Moto Z2 Play Review: Bad Sequel, Better Smartphone

[@TheMrMobile]

[UPDATE] Motorola replied to my request for comment concerning the poor charging rates: "Since the first generation Moto Z Play came with a 15W charger, we chose to maintain that charge rate for the second generation device. Historically we have used the TurboPower branding for 15W chargers - these chargers help users fuel up fast by providing up to 8 hours of power in just 15 minutes of charging, or 50% more battery life in 30 minutes." (Note that the charge rates I actually achieved in real life fell substantially short of those lofty promises.)

[@Poebat]

Honestly 2 hours isn't bad. my S6 took much longer to go from 0% to 100%

[@hassanshahzad7429]

My S6 charge from 0 to 100% in one hour 15 minutes.

[@freddiems]

Poebat like Hassan, my S6 charge in less than an hour and a half.

[@MrSuvidh]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] askb them for software update too.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

hi micheal for that price 630 or 660 could have been better ... for that price

[@nytking]

You are the Tony Stark of KZbin reviewers 😀 way to go man👍🏻

[@sambhavidhakal1983]

Boobalan M More like a Morgan Freeman lol

[@brquackenbush4144]

when i watched my first mr mobile video my first impression was that he reminded me of tony stark

[@kylerekedal1439]

I got the Moto Z Play after my S6 broke because of your review, best choice I've made. I forgot my charger for a three day trip, lowered my usage and brightness and was able to go two full days and still have 20% at the end of the first day. (I'm normally a very heavy user and my S6 would be at 20% after 8 hours of moderate usage.

[@natrix126]

your s6 broke because of his review?

[@tomielcapodeamnesia]

n e 😂😂😂

[@ItsLogan04]

Kyle Rekedal hey, does the Moto Z play still get updates?

[@cleetose]

ItsYaBoyLogan It does. Mine got an update recently, was just a minor bug fix/security update, but better than nothing. Can't say how much longer it will be updated though.

[@cooltwittertag]

ItsLogan It gets Android 8 too

[@Conceptcreator]

that break hahaha. and now i know how you audio is alway so good!!! Good recording booth!

[@razorwireclouds5708]

i kinda fail to see the appeal of over 1080p for phone screens... for what, guzzling battery? most people don't do VR

[@TheMrMobile]

+razorwireclouds fully agree.

[@NeXMaX]

razorwireclouds Depends. Most newer QHD panels aren't the huge power guzzlers they used to.

[@JstnMoyer]

razorwireclouds Yup, I'm with you.

[@crashcourseinbruhsurgery]

I have an 800×480 screen and can only watch KZbin videos in 360p. It's a reminder that I'm holding a phone, not some fancy magic portal that takes you into a realm of extreme snappiness.

[@razorwireclouds5708]

Da Angel I'm currently rocking a OnePlus 3T, i highly recommend it

[@deividcastillo1099]

The quality of all the video that you upload is Dope...:D :D You deserve more subscriber.

[@zic75043]

By the way I loved your intro at the pocketnow weekly today

[@TheMrMobile]

Hey thanks for watching! Love those guys.

[@pisse3000]

Ziad Chjrawi I just love him in general

[@joshuamandaglio4125]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] did the actual z2 and z2 force come out yet?

[@PTYC933]

Pocket now is just not the same without the old guys

[@joshuarice5329]

You probably won't see this but you're a huge inspiration and a big reason I just started a channel :) Your videos bring me a lot of joy and laughter

[@TheMrMobile]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it.

[@joshuarice5329]

Oh my god I can't believe you actually responded! You've just made my day

[@bryane2857]

smh,

[@Chiragatrey]

I used to be a fan And I still am. great channel!

[@blanktitle198]

Chirag Atrey I thought u was gon say "now I'm an air conditioner"

[@corytyler1858]

Austin E fr that's what I thought too😂

[@Iscandelt]

Fletcher class destroyer on 3:55, nice! Btw, great video :D.

[@TheMrMobile]

Yes indeed! USS Cassin Young DD-793!

[@NedjoKovacevic]

I'm subbed since the beginning of the channel, and was admirer of your work on that other channel. Michael your videos are joy for intelligence as much as for A/V senses. Information you share and the production you create... it's really second to none! My huge respect!

[@mickyjankis9542]

There's something in your videos which attracts making me see it again, your cinematography or your voice or the music in background may be all three combined, not to mention the tech review, but it is more than that, keep going we will follow you

[@ahmadhussain27]

Michael your review aside, can I say that your cinematography is just amazing. I mean I just look at your videos and I get a retro-futuristic hybrid vibe. Sorry if that sounded weird but that's just how it is. Keep making videos man. We come here for the opinions on tech. We stay subscribed for your amazing content.

[@HliarusProd]

How the hell are those videos still getting better ? This is for sure the best review channel EVER ! Also, the phone looks very nice ^^ Too bad I bought a OnePlus 3T just a month ago

[@RxDistortion]

for the longest FUCKING time, I thought you were from Android Authority. I'm glad I found you again. The style and delivery of your videos are fantastic.

[@TheMrMobile]

Thanks, and welcome aboard!

[@adithya130]

6:58 "more forceful". I see what you did there😏

[@eduardocerna193]

😂😭

[@ENY11208]

Fan since pocketnow days. Your reviews just keep improving. It's like watching CBS this morning. whatever the topic they make it interesting, because of well rounded, informative dialog. keep up the great work!

[@TheMrMobile]

Thanks very much!

[@risalatrahman933]

Was waiting for your review on this slick-a-pie! Amazingly detailed and man your word choices! Nailed it as always :) Keep up!

[@jamiehat42]

This phone recently went on sale. Revisited this video. Love it! Your comments are always so spot on, and balanced. And, video technicality aside, which is stellar by the way- it is your voice talent that keeps me subscribed. Your diction, your voice over ‘acting ‘ talent is second to none. I watch your videos because you have that ‘it’ factor above all others. Keep up the good work!

[@jorgenmalmo]

Your voice recording is one of the best :) How do you edit it?

[@johnathanblade1]

"Yeah, the studio is sweet, but MrMobile's outdoor work is always sooo 'purty... AND THERE IT IS!" Great video. Excellent presentational variety.

[@nitinkanals5087]

Hi this is Nitin you finally answered my request to do a review of the moto z2 play thanks again sir you are the best !!!

[@TuPhonez4Free]

I want one! But I also want the new Moto x4! I love my Moto G5 Plus, Michael! Man! Moto has some great devices. Great work!

[@SuperSweetToffee]

0:00 to 0:25 - I could watch it all day. So satisfying with the editing.

[@Geddo_Yaya]

nice title, I highly appreciate the narrative vibes in the reviews

[@devilkiran8]

I don't think i can ever leave Moto cuz of chopping to flash. And the software of course

[@TheMrMobile]

Right? Those gestures are stupid-addictive.

[@devilkiran8]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] absolutely! Man the camera doesn't look good again. Hopefully their x4 or some other model from this year has a better camera option.

[@eval_is_evil]

walker one of the things I really miss once I went to the S8+ ...but it also has a tonne of advantages so not sad I ditched the Z at all

[@harshvardhan990]

I really want Google to work with Motorola and make those official as gestures of Android. Those are so handy and useful.

[@ariesego2329]

ud be surprised, unfortunately 😔😞

[@TheRacingChannel97]

I'm in love with your​ in depth very fun reviews and good job nailing the background music sweet😉🙂

[@deanopain]

So with a more appropriate adapter, like the one I have with my Z Play, I will be able to fast charge it?

[@TheMrMobile]

I still need to put that to the test with my 25W adapter.

[@KrishnaChaitanya05]

+MrMobile Your reviews are of highest quality and its really hard to find one similar to yours. And I love your sense of humour.

[@jain.chiranjeev]

The intro music here is awesome.

[@TheMrMobile]

Isn't it? Cymatix makes some crazy-good tunes.

[@jain.chiranjeev]

I totally agree with you about the software update thing. Since the Lenovo deal, software updates have gone down the drain. One of the two reason why I'd recommend Moto phones to people, other being affordable pricing. I'm still waiting for Nougat on my X Play. Wonder if it'll even come.

[@thekings1976]

Awesome review as usual! The hearing test booth was a nice touch. Always look forward to your videos.

[@damudaran3765]

very congrats 400k subs in a year ..... this is absolutely ridiculous. keep doing this . WD

[@kunalarneja7146]

good review, smooth transitions across the video 👍

[@Rod4GoodLife]

Great reviews as always Mr. Mobile👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kylenetherwood8734]

Excellent intro as always.

[@michaeldrane9090]

Loving the music and audio!!

[@shehryartariq007]

I don't know why, but I tend to love your reviews more than MKBHD's.... No hate on Marques, but there's something about your voice and editing that is so smooth and works well. Keep it up Tony Stark.

[@TheMrMobile]

Thanks!

[@piyushagarwal9968]

No matter how busy a man is, he always has time to click on Mr Mobile. 👊

[@ShashwatPanda]

this channel and THAT voice is my drug now...

[@NormandyFoye]

Definitely one of the best reviewers on YT. thx

[@ThatsPety]

I absolutely love that intro 😂 great work as usual

[@rianhassan3149]

I got this phone because it was time. I was running an HTC Desire 626 and man does it feel good to have something that flies. If you buy it with Verizon you get $50 off the retail value, but you must go with the device payment of 2 years. You must also have postpaid. I came from prepaid and use 2-3GB/mo. I wasn't happy about that but whatever. You also get the Soundboost2, as you mentioned, but you must redeem the offer online and it comes later to your address. I love everything about this phone. It was between this and the G5, then the Plus, but the SoundBoost is what made me pull the trigger on this.

[@techpassion4126]

5:24 A rare photo of Michael alongside Picard in the USS Enterprise

[@soysa007]

WoW!! Amazing Flow on this review , all the points covered even with an AD Michael is my favourite KZbinr 👌

[@Cherriannabelle12]

Would you recommend the G5 plus or the z2 play?

[@danielnorman4057]

Good review Michael. I'm on an iPhone right now after retiring my Moto X 2014 which in my opinion was a perfect size phone. Waiting to maybe jump back with Motorola once the X4 come out.

[@justinmacks1481]

Think they'll release a HDMI to TV mod? Will probably get an upgraded projector too if they come out with the HD one with the Z2 Force

[@BuzzBolla]

I pressed like at 0:24 --> you're a GENIUS haha why the fudge did they shrink the battery...

[@Curucuncucus]

Production is so good is ridiculous. This guys is just unique.

[@KanwarAnand]

Should I get this or the lg g6 or the u11?

[@NizarElZarif]

Great review as usual Can review the Zenfone 3 zoom and the Xperia xa1 ultra?

[@annies6015]

wooo, was already on this channel while the notification came in!!!!!

[@Chitose2007]

I own the Moto Z and I bought it with the hopes that it would give me the option to buy nice mods in the future. The wireless charging back, the new camera mod coming out later this year, and the fact that I only paid $300 for it brand new makes me very happy. If Motorola keeps supporting yearly upgradable mods I might make the Z line my go to phone whenever I am looking to upgrade.

[@DebraDukes]

Thanks Michael I was waiting for the rest of the review.16 Hour's not bad especially when you deal with 6 on most other's I'll take it.Nice Review as usual.Appreciate it Deb 👍

[@tiffosinord]

There is something special about this guy and his reviews...always watch new videos and then watch the old ones again, this 7-10 minutes aren't enough

[@andreaslassak2111]

So it is better to take older Z play or regular Z ? some camera comparison ? and what about updates ?:

[@abhijitv92]

Best reviewer ever 😎

[@agh6627]

Great review! Your right about Lenovo and the updates, my Moto X Pure is still waiting for Nougat. But Nokia is doing a great job with updates...

[@djpentium9002]

3:41 I never knew you played Bullet Force, also what did you put the settings to when playing Bullet Force on the Moto Z2 Play?

[@TheMrMobile]

+Animator101 only for reviews. And Ultimate. Maxed-out.

[@djpentium9002]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] I really underestimated the power of the 626 then.

[@TheMrMobile]

Most folks have.

[@mrchatterjee_]

What a fantastic review! Flawless! How do you do this? :/

[@derekisthematrix]

Great review Michael. What's your opinion on the best "non-flagship" phone camera? (budget or mid-tier)

[@audieliem4843]

Sad to most of the excellent smartphone from the $399 price bracket increasing in price this iteration

[@jeppewerring]

after you left PocketNow you have really gotten to stretch out your wings, this is amazing content.

[@rakithatharindakodithuwakk6319]

Thankyou for this video. I Love Motorola. Could you please tell me What is your recommend mobile among Moto z play and Moto z2 play?

[@lennonberg]

where did u get the star track wall paper !!!??????

[@littlehomo3914]

Are you going to review the Moto X4?

[@TheMrMobile]

It'll be included in an affordable-phone roundup soon!

[@dongkyulee4969]

Never too early for a mrmobile video!

[@ajitk.lalchandani2078]

Hi MrMobile should I buy it or should I wait for the Moto Z2 Force ?

[@mauriciomoreno4958]

You're great. Pocketnow isn't the same without you. Excellent Video, as ever. :) I love your work.

[@Lambert555]

Love that wallbreak in the intro.

[@kevinweber5129]

can you use the Z2 Play with a bumper to protect it a little bit.

[@mudfatherBULLSHiT]

how does this phone stack up agains the KeyOne in terms of battery, camera and performance? I almost bought one of these. love my blackberry though.

[@SahilTiwariOnPlus]

Staying mobile at 1:30AM. notification squad, where you at.

[@Omar96valles]

Sahil Tiwari where are you located it's currently 3:10 pm in Texas

[@SahilTiwariOnPlus]

Omar96valles I'm from India.

[@ProudiPhoneOwner]

Sahil Tiwari #NotificationSquad It is 1:25PM here in Los Angeles, CA USA

[@digoop]

In Brazil it's 5:35PM

[@raphaelkgh218]

Sahil Tiwari lols its 12:09PM here in Beirut..............

[@gerwin96]

I would love if you could give some insight on display readability outside

[@TheMrMobile]

+gerwin96 neither the best nor the worst. Straight down the middle.

[@gabrielsokolaj8805]

Hey keep these awesome videos up!

[@clintcurtis9630]

Would you complete and post a review of the Sony Xperia Xz premium ?

[@Elusian]

I was looking forward for your review. As other reviewers cover mostly the same it is a bit dissappointing though. The Z Play battery was the reason why I bought it and reducing it literally makes me wonder if the 3rd generation will stick to the lower battery or they listen and go back to the first Z Play. Cause I don't buy this thing for its thin body, its camera or anything but the battery life coupled with the Moto Mod experience! The battery was super great with Android 6, sadly 7 reduced my battery life tremendously. When I was able to hold the phone 3 to 3,5 days, it's down to a lucky 2 days battery life with one full charge while maintaing the exact same phone behaviour so I cannot grasp to see why they cut the battery after they still havent improved the Android 7 software. If I wanted a thinner body I would have went for the Moto Z (without Play) and get the same result so did they scrap the normal Z generally? If someone would ask me which one to buy (cause he wants the Mod experience) I would have to tell him either the original Moto Z or the Z Play but definately not the Z2 Play. For me this piece of hardware is a potencial backstep.

[@manojitbrahme3731]

Hey Michael!!! M biggest fan of yours!!! Like your video direction!!!

[@anastasiaz._pt]

I'm early... If you reply, I promise to like & share this video!!!!

[@davidmorling1264]

1:28 wireless charging on a metal phone like the z2 play?

[@ManuelAMartinez]

Great review as always!

[@Stormchaser-nk8ji]

where do you get the star trek themes?

[@TheDarkopunisher]

MrMobile need your advice moto z2play or g6plus?

[@justatiger6268]

What kind of wireless charger is that? Love the wood!

[@arkosh7251]

that protruding camera on the back is a deal breaker

[@TheJan1101]

perfeft time for a review :)

[@chasedoe2594]

Just wondering, which phone do you guys refer about lack of timely updates? Coz from my experience with Moto G4 Plus and Moto Z Play, Moto did delivered both major and minor update. If I remember correctly, both G4 Plus and Z Play got Nougat only 2 months after Google officially announce the Nougat. Moto did messed up on some devices like Moto M which is kind of cheapo Lenovo re-branded phone. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying, I'm right. But it seems everyone complains about the update. So I just wondering that did I miss anything coz I'm considering to buy Z2 Play.

[@Inferno796]

Hey Michael, loved your honest and great reviews of the Moto Z line phones. I have a question though, if you had to buy a Moto phone this year, would it be the original Moto Z (Not the play version) or the Moto Z2 Play (Z2 force was a misstep)? I can't decide between the two and wanted your opinion.

[@lucasnakata7146]

I had a Moto X 2014 and kept it for almost 3 years...i miss those gestures so much :( and even after 3 years the UI was smooth and fluid

[@TheMrMobile]

+Beerus, the Destructor I still can't bring myself to sell my X14.

[@lucasnakata7146]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] it is my little baby lol broke the screen though.

[@ChipperFoxtrotVA]

It will be between this phone with the physical keyboard moto mod and the Blackberry KEYone, along with the Verizon Wireless version of the Kyocera Duraforce Pro in case I need a more durable, waterproof phone. Although, I noticed on Phonescoop that out of the 32 GB of storage, only slightly below 16 GB will be available. Do we know when Verizon will sell the 64 GB version? I don't need the 4 GB or RAM, as we know the near-stock software will run beautifully with 3. The camera on a cell phone isn't my priority either. Thanks for contributing another objective review that the lamestream media needs to watch to learn a thing or two to improve themselves. And Happy 4th of July to you and everyone here! Let's be thankful of how we got our liberties and freedoms and not take it for granted. It is not something that can defend itself, so we must be ever vigilant for the protection of liberty. :) Edit: And look on the bright side: Even though it's slimmer, thus having less battery life, at least it won't be top heavy when the physical keyboard moto mod is released later this August.

[@kettyspikes]

i see mr. mobile i hit like. much awaited review

[@rico4you]

Hey Mike nice video enjoy the baby chicks! So you have tried and tested SOC 625 is the 626 a game changer? Thanks

[@TheMrMobile]

Rico! You keep calling me "Mike" I'm gonna start calling you "Rick." :) 626 is a pretty minor evolution, AFAIK. But Moto was already so good at optimizing its software for the 625 that it's just as excellent. Wish BlackBerry could do as well with the KEYone - then it would really fly!

[@rico4you]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] you are right ..Michael / Mike a Spanish confusion you would be Miguel either way! But stand corrected! thanks for Info on 626! yes let's see what BlackBerry does next! Michael!

[@TheMrMobile]

Haha - actually I like Miguel. Hope to see you next time I'm in BCN!

[@rico4you]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] looking forward too it Miguel! Haha! MWC2018 will be very interesting!

[@prashantdubey7836]

simple and great review👍👍

[@Nanomak1]

Please do a review of the xz premium

[@abhishekrawal358]

which mobile should i choose.....moto z play or z2 play......???? i hve no idea about battery life of z2 play....

[@AimanHilmiAHJ]

3:26 what app do you to display the info of the phone?

[@TheMrMobile]

That's AIDA64.

[@johnjames6630]

Nice review as always

[@blanktitle198]

where did you take the picture of the railroad tracks in the grass in one of your camera shots?

[@TheMrMobile]

+Austin E disused rail line in Charlestown MA

[@shy2papa]

Amazing review as always

[@themagpieswarble]

How many IR Sensors does it have on the front for detecting wave to wake? It seemed pretty responsive in your video to your wave. How does it compare say to the Moto X Pure?

[@TheMrMobile]

Ooh good question. Will confirm when I can.

[@themagpieswarble]

Thanks for the quick reply! Look forward to your response.

[@TheMrMobile]

Definitely at least one sensor at bottom and top. More likely the proper four, one on each corner. Just as responsive as any prior device with proper (IR) Moto Display.

[@themagpieswarble]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] awesome to hear. thanks for checking and getting back to me so quick. I feel like the last Moto z play only had sensors on top and the wave to wake was even worse than my Moto x 2014 because of that. looks like it's much better now.