Motorola·Flagship · Released Sep 2016

Moto Z

The 2016 modular phone — ultra-thin, with magnetic Moto Mods.

52/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$699
Color · Black
Display
5.5" QHD AMOLED
Chipset
Snapdragon 820
Memory
4 GB · 32 GB
Main cam
13 MP · f/1.8
Battery
2,600 mAh
Weight
136 g
Quick answer

The Moto Z is a flagship Motorola smartphone released Sep 2016, with a launch price of $699. It pairs the Snapdragon 820 with a 5.5" QHD AMOLED display, a 13 MP · f/1.8 main camera and a 2,600 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 52/100 — The 2016 modular experiment — clever, but a dead end. Standout strengths: magnetic moto mods — projector, battery, speaker, camera add-ons. and remarkably thin at 5.2 mm. Main trade-off: tiny 2,600 mah battery (a mod was almost required).

AI Snapshot

The 2016 modular experiment — clever, but a dead end.

The Moto Z built its pitch on magnetic Moto Mods and an ultra-thin body. The tiny battery and now-abandoned Mods ecosystem make it a curious piece of history.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display74
Camera56
Performance44
Battery44
Build66
Value50
  • Magnetic Moto Mods — projector, battery, speaker, camera add-ons.
  • Remarkably thin at 5.2 mm.
  • Sharp QHD AMOLED display.
  • Light at 136 g.

Full specifications

Type
AMOLED, 60 Hz
Size
5.5 inches
Resolution
2,560 × 1,440 px (535 ppi)
Protection
Gorilla Glass
Main
13 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser AF
Selfie
5 MP, f/2.2
Video
4K @ 30 fps

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -90.7%
This
150,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -84.8%
This
440
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -85.8%
This
1,150
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -95.2%
This
3.0 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the Moto Z compares

Moto ZGalaxy Note 5Moto G24
SpecEagle score525252
ChipsetSnapdragon 820Exynos 7420MediaTek Helio G85
Display5.5" QHD AMOLED5.7" QHD AMOLED6.56" HD+ IPS 90Hz
Main camera13 MP · f/1.816 MP · f/1.950 MP + 2 MP macro
Battery2,600 mAh3,000 mAh5000 mAh, 15W
Launch price$699$700$120

Frequently asked questions

When was the Moto Z released?

The Moto Z was released in Sep 2016.

How much does the Moto Z cost?

The Moto Z launched at $699 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the Moto Z screen size and type?

The Moto Z has a 5.5" QHD AMOLED display.

What chipset does the Moto Z use?

The Moto Z is powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Moto Z have?

The Moto Z ships with 4 GB · 32 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Moto Z battery capacity?

The Moto Z has a 2,600 mAh battery.

How fast does the Moto Z charge?

The Moto Z supports 15 W TurboPower wired charging.

Does the Moto Z have wireless charging?

The Moto Z supports Via Moto Mod wireless charging.

What is the Moto Z main camera?

The Moto Z has a 13 MP · f/1.8 main camera.

Does the Moto Z have 5G?

The Moto Z does not support 5G (4G LTE only).

Is the Moto Z waterproof?

The Moto Z is rated Splash-resistant for dust and water resistance.

How much does the Moto Z weigh?

The Moto Z weighs 136 g.

What colours does the Moto Z come in?

The Moto Z is available in 3 colours: Black, White, Gold.

Is the Moto Z worth buying?

The Moto Z built its pitch on magnetic Moto Mods and an ultra-thin body. The tiny battery and now-abandoned Mods ecosystem make it a curious piece of history. SpecEagle gives the Moto Z an editorial score of 52/100.

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