Motorola Moto Z3 Play
Specifications

Secondary Camera: 8 MPix f/2.0, 1.12µm
Price comparison
Average of 50 scores (from 78 reviews)
Reviews for the Motorola Moto Z3 Play
Source: What Mobile

The only downfall is the built-in camera could do with being better and they could do with moving the fingerprint scanner or simply add face recognition to avoid unlocking it in future.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 100%
Source: Gadgetguy

There is only one reason to buy the Moto Z3 Play – Moto Mods. To be fair to Motorola that is like saying if you are a farmer buy a tractor to plough the fields!
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Ausdroid

The Moto Z3 play is a fascinating device, I honestly can’t decide if it’s a slightly underpowered and under-priced high end device or if it’s an over-priced mid range. Regardless of how you decide to classify it, there’s a lot to like about it.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/26/2018
Source: Good Gear Guide

The Moto Z3 Play is yet another MotoMod-enabled smartphone, with all the strengths and shortcomings that title implies.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/09/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tech Advisor

The Z3 Play will probably be Moto Mods' swansong. The battery life that the Z Play and Z2 Play here is lacking, but it's still a refined, attractive smartphone, despite the loss of the headphone jack.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Trusted Reviews

Moto Mods are still magical but, head over heart, there are better options close to the predicted RRP that you should carefully consider them before buying.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 70% display: 90% mobility: 60% workmanship: 90%
Source: Techno Buffalo

The Moto Z3 Play joins an overcrowded lineup, and its price is too high for consideration. That’s a shame because, competition aside, the Moto Z3 Play is a good phone. It’s just not the one you should buy. Go with the OnePlus 6, and enjoy a premium phone for less than $600.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Pocket Lint

The Moto Z3 Play brings the series up to date thanks to an 18:9 aspect ratio display, but this model stands in the shadow of the Z3 proper - which is not only more powerful but cheaper - and can't hold its weight against other flagship leaders of the moment. Mods may have had their moment...
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/28/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tech Advisor

The Moto Z3 Play is a charming but frustrating smartphone. Moto has improved the design, the display and the software from the past couple of years but then maddeningly taken away the headphone jack and the outstanding battery life.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Talk Android

As it stands, the Moto Z3 Play is a flagship wannabe that struggles to stand on its own against the bigger Moto Z phones and competitors like the OnePlus 6. If you’re really into the Moto Mods there’s no alternative, but for anyone else, it’s tough to truly recommend it over devices on the market. There’s just no killer Moto Mod after all these years that can pull people in, and $499 is still too high for an impulse purchase for most people.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/14/2018
Source: Hot Hardware

This all leads into our final verdict on the Moto Z3 Play. It is incredibly easy to be disappointed with Moto for gimping battery life, and it would not be unjustified. The fact of the matter is, the new Z3 Play no longer has the same target market that embraced the Z Play series back in the day.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/10/2018
Source: PC Mag

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play keeps the dream of Moto Mods alive, but doesn't deliver any stunning new features.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/08/2018
Source: Techaeris

Listen, there will always be some people that need flagship phones. But many average users don’t want to spend that much money. This is where the moto Z3 Play fits. It doesn’t have flagship specs but it can easily fill the needs of the average user. It does come with its problems though. The power button on the left is annoying. The camera isn’t the best but it’s good enough. But the price point is going to make this a must look for many buyers.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 92% price: 95% performance: 95% display: 95% mobility: 100% workmanship: 90%
Source: Tech Advisor

The Moto Z3 and Moto Z3 Play are incredibly similar in design, specs and price. It’s an odd move by Motorola to even have both.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 08/03/2018
Source: The Verge

The Moto Z3 Play feels like a baseball team slogging through the last couple of months of play, knowing that they need to finish the season but also knowing they won’t end it with a trophy in hand. Motorola committed to supporting the design of its 2016 Moto Mods for three generations of phones, and the Z3 Play is that third-generation phone, riding out its contract. But for the rest of us, it’s a ride better left skipped.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/30/2018
Rating: Total score: 65%
Source: Mobile Syrup

The Moto Z3 Play is one of the best upper mid-range smartphones released this year.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/25/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: CNet

Bien que l’autonomie de deux jours qu’offre le Moto Z3 Play soit excellente, son prix actuel n’en fait pas un rival crédible pour le OnePlus 6.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/23/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Phone Arena

The Moto Z line has traditionally proven itself as being one of the best in the mid-range category, striking a balance between performance and price. With the Moto Z3 Play, it introduces a few new things into the mix that we haven’t seen before in the line – like the 18:9 display and dual-cameras. We’re especially blown away by the camera’s performance, which rivals even some of the best flagships out there!
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Android Central

The Moto Z3 Play is a very good mid-range smartphone that works on every U.S. carrier. But a mediocre camera and early software bugs keep it from getting my unreserved recommendation.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: CNet

The Moto Z3 Play's two-day battery life is great, but at its current price, it can't compete with the OnePlus 6.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 72% performance: 70% mobility: 90% workmanship: 70%
Source: Android Authority

The Moto Z3 Play is priced at $499 unlocked in the U.S., which is fair for what you get, but not the greatest value. As a comparison, the OnePlus 6 costs only $30 more and gives you high-end specifications, a better camera, and a headphone jack. When judging the phone on its own merits the Z3 Play is a great midrange offering, but unless you highly value Moto Mods and Motorola’s software suite it’s probably not worth the money.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/16/2018
Source: Neowin

If you're looking for that really premium performance, you're going to want to wait for the Moto Z3 Force, which Motorola will likely announce later this summer. If you really want the best camera, you'll probably want to look at something from Huawei or Samsung.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/15/2018
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Tom's Guide

The Z3 Play is a solid, all-around midrange phone that unlocks a world of Moto Mods for a reasonable price. But it falls short of being the value leader in its segment, like the OnePlus 6.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/12/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Droid Life

Maybe? Like I said, the Moto Z3 Play is a solid phone. It’s designed well, has good battery life, great software, a nice display, and works with Moto Mods. On the flip side, its camera is not that great at all and the price is arguably a touch high when you know that Motorola has another phone (Moto G6 Plus) you’d buy over this if it was sold in the US.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/06/2018
Source: PC Mag

The Motorola Moto Z3 Play keeps the dream of Moto Mods alive, but doesn't deliver any stunning new features.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/06/2018
Source: Techradar

Without considering the features added by optional Moto Mods, the Z3 Play appears to offer a little more power, sans 3.5mm headphone jack, for those who don’t want to throw down for an expensive flagship phone.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/06/2018
Source: GSM Arena

The Moto Z3 Play seems like a nice modern smartphone. It will be sold at $499 in the US bundled with the battery Moto Mod.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/06/2018
Source: Android Authority

The Moto Z2 Play was Motorola’s most successful smartphone in a long time and today the company announced its follow up, the Moto Z3 Play. Designed with the features that made its predecessor popular and a few updates to bring it line with a phone in 2018, does the new phone fit in Moto’s affordable premium Z Play range? Let’s find out!
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/06/2018
Source: Mobile Syrup

Motorola was able to confirm that the Moto Z3 Play will be available “this summer” at Videotron, Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile, Bell MTS and SaskTel stores. The device will retail for $0 on contract but no word yet on the unlocked pricing.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/06/2018
Source: CNet

Motorola's modular Moto Z Play phones are back for a third round. The Moto Z3 Play is another modular midrange phone in a line that debuted back in 2016 with the original Moto Z Play. The Moto Z2 Play debuted last year.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/06/2018
Foreign Reviews
Source: Area DVD

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/04/2018
Source: Chip (Print) - 11/18

Single Review, , Medium, Date: 11/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 87% features: 77% display: 94% mobility: 87%
Source: WinFuture

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2018
Source: Chip.de

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/25/2018
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 86% features: 62% display: 86% mobility: 84%
Source: Connect - 9/18

Single Review, , Medium, Date: 09/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 100% features: 80% ergonomy: 100%
Source: Android Mag

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 58% display: 86% mobility: 69% workmanship: 100%
Source: Android Pit

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/08/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Chip.de

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/26/2018
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 87% features: 81% display: 94% mobility: 87%
Source: Inside Handy

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/23/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Teltarif

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 89% price: 95% display: 80% mobility: 80%
Source: Tech Stage

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/21/2018
Source: Android Pit

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: MobiFlip

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Curved

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/07/2018
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 80% display: 83% mobility: 100%
Source: RP-Online

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/05/2018
Source: n-tv

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/02/2018
Source: Go2 Mobile

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 89% price: 90% performance: 75% mobility: 100% workmanship: 90%
Source: Android Pit

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/08/2018
Source: Computerhoy

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/28/2018
Rating: Total score: 75% features: 70% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Target HD

Positive: Good price; nice performance; decent cameras; large screen.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/08/2018
Source: Gizmodo Brasil

Positive: High performance; nice cameras; good display.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/31/2018
Source: Smartphone Italia

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/02/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% features: 80% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 90%
Source: Smartphone Italia

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 40% features: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: AndroidWorld.it

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 81% price: 70% features: 75% display: 85% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 80%
Source: Tutto Android

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/27/2018
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 77% features: 82% display: 86% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 78%
Source: AndroidPit.it

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: HDblog.it

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/02/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Andrea Galeazzi

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/30/2018
Rating: Total score: 77% price: 69% display: 89% mobility: 69% workmanship: 65%
Source: Leonardo.it Tech

Positive: Great built quality; smart Moto Mods; decent cameras. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/08/2018
Source: Everyeye.it

Positive: Large battery capacity; smart Moto Mods.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/31/2018
Source: AndroidPit.it

Positive: Stylish design; nice display; fast fingerprint sensor; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/07/2018
Source: AndroidWorld.nl

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computer Totaal

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 62%
Source: All About Phones

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/08/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Fredzone

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 70%
Source: Frandroid

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/06/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 100% workmanship: 70%
Source: Phonandroid

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/25/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: AndroidPit.fr

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/10/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Meilleurmobile

Positive: Very long battery life; nice design; great built quality.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/14/2018
Source: AndroidPit.fr

Positive: Stylish design; nice cameras.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/07/2018
Source: Tabletowo

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/12/2018
Rating: Total score: 83% performance: 85% display: 85% mobility: 65% workmanship: 90%
Source: Android.com.pl

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/29/2018
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 80% display: 100% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%
Source: The Gioididong

Positive: Impressive design; solid workmanship; smart Moto Mods; powerful hardware. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/08/2018
Source: Tek.no

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Alt om Data

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 80%
Source: Mere Mobil.dk

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 67%
Source: Mobil.se

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 78%
Source: Playtech.ro

Positive: Nice display; good hardware; decent cameras; smart Moto Mods.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/06/2018
Comment
Qualcomm Adreno 509: Integrated graphics card in the Snapdragon 636 SoC based on the Adreno 500 architecture. Most likely featuring a slightly higher core clock compared to the Adreno 508.
Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 636: Mid-range octa-core SoC with eight Kryo 260 cpu cores at up to 1.8 GHz, an Adreno 509 GPU, a LPDDR4-2666 memory controller and a X12 LTE (Cat 13/12, 300 / 150 MBit) modem. Manufactured in the modern 14nm process.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
6.00":
It is a very small display format for smartphones. You should by no means be mis-sighted and you will generally see very little on the screen and only have a small resolution available. In return, the device should be very small and handy.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Motorola: Founded in 1928, the US-based company mainly focuses on communication technology such as smartphones. The original company Motorola Inc was split up in 2011. Motorola Mobility got the smartphone division and was taken over by Google in 2012 and Lenovo in 2014.
The company is known for its cell phones and other electronic devices such as smartwatches, tablets and accessories. Motorola was one of the first companies to produce cell phones, and in recent years has also innovated in the areas of 5G technology and modular smartphones (Moto Mods). Motorola is also active in public safety and professional communications, providing solutions for government agencies, businesses and other organizations. The company has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide.
76.84%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.