Motorola's newest phone is only OK today, but it'll get great in 2019 when super-fast 5G networks launch
Motorola played it safe with the Moto Z3's design and specs.
One thing that's impressive is how thin the Moto Z3 is, while packing a battery that's comparable to most modern high-end smartphones.
The Moto Z3 is only 6.75mm thick compared to the Galaxy S9 Plus' 8.5mm and the iPhone 8 Plus' 7.5mm. For further reference, the iPhone X is 7.7mm thick, and the Pixel 2 XL is 7.9mm.
That's pretty impressive considering its packing a 3,000mAh battery. Apple's iPhones have batteries that are under 3,000mAh, so the Moto Z3 should theoretically last longer.
Around the back, you'll find a dual-lens camera system designed to take portrait mode photos and photos with better overall contrast.
Both lenses are 12 megapixels, and they'll complement each other for low-light photos, as well as portrait mode photos. One of the sensors in the camera is monochrome, which means that it captures photos in black and white.
Towards the bottom of the back, you'll find the connection pins for Motorola's signature Moto Mods, which can add a bunch of features and functionality to the phone.
There are 17 Moto Mods you can magnetically snap onto the back of the Moto Z3, including a stereo speaker, a projector, a speaker with Amazon's Alexa built-in, a 360-degree camera, a camera lens, an extra battery pack, and a few others.
The star of the show is Motorola's new 5G Moto Mod, which will give the phone insane data speeds. But it'll only work on Verizon's network, and in four cities to begin with.
The 5G Mod for the Moto Z3 will be available in early 2019, exclusively on Verizon's network Motorola reckons you could get insane speeds that will make today's 4G LTE feel like dial-up internet. It'll also come with an extra battery pack to give the phone a few more hours of battery life, especially important when it's connected to Verizon's 5G network.
With all that said, Verizon's 5G network will only be available in four cities in early 2019, including Los Angeles, Houston, Sacramento, and a city that has yet to be announced.
The pricing details for the 5G Moto Mod have yet to be announced, as well as pricing for 5G-specific plans from Verizon.
The Moto Z3 will be available to buy on August 16 from Verizon for $460, which is actually a pretty great price for the phone alone.
Considering the Moto Z3's high-end specs — even if it's a little outdated — $460 is a pretty great asking price. Motorola is also knocking $300 off the Moto Z3's price tag if you use its device payment plan and switch to Verizon while trading in your old phone. You could essentially get a reasonably priced phone for $160, which is phenomenal.
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