Announced globally last July, Motorola has finally brought the Moto Z2 Force into Singapore, but it is worth the wait?
Fitted with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the Moto Z2 Force is unapologetically fast and smooth. The Android 7.1.1 OS (updatable to Android 8 Oreo) might seem outdated, but Motorola loads the phone with unique user experiences that we have already seen in earlier Moto Z-series devices. For instance, instead of fumbling for shortcut keys to the camera, Moto Actions lets you start the camera by twisting your wrist twice quickly. And when you are in the dark and in desperate need of a torch light, engage chopping motion with the phone and the LED light turns on.
The Moto Z2 Force can even let you navigate the phone by using the fingerprint sensor to gesture your way through. Swipe left to go back, swipe right for recent apps, tap to go back to home screen, tap and hold to turn off the screen, tap and hold longer to start Google Assistant. This frees up the screen with the need to show the navigation keys, but if you are not used to it, you can always revert back to the usual on screen navigation.
Motorola also implements the always-on display differently from the rest. Instead of literally “always on”, the notifications fade in only when it senses objects within proximity. Tap and hold the notification app icon and the notification detail will appear. Drag the finger to the next icon on the screen, for instance, “reply”, and you can reply the message without leaving the Moto Display screen. Imagine the subtlety of responding to notifications in the cinema or concert without bringing up the app in full brightness.
The killer feature of the Moto Z2 Force is the shatterproof screen. Too many times have I seen peers with cracked screens without replacing them. Motorola offers a generous 4-year guarantee against cracks or shatters, and while I am somewhat curious how Motorola came up with the bold number, but it certainly injects confidence. The warranty does not cover scratches, though, and it did not take long to find hairline scratches on the display surface. Though the smartphone is not shockproof, the 7000-series aluminium unibody keeps the phone structurally intact.
If one is getting a Moto Z-series smartphone, then one would subscribe to the Moto Mods accessories. These instant snap-on gadgets work seamlessly with Moto Z2 Force. One Moto Mod that you probably should get is the Power Pack: the 2730 mAh battery is barely sufficient for a day’s use. But given the relatively small battery, the consumption is commendable. Other mods that might interest you are the JBL SoundBoost speaker, Hasselblad True Zoom camera, Insta-Share Projector, 360 Camera, and the Gamepad.
Dual cameras are the flavour of the moment, and Moto Z2 Force has it too. Both lenses have the same wide angle, but one of them is a colour sensor while the other is monochrome, similar to Huawei P-series. Besides capturing more authentic monochrome images, the dual lenses help to capture depth information and process the background blur. Image quality is good under good lighting, while it struggles when light is lacking. Selfie lovers, rejoice, for Moto Z2 Force comes with front LED light.
Verdict
Rating 4/5
S$799
It’s tough to find a tough smartphone that looks good, so Moto Z2 Force fits the bill perfectly. It may not be shockproof or water resistant, but the screen will survive drops for 4 years. There is no need to compromise looks and performance for durability, and with the expandable Moto Mods ecosystem, the Moto Z2 Force delivers great user value.
