Moto Z Force, the indestructible modular smartphone, has finally arrived, and Lenovo loaded quite a few goodies into its 2016 flagship killer.
Design
The Moto Z Force packs a bit more bulk than its smaller sibling, but the shiny metal chassis elegantly sports the protruding camera module.
The general dimensions of the device are 6.13 x 2.98 x 0.27 inches, which keep the screen-to-body ratio at a decent 70.76 percent. In comparison, the iPhone 6s has a thickness of 0.28 inches, making the Moto Z Force a slim flagship rival.
Below the screen we get a square-shaped fingerprint sensor, which first came loaded in the Moto G4 Plus.
It should be noted that the Moto Z Force uses zero capacitive navigation buttons, as it relies on the Android home, virtual back and recent apps buttons.
To the upper right side of the handset sit three buttons: the power and volume buttons.
It looks like the axing of the headphone jack permeated Lenovo's design team as well, and the device lacks the popular 3.5-millimeter jack. This implies that all compatible headphones should sport a USB Type-C connector, or a normal jack and an adapter for the novel technology.
Keep in mind that the handset introduces backplate modules.
Dubbed Moto Mods, the pads snap to the Moto Z Force via a metallic bar and a 16-pin connector, which sits neatly at the bottom half of the device's back. Those of you concerned with aesthetics can get one of the variously colored Moto Style Shells to cover the pads. Additionally, with a Moto Style Shell, the bulk caused by adding the Mods will be less noticeable.
The modules presented at the smartphone's release include a JBL Sound Boost, an InstaShare projector and a Power Jack module, along with Style Shells that sit over the modules for a posh look.
Display
The Moto Z Force is equipped with an AMOLED screen measuring 5.5 inches, capable of rendering QHD resolutions of 1,440 x 2,560p. This puts the ppi density at 534, toe-to-toe with premium flagships from the competition.
We have to commend the introduction of a shatter-proof panel on the Moto Z Force's screen.
The technology was first embedded into the DROID Turbo 2, which was the first device to see ShatterShield technology — a type of display protection that can withstand the clumsiest, or even the meanest and most aggressive drops.
The Moto Z Force takes the ShatterShield lesson and perfects it with the second generation of the protective layer. Although you might want to avoid putting it directly to the test, previous attempts to wreck it showed little damage. This means that your phone is safe from scratches and cracks, even when you accidentally drop it onto concrete.
Specs
The Moto Z Force relies on the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 for processing power, which gets backed by 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. Internal memory varies between 32 GB and 64 GB, but a microSD card slot is there for memory intensive libraries.
The main camera looks impressive, as well. The main sensor is a 21-megapixel working with 1.12um pixels and a wide aperture lens of f/1.8, making it apt for great low-light results. Mobile photographers will find a combination of phase-detection autofocus with laser-assisted autofocus with the new smartphone.
Not only that, but Lenovo touted that zero shutter lag will also be one of the handset's features.
The power source of the device is a mighty 3,500 mAh battery, which Lenovo claims can deliver 40 hours of mixed usage. Fast-charge capability will get the phone from 0 to 50 percent in only 20 minutes.
Pricing And Availability
Lenovo did not officially say how much the device will cost, but it did point out when the handset will hit the shelves.
During the summer, both the Moto Z and the Moto Z Force will go live in the United States. Both devices will be launched under Verizon's brand, as Moto Z DROID and Moto Z Force DROID. The unlocked version of the smartphones will reach the U.S. during the fall, about the same time when the gadgets will enter the European markets.
