Motorola Announces the Moto Z3 Play for Sprint, US Cellular (Unlocked Too)

Motorola unwrapped the Moto Z3 Play today! The phone, which has leaked countless times and that we first showed you back in January, looks like the Moto Z phone we wish we’d had 2 years ago. I say that because it looks slick, has Moto Mods support, and isn’t priced unreasonably.

With the Moto Z3 Play, you get one of Motorola’s first all-display phones with small bezels. It’s a 6.01-inch full HD AMOLED display under Gorilla Glass 3. That expanded display hasn’t changed the footprint of the phone, since it still works with all previously released Moto Mods, something Motorola said would be the case. The slimmer bezels also mean that the fingerprint reader has moved to the side of the phone, just under the volume rocker. Motorola couldn’t put one on the back, since you’ll have Moto Mods back there.

As for other specs, you’ve got a Snapdragon 636 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage with SD support, dual rear cameras (12MP + 5MP), 8MP front camera, 3000mAh battery with fast charging, and Android 8.1 Oreo. The phone doesn’t have a headphone jack, but there is a USB-C port and adapter in the box. It’s not water resistant either, though it is “splash” resistant like most Moto phones.

It runs Motorola’s light skin under Oreo, which means a pleasant Android experience. It’s one of our favorites, actually. You’ll still find Moto Display and Actions, night mode, the ability to pick up your voice for Google Assistant through 4 microphones, and Google Lens in the camera.

Again, it all looks nice.

The Moto Z3 Play ships unlocked this summer for $499 at retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. That price includes a bundled battery Moto Mod. Not bad, right?

For carrier support, Motorola will sell the Moto Z3 Play at Sprint and US Cellular. AT&T and Verizon have skipped this one.

More info.

Moto Z3 Play Specs

// Motorola