used as a purchase package during the promotion period.

Can Motorola Moto Z attract sympathy and interest in smartphone enthusiasts to switch to modular smartphones? This time the Moto 77 had the opportunity to test the Moto Z complete with additional accessories. Here's a little review.

Moto Z is made from "military aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and stainless steel" with a thickness of only 8.4mm and is called the thinnest smartphone in the world. Not only thin, the weight of this smartphone is also very light, which is only 129.4 g.

With a 5.5-inch screen and a 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass screen, the front of the phone looks quite crowded. At the top of the screen, the left side has a Flash LED with a circle. Next to it is a laser sensor. The front camera is on the left side. In the center there is an upper speaker air hole covered with 2 layers of elongated grid. At the bottom of the screen is a physical fingerprint button with the Moto on it. On the right and left of the fingerprint button there are 2 sensors on the right and 2 sensors on the left. The bottom side of the cellphone is filled with a type C USB port. On the right side there is the power button and volume up and volume down buttons on it.

Motorola Moto Z does not provide a 3.5mm audio port to connect to the earphone. However, this phone provides a connecting connector that allows the earphone to connect to a type C USB port. Unfortunately, not all earphones can function when paired to this port. The default earphones on the purchase package can overcome this.

In a closed screen position, there are 3 virtual buttons, namely google assist, unlock and camera. And if we open or wipe the screen, then the virtual back, home and multitasking buttons appear.

The back view of the cellphone is gold with a fairly solid grid list. Made of metal and looks sturdy. The top there is a rear camera that is placed in a protruding bulb that is sturdy because it is made of metal. Under the camera is a small inscription that says 'motto'. Under the motto, a dual LED is placed which also functions as a flashlight with 'shake it' 2x. slightly down there is the Moto logo with a circle that says M. Down there is a connecting pin where the Mods (modules) attach to the cellphone magnetically. The pin consists of 16 pins divided by 2, namely 8 on the right and 8 on the left with the pin on the center.

Already mentioned before, mobile phones with 5.5-inch screen span and Corning Gorilla Glass have 2.5D curved layers. With Quad HD screen resolution (2560 x 1440) and 535 ppi, the screen display looks solid and comfortable for its users.

Although it is not known how many nits this screen presents, but under the sunshine the screen of Moto Z remains clearly visible. The screen response when testing feels smooth without any pauses. Multi-touch testing using the Multitouch Tester results in 10 finger touches simultaneously.

Motorola Moto Z already uses the Android Nougat 7.0 operating system. Nougat is the latest Android version that was first introduced in the Google I / O developer gathering, mid 2016. The most basic update on the Nougat version is the presence of Google Assistant who replaces Google Now. The digital assistant is more reliable to run various functions. Other new features are also available, including a split-screen screen when using multitasking, as well as the Doze feature that was introduced in the Android Marshmallow version but has been upgraded. Android Nougat also has support for Google's latest virtual reality platform.

Although the interface on Moto Z looks still simple, but this phone has included the latest Moto Experiences with Moto Actions, Moto Voice and Moto Display for a more enjoyable mobile experience. Moto Voice testing, the cellphone can respond quickly to voice calls from a distance of approximately 40cm.

For business wallpaper and widgets, this phone includes a variety of Nougat default wallpapers and wallpapers. Like the previous OS, when you drag your finger from top to bottom, you will see a fast feature. This fast feature contains activation for wifi, bluetooth, airplane, vibrate, rotation, location, project screen, moto mods and more.

Relying on the Motorola Mobile Computing System, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 1.8 GHz Quad-core processor, this phone is combined with 4GB RAM memory and 64GB of internal storage space. Not only large internal, for external, it is said that this phone even supports microSD cards with a capacity of 2TB.

Usage testing by activating all existing connectivity, running HD movies with additional Insta-Share Projector, there are no obstacles at all. Even running HD games (Aspalt 8: Airborne) with Insta-Share Projector does not make the phone emit excessive heat. Despite relying on a 2,600mAh power supply, the use of OS Nougat makes this phone not run out of power quickly. Moreover, the purchase package includes an additional Powerbank called TurboPower that can add 7 hours of use with charging for only 15 minutes. Everything went smoothly and satisfactorily. It seems that the GPU Adreno 530 support and 4GB RAM make it no problem.

To support daily activities with full connectivity, this phone also includes a variety of sensors, namely fingerprint reader, accelerometer, ambient light, gyroscope, hall effect, magnetometer and proximity. So it's natural that this phone embeds the Daydream feature that supports AR and VR. For the final test, a test was performed using a benchmark application. As a result, all the scores show this phone is a 'powerful device'.

For entertainment or multimedia features, Motorola Moto Z samrtphone also embeds a standard music player and video player application that supports many formats. As already explained, this phone does not include a 3.5mm audio port but includes a connector from USB type C to the 3.5mm audio port. The default earphones are classified as premium with a boombastic sound output. Even if without earphones, audio sound output doesn't sound disappointing.

As a modular phone, this smartphone includes mods called JBL SoundBoost. As the name implies, the speakers made by JBL that have been worldwide are not disappointing. Enjoy movies and music like a theater speaker. You don't need to worry about the battery on the cellphone because these mods use their own batteries.

Dual-SIM (nano-SIM) cellphone with 4G + 3G, 3G + 3G (hybrid) has complete connectivity. Not just WiFi, Moto Z supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz WiFi ac (with MIMO) so when using WiFi the range and speed are very satisfying.

In testing using a 4G card, a 4G connection can be directly obtained. Other connectivity, you can also use a data cable (USB Type-C), NFC and Bluetooth (v.4.1) to exchange data. Location services are supported by A-GPS where when testing using Google Maps there are no obstacles.

Motorola Moto Z embeds a rear camera with 13 MP resolution, 1.8 / 1.8 aperture (4160x3120 pixel), flash with dual LEDs. Likewise, the 5 MP front camera, 2.2 / 2.2 aperture, Wide-Angle lens, Flash (2592x1944 pixels).

This rear camera is supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Laser Autofocus, Zero Shutter Lag, Color Correlated Temperature (CCT) flash with dual LEDs, 1.12um pixel, Professional mode, Quick Capture, Best Shot, Scan barcodes, QR codes and Business cards . Besides that, it also supports Google Photos integration with free original file size backup for 2 years, Shutter button or tap anywhere to capture images, 8X digital zoom, Burst mode, Night mode, Auto HDR, Closed loop processing, Panorama, Tap to focus and exposure.

Photoshoot With Moto Z

Takeshoot With Moto Z

While the 5 MP front camera has ƒ / 2.2 aperture, Wide-Angle lens, Flash, 1.4um big pixel for better low light, Auto Night mode, Beautification software and Professional mode. As for video, this phone supports 1080p HD video (60fps) video stabilization, 4K video (30fps), slow motion video and HDR Video (1080p and 4K).

For the mods, Motorola Moto Z provides Hasselblad True Zoom Mod which functions to add advanced imaging to the cellphone. The 10x optical zoom feature allows you to take photos with detail remotely without reducing image resolution. With the support of Canon Flash, these mods are able to evenly illuminate the subject. Physical shutter and zoom controls also make it easy to take photos. In addition, you can also take photos in RAW format.

From design to function, the overall phone is satisfying. Mobile phones that are so thin but with diverse functions make it very promising. A balanced combination of hardware and software until the modular innovation applied is also very attractive.