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Moto Z2 Force vs Moto Z2 Play (Smartphone Showdown)

Alexandra Arici
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In 2017 Motorola has chosen not to launch a standard Moto Z2. Instead, customers are given the choice between the middle-range Moto Z2 Play and the more powerful Moto Z2 Force.

So which should you purchase? The Moto Z2 Play with its bigger battery or the faster Moto Z2 Force? Read below to get an idea about the key differences between the two.

Design

At a glance, the two handsets look quite similar. The simplest way to tell the difference between the two is to look on the back, as the Moto Z2 Force includes a rear dual-camera setup, while the Moto Z2 Play features a singular sensor.

Both products have a metal back, with the Moto Z2 Force boasting a 7000 series aluminum unibody, 80% stronger than its predecessor.

This year, Motorola focused on slimming down the Z lineup, so the Moto Z2 duo are 1mm thinner than its predecessors measuring 155.8 x 76 x 5.99 mm. This has been done at the expense of the battery, about which we’ll talk about later.

The two phones include a physical home button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner and also supports gestures. Thus customers will be able to control navigation by doing things like swiping to the right to go back or swiping left to open the navigation tray.

While the Z2 Play includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Z2 Force does not carry one. Both models offer NFC functionality.

The Moto Z2 Force and Moto Z2 Play are compatible with Moto Mods, old and new. The first model is available in Super Black, White/Gold, and Lunar Gray, while the second product can be purchased in White/Gold and Lunar Gray.

Display

The Moto Z2 Force puts a focus on ruggedness. It’s made of 7000 series aluminum and features a 5.5-inch ShatterShield display with 2560 x 1440 resolution which is basically “drop-proof”.

While both models rely on a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, the Moto Z2 Play’s offers only 1920 x 1080 resolution. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6, the two Motorola handsets feature the usual 16:9 aspect ratio.

Hardware

One major difference between the two phones is the processor inside. The Moto Z2 Play relies on an octa-core Snapdragon 626 clocked at 2.2GHz, while the Moto Z2 Force takes advantage of a more powerful octa-core Snapdragon chipset clocked at 2.4GHz.

The superior chipset means the Moto Z2 Force also supports the most advanced speeds: 1Gbps LTE 4G and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/c.

In the US the Moto Z2 Force will be available in a 4GB of RAM/64GB of internal storage configuration, although the rest of the world will get 6GB of RAM.

As for the Moto Z2 Play, it comes equipped with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB/64GB of built-in storage.

Note that both models include a microSD card slot onboard.

Cameras

Another major distinction between the Moto Z2 Play and Z2 Force is the main camera. The Z Play includes a single 12-megapixel sensor on the back with f/1.7 aperture, while the Z2 Force has a dual-camera setup which is quite similar to the one you’ll find one the Huawei P10 Plus.

It pairs a color 12-megapixel sensor with a 12-megapixel monochrome both with f/2.0 aperture, phase detection, and laser-assisted autofocus. Thus customers will be able to take advantage of native black-and-white photos, selective focusing, and multi-image processing. Both products feature a 5-megapixel selfie shooter onboard.

Software

The two phones run Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and will certainly receive the Android O update when it becomes available. They come with the Moto app pre-installed which includes features like the Moto Voice, Motorola’s own answer to the Google Assistant.

We should also note, the Moto Z2 Force is the first handset include a new Moto Key – which is a security and password manager.

Battery

Battery is a tricky issue when it comes to this year’s Moto Z2 models. You see Motorola wanted to offer slimmer devices in 2017 and it did so at the expense of the battery.

The Moto Z2 Play includes a 3,000 mAh battery, while the previous Moto Z Play relied on a 3,510 mAh fuel cell.

As for the Moto Z2 Force, the handset relies on a 2,750 mAh battery, while its predecessor enjoyed the services of a hefty 3,500 mAh powerhouse.

The reduction in battery size is probably going to make a lot of Moto fans unhappy, but luckily battery life can be supplemented with the help of the Moto Mods (although you have to pay extra for them).

Pricing

The Moto Z2 Force is the most expensive of the two carrying a hefty price tag of $750 and up (depending on where you buy it from).

As for the Moto Z2 Play with 3GB/32GB of storage you can grab it from Verizon right now for $408 outright or $10/month for 2 years. An unlocked version is going to become available at a later date.

Sonic the Hedgehog – A central line of Nostalgia

Donovan Jeska
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For those of you too young to remember (damn, does typing that make me feel old), Sega used to be a really big deal. It was Nintendo’s chief rival, with Sonic playing the part of Mario. Sonic’s library of games spans every generation of console and dozens of titles since 1991, beginning with this one – Sonic the Hedgehog.

Generally speaking, the games revolved around an anthropomorphized hedgehog (that does not look like the notoriously slow hedgehog at all) running around at blazing speeds collecting rings, saving roboticized animals (that are strangely not anthropomorphized), and later, collecting Chaos Emeralds; all while battling the nefarious Dr. Robotnik. Still with me? No? Oh well – the short of it is that the games were mostly, as many games of yesteryear tended to be, a side-scrolling platformer.

What made this game different, though, was its sense of verticality. While Mario often jumped into the air to reach new heights, he rarely ever elevated to another screen entirely, or descended below his starting location in any given level – Sonic’s levels, by comparison, often involved backtracking and changing elevation in order to advance. Furthermore, Sonic’s collecting of rings – and a finite number of rings in each level – encouraged exploration in a way that Mario games of the time never did.

Sonic’s early games could be played a couple different ways; either you can explore each level thoroughly, collecting all the rings you could find and figuring out the proper amount of speed and distance to grab hard-to-reach locations…or you could zip around at Mach Jesus, blitzing through the map as fast as hedgehog-ly possible. Either method, however, requires good timing and precision jumping in order to avoid hazards, reach platforms, an generally navigate the map. On a gamepad, those precise jumps are pretty doable – on a touchscreen with a virtual joystick, though? Forget it. Gaining any kind of momentum moving to the left is next to impossible, making backtracking or fighting a boss a nightmare.

Which brings me to the crux of the matter. Sega has done a wonderful job of recreating the world of Sonic using original assets, as well as some additional content from the Sonic and Knuckles expansion cartridge. But its work on the migration from gamepad to virtual controls did not fair well. Instead of sticking with the tried-and-true Directional Pad that worked so well in the past, it went with a wildly unresponsive joystick that makes precision movements impossible.

Story time. I used to play Sonic the Hedgehog (2, not 1 or 3) with my little sister when we were young. She would always plug in a second controller to play Tails, and I would always inevitably leave her behind, only to see her come flying back in with her little whirly tail. The blight of being an older brother, I would always think. We played that game for hours. We played other games too, but that one was one of my favorites (along with the Streets of Rage series – hint hint, Sega).

Aaand we’re back. I spent hundreds of hours on the Sonic franchise when I was young – which makes it all the more disappointing that Sega flubbed the delivery so spectacularly. If you can master the finicky and clumsy controls, you’re in for a treat – Sonic the Hedgehog is an absolute gem of a classic, and a true shot of nostalgia for old-school gamers.

What we know so far: Pixel 2 edition

Alexandra Arici
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In a few months, Google will roll out the successors of the highly acclaimed Pixel and Pixel XL. Information about the upcoming devices has surfaced online in the past few months, so we already have an idea of what to expect.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at all the rumors and leaks we’ve seen about the Pixel 2 (codenamed Walleye) and Pixel 2 XL (codename Taimen) so far, so you can gain a better perspective on Google’s next-gen premium phones.

Design

The Pixel and Pixel XL are great devices, but they are by no means perfect. For example, the two products have been criticized for their generic look, but this year Google wants to remedy things. At least while the Pixel 2 XL is concerned.

According to a recent leak by the Android Police, the Pixel 2 XL will boast a design similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6. This means the product will be tall, narrow and feature an 18:9 aspect ratio, as well as really slim bezels all around. However, unlike the Galaxy S8, the Pixel 2 XL won’t feature a curved display but a flat one.

We’re also told the Pixel 2 XL will feature a 6-inch AMOLED display and an allegedly a squeezable frame just like the one implemented in the HTC U11. It will be manufactured by LG.

What about the standard Pixel 2? Unfortunately, according to what we heard so far, the Pixel 2 is going to look very much like last year’s device. The xda-developers reported a while back that the Pixel 2 will be “almost identical” to its predecessor arriving with a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution. Additionally, the phone is said to arrive sans the headphone jack, but with stereo speakers onboard. Like last year, the Pixel 2 is said to be manufactured by HTC.

27/07/2017 Update: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 digital renders based on CAD designs leaked. A video in which they guest star has also been put together by MySmart Price. Notice how much larger the Pixel XL 2 seems compared to the Pixel 2. And that the two phones don’t feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.

And in accordance with recent leaks, the Pixel 2 sports chunkier bezels while the Pixel 2 XL enjoys more minimal ones.

02/08/2017 Update: Mobile Fun is now offering a series of Olixar protective cases for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Confirming latest reports, these case renders show that Google will be dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack this year.

However, according to the images the Pixel 2 will also feature a modern design with thin bezels akin to the Pixel 2 XL. Previous rumors have claimed the standard Pixel 2 will feature a design similar to this year’s Pixel.

08/16/2017 Update: The Google Pixel 2 was spotted passing through the FCC. The filing, which included screenshots of the phone’s setting menu, revealed some interesting details like the fact that the Pixel 2 (and Pixel 2 XL) will include a feature similar to the Edge Sense on the HTC U11. We heard this before, but now we get the much needed confirmation. The feat will be called “Active Edge” and will allow users to squeeze their phone to trigger the Google Assistant, among other things.

The FCC info also reveal the phone will come with Android 8.0.1 pre-installed (the current Android O Developer Preview is at 8.0)  and will come with 64GB of native storage onboard. A detail which indicates that the base Pixel 2 model will feature 64GB of storage, not 32GB like this year. Oh and we also get confirmation the smaller Pixel 2 will be built by HTC.

08/16/2017 Update: Take a look at this very high-res renders of Google’s upcoming Pixel 2 which are based on CAD blueprints and leaked images. The color options are just speculative, so when Google announces the phone we might not see a Pixel 2 with a very bright red paint job.

18/09/2017 Update: The Google Pixel 2 is set to be unveiled during an official event on October 4 and will be the first handset to come incorporating Google Lens.

What is Google Lens? The feature which was unveiled at the Google I/O 2017 is a smart system which uses the phone’s camera to identify objects through the viewfinder. Lens can recognize things like artwork, barcodes, books, buildings, landmarks, media covers, movies, paintings, places, points of interest, statues or video games.

On top of that Google Lens can add contacts from a business card, do a language translation, look up product info, open web addressed in a browser, save dates to calendar from a poster. Pretty neat isn’t it?

Read more about Google Lens in our in-depth article here.

Specs

A recent report indicates the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be the first to carry the new Snapdragon 836 processor, just like the previous models were the first to include the Snapdragon 821.

The Snapdragon 836 is allegedly a revised version of the Snapdragon 835 optimized to offer 10% more speed, shoot better pictures and consume less power. It will also be a tad smaller than the current chipset.

Alongside the Snapdragon 836, the two Pixel 2s will probably also include at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Although we might see additional variants with more RAM and storage too.

When it comes to cameras, it doesn’t seem Google will adhere to the dual camera trend this year (something which is visible in the Pixel 2 XL render). However, we expect the two Pixel 2s to include a magnificent camera. Last year’s models scored the highest DxOMark rating with 89 points, before being dethroned by the HTC U11.

Unlike the current Pixels, the next-generation models are expected to be water and dust resistant bearing either IP67 or IP68 certification.

As for software, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be the first phones to make a debut with Android O onboard. By the way, Google just released the last Android O Developer Preview this week, signaling the public release is closing in fast.

09/08/2017 Update: 9to5Google recently published a report about the smaller Pixel 2, which seems to corroborate previous rumors we’ve heard about the phone. Google’s next flagship will indeed arrive with a design similar to last year’s Pixel, meaning it will still retain the chunky bezels. It will come with a 4.97-inch 1080p panel and won’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Two independent sources have also confirmed for 9to5Google that both Pixel 2 models will come with improved water and dust resistance (probably IP68 rated).

We’re also told the Pixel 2 will have an always-on option for the ambient display. One source provided an image of the phone with the ambient display turned on but in order to protect the anonymity of the source most of the image had to be blurred out. But according to the textual description, there a new line sitting below the time and date, as well as an alarm (if one is set).

Furthermore, the report reveals Google Lens will make an official debut on the Pixel 2 which will most likely run Android 8.1 Oreo at launch.

And yeah, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will see the light of day on October 5, just as @evleaks originally tweeted.

Price

Last year, Google took the world by surprise when it announced how much the Pixels were going to cost. Unlike the affordable Nexus family, the Pixels were bound to break the piggy bank.

The Pixel with 32GB of storage launched with a $649 price tag, while the 128GB version sold for $749. The Pixel XL cost even more with 32GB model retailing for $769 and the 128GB version for a hefty $869.

While prices for the upcoming Pixel 2 devices haven’t leaked yet, we hope the two models will be priced more affordably. Or at least the standard Pixel 2.

When can we expect them?

Traditionally Google unveils new hardware products in the fall. The Pixel and Pixel XL debuted in October, so we can assume the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will make an appearance around the same time period.

Xiaomi just unveiled a super cheap Amazon Echo alternative

Alexandra Arici
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The expanding smart speaker market just got a new addition. Following the footsteps of companies like Amazon, Google or Apple, Xiaomi today unveiled its own AI-powered speaker baptized the Xiaomi Mi AI.

And as it’s to be expected of Xiaomi products, it comes with a super affordable price tag and customers will be able to purchase it for approximately $45 starting this August.

Comparatively, the Amazon Echo is currently available for $179.99, while the Google Home is a bit more affordable at $129. Apple’s HomePod is part of the premium category and will retail for $349 when it hits the market later this year.

But don’t get excited just yet, there’s a big caveat here. Because the Mi AI is launching solely in China (for now), we have to wonder if Xiaomi’s virtual assistant will ever speak anything other than Chinese. Given that Xiaomi doesn’t officially sell products in English-speaking countries such as the US, the company doesn’t really have a real incentive for developing an English voice for its artificial intelligence. Sorry, folks!

But maybe you’ll still curious to know what the Xiaomi Mi AI is all about. Well the smart speaker comes equipped with a six-microphone array for 360-degree audio sensing and a total of three speakers – one of which is a 360-degree speaker. On top, the Mi AI houses controls for music playback and a blue LED notification band around the edge.

The speaker can also be used to stream music from third party services, take or reject calls and deliver reminders for important events. On top of that, it supports a vast library of online content including music, audio books, children’s stories and live radio.

For $50 it sounds good, doesn’t it?

Fleksy rises from the ashes under new owner, update available

Alexandra Arici
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The Fleksy keyboard first made an appearance on the scene back in 2013 and quickly became an extremely popular option in the Android world. But then in 2016, the development team behind the app announced Fleksy had been acquired Pinterest. Since then the keyboard app’s status has been pretty uncertain with no new updates being issued and many assumed Fleksy was dead.

Fortunately for its fans, Flesky will soon be making a comeback. Barcelona-based keyboard startup, Thingthing announced on its official blog that it has “taken over the development of competitor Fleksy, the fastest keyboard in the world.” And for the first time since 2016, there’s an updated version of the app waiting to the downloaded in the Play Store.

It’s not a major update, but at least it proves Fleksy is alive and breathing. Here’s the full changelog:

•    Improved the sharing mechanism for gifs and stickers: now, in supported apps, you can share your stickers and gifs directly in the current conversation, (without having to choose the recipient)
•    Fixed problems with predictions in languages like Romanian and Ukrainian: the keyboard would crash when you tried to type “Fleksy” – well that was embarrassing
•    Fixed various other bugs and some compatibility issues with Android Nougat

While Thingthing refers Fleksy as the “competition” there are no actual apps available from this particular developer, so it’s quite possible the startup was in the process of developing its own product internally and the acquisition of Fleksy will help it move things along.

Anyway, Thingthing promises good things for the future. We’re told to expect some exciting improvements in the upcoming few months including iOS and Android keyboards, a new brand, more themes and extensions, awesome auto-correction and new services thanks to their open keyboard as a platform.

Fleksy return is pretty exciting news. What do you think?

Verizon’s Back to School promo: Get the Pixel for $5/month with device trade-in

Alexandra Arici
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The new school year is due to start in a month or two, but Verizon is already tempting students with a few sweet deals.

As part of its Back to School promotion starting July 27, the carrier will offer the Google Pixel for only $5/month when you trade in an eligible handset. Customers are required to make a device payment purchase of $420 after which they will receive $300 credit back over 24 months.

The traded phones has to be paid off and in good working and cosmetic condition in order to be eligible for the Back to School promotion. However, don’t forget the Pixel 2 is just around the corner, so maybe you want to wait for that one. Although, Verizon’s deal sounds pretty good.

Google Pixel is discounted at Verizon

Big Red is also shaving $300 off the Samsung Galaxy S8 or LG G6 starting on the same date. Once again, to take advantage of the promo you’ll need to trade-in a functional phone, but this time you’ll have to switch to Verizon and add a new line too. The $300 will be applied to your account after 24-months. You’ll also need to pay for the device with a payment plan.

But what if you’re not on the hunt for a new smartphone? Verizon once again has your back by offering a bunch of discounts on accessories.

Fitbit Alta HR is among the accessories discounted at Big Red

You can get the GizmoGadged – a tracking wearable for children which also lets kids call and receive calls – or the GizmoTab a kiddie-friendly tablet and receive a $25 gift card for either Gap, Toys R’US or Staples. Customers who buy both Gizmo devices will receive a $75 gift card.

Other discounts include the Fitbit Alta HR available for $130 (down from $150) and the Under Armor Protect Grip case for the Galaxy S8 selling for $40. The mophie Powerstation Plus 6000 portable battery will be on sale for $70 (down from $80) starting August 1, while the JBL Clip 2 portable Bluetooth speaker can be yours for only $50 (down from $60).

All these deals will be available for a limited time.

When and Where to Buy: Motorola Moto Z2 Force

AndroidGuys
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Motorola’s second generation Z Force arrived in the middle of 2017 with quite a powerful spec sheet. As is to be expected, though, it’s one of the flagship models for the unlocked phone maker, and is yet another take on the modular experience.

Powered by the newest version of Android on the market, 7.1.1 Nougat, the Z2 Force will be offered across a variety of carriers. This is somewhat of a departure for Motorola who had been heading toward a direct-to-consumer only route. With that said, the phone will be sold via the major carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular are expected to offer various versions. Unlike last year’s model, there will be no Droid or Verizon-exclusive take on the handset.

Interestingly enough, Motorola has opted for a smaller battery capacity for the Z2 Force. But, don’t let that discourage you from buying as it does have feature the TurboPower Charge capability and Android is ever more optimal for battery life.

Currently, the Moto Z2 Force is available in a few color variants with pricing that hovers around $750-$800. Check with your respective service provider as there may be a promotion or two that drops the price or includes some freebies.

Where things get really interesting for the Moto Z family comes in the form of MotoMods. Designed by third party brands, these are add-on components which snap directly onto the back of the phone. Said accessories include a JBL speaker, Incipio power pack, and a Hasselblad 10X optical zoom camera.

[vc_custom_heading text=”Where to Buy” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23d70060″ google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”]
[vc_cta h2=”Motorola” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-z-force-edition-gen-2||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-z-play||target:%20_blank”]Customers can order the Z2 Force for a variety of carriers, with financing available through Motorola. Pricing shakes out to $799.99 or $33.33 per month over two years.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Verizon” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.verizonwireless.com%2Fsmartphones%2Fmoto-z2-force%2F%23sku%3Dsku2560273||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.verizonwireless.com%2Fsmartphones%2Fmoto-z2-force%2F%23sku%3Dsku2560273||target:%20_blank|”]With a full retail price of $756, the Moto Z2 Force is offered in black/silver and white/gold options. Qualified customers can spread payments out at $15 per month for 24 months. Normally broken out to $31.50 per month, it’s a $396.00 bill credit applied to accounts over 24 months.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”AT&T” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.att.com%2Fz2force||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.att.com%2Fz2force||target:%20_blank|”]Sold with a full retail price of $810, AT&T is selling the Moto Z2 Force for $27 per month over 30 months (AT&T Next). A limited-time promotion sees the carrier offering up a free Moto Insta-Share Projector, a $299.99 value with[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”T-Mobile” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone%2Fmotorola-moto-z-force-edition-2nd-gen||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone%2Fmotorola-moto-z-force-edition-2nd-gen||target:%20_blank|”]Customers can buy the Z2 Force from T-Mobile for $30 down, followed by 24 monthly payments of $30 each. With an all-in price of $750, it’s also possible to get a second device free via rebate card. Both phones must be purchased through the Equipment Installment Plan (EIP) and one or more new lines of service must be added; an active eligible rate plan for each eligible device must be maintained.

Purchase the phone from T-Mobile between July 25, 2017 and September 9, 2017, and you can receive Insta-Share Projector Moto Mod for free.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Sprint” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sprint.com%2Fshop%2Fdevice%2Fmoto-z2-force-edition-preorder-64gb-super-black%3FskuId%3D112900225%26duration%3D18L%26contractType%3Dlease%26lineId%3D7724573960||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sprint.com%2Fshop%2Fdevice%2Fmoto-z2-force-edition-preorder-64gb-super-black%3FskuId%3D112900225%26duration%3D18L%26contractType%3Dlease%26lineId%3D7724573960||target:%20_blank|”]Sprint offers its customers the Moto Z2 Force for $33.00 over an 18-month period; it also sells the handset outright for $792.00. At launch, the carrier is giving customers the option to pick up a second device for free*, with caveats. Moreover, anyone who purchases the Z2 Force through Sprint before September 14 can receive a free Moto Insta-Share Projector valued at $299.99.

*Reqs. 2 new lines of service or 1 new line and 1 upgrade. For well-qualified customers with 18-mo. leases. Early termination results in remaining balance due. Credit applied within 2 invoices.[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”US Cellular” h2_google_fonts=”font_family:Oswald%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” shape=”square” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Shop” btn_shape=”square” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-shopping-basket” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_add_icon=”true” h2_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-z-force-edition-gen-2%2Fecomm||target:%20_blank|” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorola.com%2Fus%2Fproducts%2Fmoto-z-force-edition-gen-2%2Fecomm||target:%20_blank|”]As of the time of publication, US Cellular has not indicated pricing for its variant of the Moto Z2 Force. Consumers, however, can head to Motorola’s website and purchase one compatible with the US Cellular network. Additionally, those who buy the phone between July 25 and September 10, 2017 are eligible to receive the Insta-Share Projector Moto Mod for free (valued around $300).[/vc_cta]

Here is the spec rundown for the Moto Z2 Force

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier today Motorola finally unveiled its flagship for this year, the Moto Z2 Force so we wanted to give you a quick spec rundown.

The Moto Z2 Force arrives with a $750 price tag and will be available with all major carriers and US Cellular, as well as from Best Buy and Motorola. If you like what you see below, know carriers will start taking pre-orders starting tomorrow.

  • Display: 5.5-inch ShatterShield display with 1440p resolution
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (Up to 2.45GHz)
  • RAM: 4GB of RAM (in the US)
  • Storage: 64GB (microSD card slot available for memory expansion up to 2TB)
  • Front Camera: 5MP
  • Rear Camera: Dual 12MP, autofocus (laser, phase detection)
  • Battery: 2,730 mAh Non-Removabe
  • Software: Android 7.1.1 Nougat
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 (will be upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 when Android O becomes available), NFC, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac dual-ban.
  • Other: USB Type-C charging port, Fingerprint sensor, compatible with old and new Moto Mods, Turbo Charging, water repellent nano coating
  • Colors: Black, White/Gold, Lunar Gray (exclusive to T-Mobile)
  • Size: 156 x 76 x 6mm
  • Weight: 143g

What do you think of the Moto Z2 Force? Are you getting one?

Motorola debuts Moto Z2 Force: Lots of power, two cameras, but a tiny battery

Matt Adams
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Today, Motorola took to the stage to show off its 2017 flagship, the Moto Z2 Force. Unlike last year where we saw two versions of the phone, this year brings us only one. The Moto Z2 Force will serve as the primary flagship for the Lenovo-owned company after the release of the budget Moto E and the mid-tier Moto G5 Plus earlier in the year.

We see the return of Moto Z Force features like the ShatterShield display that prevents screen fractures and the rear pogo pins for Moto Mods. The updates specs see the Moto Z2 Force feature 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and microSD card support, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor, dual 12MP rear cameras and a 5MP front facing camera. Rather disappointingly, the battery capacity has dropped to 2730mAh from last year’s 3500mAh battery. This will put it on the low side of all the current flagships on the market.

Full specs

  • Display: 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440p with ShatterShield
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 clocked 2.35GHz
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB; microSD card support up to 2TB
  • Battery: 2730mAh embedded
  • Camera: 12MP f/2.0 dual rear camera; 5MP f/2.2 front-facing camera
  • Operating System: Android 7.1.1 Nougat
  • Dimensions: 76 x 155.8 x 6.1 mm
  • Weight: 143g
  • Other features: USB type-C, Turbo Charging, Fingerprint sensor, Fingerprint sensor gestures, Moto Mods support, water repellent nano coating, Bluetooth 5.0 (enabled after Android O update), 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz with MIMO,

One of the most interesting features about the Moto Z2 Force are the gestures supported via the fingerprint scanner. We saw these earlier in the year with the Moto G5 Plus and Moto E4 and they make a return in the Moto Z2 Force. You should be able to completely control your navigation of the phone with a few simple swipes like swiping to the right to go back and swiping to the left to open the navigation tray.

Missing again this year is the 3.5mm headphone jack. The lack of a headphone jack and much smaller battery seems to be a sacrifice that Motorola is willing to make to slim down the phone 6.1mm thick.

The Motorola Moto Z2 Force will be available from all four major US carriers and U.S. Cellular, which is a change from last year when you could only get it from Verizon Wireless. You can also pick the phone up in an unlocked for from Motorola. The carriers will begin preorders tomorrow, but you can find out all the specific deals in our When and Where to Buy the Moto Z2 Force post.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 just got a major price drop on B&H Photo

Matt Adams
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The Samsung Galaxy S8 is not only one of the best phones of 2017, it’s one of the best phones ever made. The simply gorgeous Infinity Display covers almost the entire front of the phone while the premium metal and glass on the back and sides of the phone make it feel as premium as anything else ever made in the mobile world.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus go official with a brand new Infinity Display and 64GB of Storage

It also has some of the best specs on the market. The Snapdragon 835 is the best processor produced by Qualcomm in ages while the 4GB of RAM makes for an incredibly fluid experience. The 64GB of internal storage and microSD card slot (up to 256GB) means you can store years of pictures, movies, and videos and have them with you at all times.

Specs

  • Display: 5.8″, 2960×1440 Super AMOLED
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
  • Storage: 64GB (expandable)
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Battery: 3000mAh
  • Camera: main 12MP, f/1.7 rear 8MP, f/1.7
  • Operating System: Android 7.0 Nougat
  • Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm
  • Weight: 155g

But, all that comes with a premium price tag too! Even though the phone has been out for three months, it will still run you $700+ in most cases. But today, B&H Photo is offering the Samsung Galaxy S8 for only $574.99, which is $150 off list price.

If you want a phone with the best display, one of the best cameras and the most premium design grab this one now for cheap.

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