Motorola Moto Z2 Force vs. Moto Z4: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto Z2 Force boasts a significantly more powerful processor and a generally better camera, making it the performance champion. However, the Moto Z4 offers a slightly improved battery life and a more modern chipset. Ultimately, the Z2 Force is for power users, while the Z4 is a solid, more budget-friendly option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto Z2 Force | Motorola Moto Z4 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| - | CDMA 800 / 1900 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, July. Released 2017, August | 2019, May. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Plastic front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155.8 x 76 x 6.1 mm (6.13 x 2.99 x 0.24 in) | 158 x 75 x 7.4 mm (6.22 x 2.95 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Splash resistant | Splash and dust resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Shatterproof | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED | OLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF 12 MP B/W, f/2.0, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 25 MP, f/2.0, 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE (5.0 after SW update), aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Moto Mods snap-on accessories | Moto Mods snap-on accessories | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2730 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Super Black, Fine Gold, Lunar Grey | Flash Grey, Frost White |
| Models | XT1789-05 | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.45 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 69h | Endurance rating 70h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 86dB | Voice 70dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 80dB |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 209779 (v7) GeekBench: 6629 (v4.4) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 173234 (v7) GeekBench: 6515 (v4.4) GFXBench: 8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Moto Z2 Force
- Significantly faster processor
- Better camera performance
- Rugged design with ShatterShield
- Modular Moto Mods support
- Older chipset (though still capable)
- Potentially higher price on the used market
- Design can feel dated
Motorola Moto Z4
- Slightly larger and higher resolution display
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 675)
- Sleeker design
- Potentially more affordable
- Less powerful processor
- Camera not as good as Z2 Force
- Moto Mods support still present but less emphasized
Display Comparison
The Moto Z2 Force features a 5.93-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 x 1920 resolution, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Moto Z4 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering a slightly larger screen and potentially better pixel density. Both offer good viewing experiences, but the Z4's slightly higher resolution gives it a minor edge.
Camera Comparison
The Moto Z2 Force's camera is generally considered superior, offering better image quality, especially in low light. While specific megapixel counts are similar, the Z2 Force's image processing and overall camera hardware are more advanced. The Z4's camera is capable, but doesn't match the Z2 Force's performance.
Performance
Here's where the Z2 Force truly shines. Its Snapdragon 835 chipset and Octa-core Kryo CPU provide significantly more processing power than the Z4's Snapdragon 675. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Z2 Force. The Z4 is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have an endurance rating of around 69-70 hours, indicating similar battery performance in typical usage. While the Z4 has a slightly higher rating, the difference is negligible in real-world scenarios. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto Z2 Force is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gaming and demanding apps, and appreciate a rugged design. The Moto Z4 is a good fit for those seeking a reliable, everyday smartphone with decent battery life and a more contemporary design, without breaking the bank.