Phones Lenovo Moto Z, modular phone (2016)

[jamezr]

It's sad that they couldn't get any other carrier to carry and to try to sell this phone. It has such a difficult hill to climb not being as exposed as Samsung or Apple or even HTC and LG phones.

It's gonna be tough for lenovo to make this a success. Plus didn't they say recently that they're not seeing any real gain from the Motorola acquisition? Or something like that?

It's gonna be hard for them to gain traction with this. I mean Huawei, OPO, ZTE and Xiaomi are all competing in the same space $$ wise as the new Moto phones. I don't see anything that would set them apart from the crowd.
Design wise I don't like the square FP scanner. It looks out of place with their circular design trends. The camera bump on the back sticks out too much for me personally.
I do love the shatter proof screen and body design. I wish all phones could withstand the drops test they had on their announcement!

 

[Surf Donkey]

I don't see anything that would set them apart from the crowd.

Except, you know, the whole modularity thing. The whole point of the phone? If it is not your thing, that is cool. But I don't see how that doesn't set them apart.

 

[epicrayban]

It's gonna be hard for them to gain traction with this. I mean Huawei, OPO, ZTE and Xiaomi are all competing in the same space $$ wise as the new Moto phones. I don't see anything that would set them apart from the crowd.
Design wise I don't like the square FP scanner. It looks out of place with their circular design trends. The camera bump on the back sticks out too much for me personally.
I do love the shatter proof screen and body design. I wish all phones could withstand the drops test they had on their announcement!

Well, the modularity thing might set it apart if it takes on. So far, early impressions of it seem nice. I appreciate the attempt here by Motorola (and LG). It's not for me yet, but we'll see how far it'll get them.

But aside from that, there is virtually nothing attractive about the Moto Z -- and I don't mean just the bad looks. If I'm not mistaken, the shatterproof screen is only in the Verizon-forever-exclusive Z Force model. Standard does not feature the shatterproof screen.

I will say this: Samsung needs to now follow the example of both HTC and Motorola in ridding the software with duplicate/redundant apps. They have little excuse now in their next iteration of TouchWiz.


[doublepost=1465568473][/doublepost]The standard Moto Z, when it becomes unlocked this Fall, better be ridiculously affordable. 1) To help drive sales, but also 2) so people feel good they didn't' blow too much money and feel they can afford to buy modular add-ons for their phone. The modularity needs, I think, all the help it can get to get people to invest into it. This should come in the form of an affordable "base-canvas" in the unlocked Moto Z, affordable add-ons themselves, and general launch sales (they could throw in a free add-on for early adopters -- buyer's choice -- during the launch period or something).

 

[Surf Donkey]

Everyone says "Apple needs more innovation" ..... Samsung made a water proof phone... "Look at that innovation!" a curve on the screen.... "Amazing!".

Then here comes Lenovo with a ready-to-be-sold modular phone. Way better than the G5. Better than what we have seen from Project Ara.... this is true innovation. And the response is, the finger print scanner should be circular?? Oh good, now Samsung can learn from this and improve Touchwiz? Huh?

And then they show off working bendable and fold-able phones. That is freaking amazing! Imagine if Samsung or Apple had that kind of presentation. People would be busting a wad all over this place. So much brand bias around here it is just laughable.

People get mad that I hate on Samsung and Apple aroudn here. This is exactly why. Anyone who tries anything that is not Samsung or Apple just get a cold shoulder. But then when Samsung or Apple eventually do it, which they will, it is the second coming.

 

[epicrayban]

Everyone says "Apple needs more innovation" ..... Samsung made a water proof phone... "Look at that innovation!" a curve on the screen.... "Amazing!".

Then here comes Lenovo with a ready-to-be-sold modular phone. Way better than the G5. Better than what we have seen from Project Ara.... this is true innovation. And the response is, the finger print scanner should be circular?? Oh good, now Samsung can learn from this
and improve Touchwiz? Huh?

And then they show off working bendable and fold-able phones. That is freaking amazing! Imagine if Samsung or Apple had that kind of presentation. People would be busting a wad all over this place. So much brand bias around here it is just laughable.

People get mad that I hate on Samsung and Apple aroudn here. This is exactly why. Anyone who tries anything that is not Samsung or Apple just get a cold shoulder. But then when Samsung or Apple eventually do it, which they will, it is the second coming.

Really? I think one of the positive things, if any, that nearly everyone with reasonable feedback has said about the new phones is that the modularity thing is interesting, novel, and cool. For sure better implemented than the G5.

The issue is, beyond that, the base device is rather basic, and definitely questionably designed. And the whole Verizon exclusive thing? Not exactly a good start. Less exposure; less sales. Remember, unless I'm mistaken, the Z Force is a forever-exclusive to Verizon. Only the standard Moto Z will go on sale unlocked this Fall -- when the iPhone is landing. When the Nexus devices are a stone's throw away. When Samsung/LG/HTC and even Apple with the 6S devices, will probably have bigger discounts than ever for their flagships. No doubt Google, too, with their current Nexus lineup (which is already seeing big sales/discounts).

There's no question there are some missteps here by Lenovo.

 

[jamezr]

Except, you know, the whole modularity thing. The whole point of the phone? If it is not your thing, that is cool. But I don't see how that doesn't set them apart.

But it's not modular...it is a set of add ons. Project Ara is modular......this and LG are just providing add ons and calling them modular. It reminds me of the old HP iPaqs with all the add on paks you could use.

 

[MRU]

I guess I just wish like many LG fans that Moto had made an X and the Z. Do the experimenting on the Z and give us just a simple evolution for the X.

A fingerprint scanner on the back where the Moto dimple should be and in a circular form would worked so much better allowing the front stereo speakers once more or reduction in chin size.

I think it's grand they want to play with modules but like LG I doubt many of them will actually make it to market or be readily available leaving just a couple of gimicky cases add ons and slap on rear shells.

Much like how LG have alienated a lot of G2/3/4 owners and many are now waiting for the V10 successor instead of the G5, I suspect the Moto Z will not be a wide success although the Moto G will likely do better.

 

[jamezr]

I guess I just wish like many LG fans that Moto had made an X and the Z. Do the experimenting on the Z and give us just a simple evolution for the X.

A fingerprint scanner on the back where the Moto dimple should be and in a circular form would worked so much better allowing the front stereo speakers once more or reduction in chin size.

I think it's grand they want to play with modules but like LG I doubt many of them will actually make it to market or be readily available leaving just a couple of gimicky cases add ons and slap on rear shells.

Much like how LG have alienated a lot of G2/3/4 owners and many are now waiting for the V10 successor instead of the G5, I suspect the Moto Z will not be a wide success although the Moto G will likely do better.

^^^ This^^^^
I would love to have the Moto X Pure with updated specs and better camera and a FP scanner on the back. I want that phone! Then with a dark wood back to go along with it!

 

[Surf Donkey]

But it's not modular...it is a set of add ons. Project Ara is modular......this and LG are just providing add ons and calling them modular. It reminds me of the old HP iPaqs with all the add on paks you could use.

Please do show me how Project Ara is "more modular" compared to this. Not the concept, that is long gone. What they showed at I/O. Because I saw a base phone with add-on mods. Maybe they will do it better aesthetically, but the concept is no different.
[doublepost=1465569712][/doublepost]

^^^ This^^^^
I would love to have the Moto X Pure with updated specs and better camera and a FP scanner on the back. I want that phone! Then with a dark wood back to go along with it!

Sounds like the HTC 10 or 6P. Then you would just say... "something is missing". Why would you want that?

 

[jamezr]

Please do show me how Project Ara is "more modular" compared to this. Not the concept, that is long gone. What they showed at I/O. Because I saw a base phone with add-on mods. Maybe they will do it better aesthetically, but the concept is no different.
[doublepost=1465569712][/doublepost]

Sounds like the HTC 10. Then you would just say... "something is missing". Why would you want that?

This is modular.......not add ons but modular.... Has nothing to do with aesthetics...

https://atap.google.com/ara/

 

[epicrayban]

I guess I just wish like many LG fans that Moto had made an X and the Z. Do the experimenting on the Z and give us just a simple evolution for the X.

A fingerprint scanner on the back where the Moto dimple should be and in a circular form would worked so much better allowing the front stereo speakers once more or reduction in chin size.

I think it's grand they want to play with modules but like LG I doubt many of them will actually make it to market or be readily available leaving just a couple of gimicky cases add ons and slap on rear shells.

Much like how LG have alienated a lot of G2/3/4 owners and many are now waiting for the V10 successor instead of the G5, I suspect the Moto Z will not be a wide success although the Moto G will likely do better.

100% the fingerprint scanner on the back where the M dimple used to be. I recently wrote this at the Nexus N thread:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/nexus-n-2016.1951300/page-10#post-22988973

The more I think about a back finger print scanner, the more I think it's a worthy idea.

It's simply a better use of space.

If the fingerprint scanner can work so effectively on the back, then it's just better there so that the front can be left either sleek and clean, or allow room for dual speakers, or allow for less bezels (to a reasonable degree). Or possibly all the above!

These are worthwhile tradeoffs for the few inconveniences, in my opinion, of having the scanner on the back. Yes it's harder to use when on the table but think about what you gain up front, where you use, interact, and stare at the device 90% of the time. (It would be awesome to see HTC make dual speakers again.)

And then dynamic on screen buttons take care of navigation.

I could be a believer. HTC Nexus. Bring it.

I'm really coming around to the idea of a adapting to a back fingerprint scanner.

Might be a pain to use in the car though while it's on a dock. But if "OK Google" works while the screen is off (as it does with most Moto devices, right?) then that'd be fine.

 

[Surf Donkey]

1
I'm really coming around to the idea of a adapting to a back fingerprint scanner.

Might be a pain to use in the car though while it's on a dock. Hmmm...

Why would you need to use the fingerprint scanner while in a dock?

 

[epicrayban]

Why would you need to use the fingerprint scanner while in a dock?

Yeah, for Moto devices, "OK Google" while it's asleep fixes this concern.

All the more reason the scanner should be on the back dimple.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Yeah, for Moto devices, "OK Google" while it's asleep fixes this concern.

All the more reason the scanner should be on the back dimple.

Well not just that but, trusted devices, trusted location, NFC, smart dock.... so many ways to not have your phone lock.

 

[Cnasty]

Look everyone, INNOVATION!!!!!

Such an ugly, all over the place design for a phone and I do not see this catching on at all but hey thumbs up for trying since well...INNOVATION!!!

 

[Surf Donkey]

Look everyone, INNOVATION!!!!!

Such an ugly, all over the place design for a phone and I do not see this catching on at all but hey thumbs up for trying since well...INNOVATION!!!

So that is your criticism.... ugly? Ok then.

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
Stop the bickering, a number of posts were removed, please stay on topic

 

[epicrayban]

Well not just that but, trusted devices, trusted location, NFC, smart dock.... so many ways to not have your phone lock.

Fair points.

But all the more reason Lenovo didn't have to put the fingerprint scanner up front of an already busy front panel, and at the expense of dual front firing speakers. The dimple would have been a more sensible location for functionality and aesthetics.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Fair points.

But all the more reason Lenovo didn't have to put the fingerprint scanner up front of an already busy front panel, and at the expense of dual front firing speakers. The dimple would have been a more sensible location for functionality and aesthetics.

Mods... can't put it on the back. I don't know how Ara will address this, will be interesting, but FP scanner is one thing I assume can't be modular itself for security reasons.

 

[Cnasty]

So that is your criticism.... ugly? Ok then.

Yup. As well as many others here and functionality seems mediocre at best. This is all based on very limited information but to me that is all we have to go on as of now and it isn't impressive to me.

I for one consider form factor and styling a big piece of tech that I use daily and wouldn't want to use something I don't feel is aesthetically pleasing compared to the other amazing pieces of hardware out there now for the trade off of limited functionality.

And yes that is my criticism and my view only but others have shared the same.

 

[Surf Donkey]

Yup. As well as many others here and functionality seems mediocre at best. This is all based on very limited information but to me that is all we have to go on as of now and it isn't impressive to me.

I for one consider form factor and styling a big piece of tech that I use daily and wouldn't want to use something I don't feel is aesthetically pleasing compared to the other amazing pieces of hardware out there now for the trade off of limited functionality.

And yes that is my criticism and my view only but others have shared the same.

Totally fair enough. I agree it is not pretty. I am obvious Nexus fan so style is not important to me at all

Hell, I thought the Apple 3GS was a super revolutionary phone and that was fugly as hell. But I kept it for years.

 

[MRU]

Totally fair enough. I agree it is not pretty. I am obvious Nexus fan so style is not important to me at all

Hell, I thought the Apple 3GS was a super revolutionary phone and that was fugly as hell. But I kept it for years.

I am a nexus or moreover a stock android preference user, but that doesn't mean we should ignore style & aesthetics. The 6P is much nicer looking device all round compared to the new Z ... Whilst the visor divided opinion, overall imho aesthetically it's far more cohesive a device from a design perspective than the new Z which is just a mish mash.

 

[jamezr]

OK, cool. Please take that advice. Just put me on ignore.

It is personal with you. You showed there is no room for discussion with you, even constructive, unless you are cheering for the brand you like. And you have proven that time and time again.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/galaxy-s7.1944292/page-82#post-22637762

You made it very clear it is a one way street with you. So don't go defending one action while lashing out at others for the same thing.
[doublepost=1465571180][/doublepost]

So that is your criticism.... ugly? Ok then.

I am a nexus or moreover a stock android preference user, but that doesn't mean we should ignore style & aesthetics. The 6P is much nicer looking device all round compared to the new Z ... Whilst the visor divided opinion, overall imho aesthetically it's far more cohesive a device from a design perspective than the new Z which is just a mish mash.

I agree 100% and would even say the Nexus 6 looks better than the Moto Z and the 6P wins hands down...it a gorgeous phone.

 

[Surf Donkey]

I am a nexus or moreover a stock android preference user, but that doesn't mean we should ignore style & aesthetics. The 6P is much nicer looking device all round compared to the new Z ... Whilst the visor divided opinion, overall imho aesthetically it's far more cohesive a device from a design perspective than the new Z which is just a mish mash.

I disagree, but that's cool. I don't think this Moto looks all that bad aside from the front branding. Especially with the back plate. Not a sexy device at all, but seems very functional. I think the Nexus is pretty darn ugly with the visor and huge bezels. But I love it. It is unique. I like unique phones I guess

[doublepost=1465575342][/doublepost]

I mean specifically the Force is Verizon exclusive. Permanently. No? My understanding is that only the regular moto z (not the Force one) will be available unlocked in the Fall. But not the Force.

They're both Verizon exclusives, but one of them is permanent.

Am I mistaken?

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/06/10/specs-comparison-moto-z-moto-z-force/

As of now, the pair are destined for a undetermined period of exclusivity at Verizon, so, if you aren't a Big Red customer you won't be able to pick one up for a while anyways.

Sounds like no one knows, but I doubt the Force is Verizon exclusive for the long haul. They have the Force Droid Edition. Motorola will just make a Force Pure edition or something like that.
[doublepost=1465575765][/doublepost]

I guess I just wish like many LG fans that Moto had made an X and the Z. Do the experimenting on the Z and give us just a simple evolution for the X.

Sounds like they are doing just that:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...-dead-moto-z-provides-a-different-experience/

Moto X is alive and well. In fact, Moto X Force recently launched in multiple new markets around the world. Moto X and Moto Z do share some great qualities, but they ultimately provide different experiences and make our portfolio more robust for consumers looking for the perfect smartphone to fit their needs. Tech-hungry consumers who are looking to get a brand new set of experiences from their smartphone will turn to Moto Z and Moto Mods.

 

[jamezr]

Informal poll at DroidLife backs up what most are saying here about the Moto Z. I think most will not be buying it.

http://www.droid-life.com/2016/06/09/poll-buying-moto-z-moto-z-force/