Moto Z3 vs Moto Z3 Play: What to Know

Moto Z3 vs Moto Z3 Play: Specs

Considering these phones look identical, you're probably wondering what's actually different and why one has "Play" in the name.

Well, that's because one has different specs and a bigger battery, but that's about it. Here are the numbers. 

Moto Z3 Specs

• 6.01-inch AMOLED Display
• 8-Core Snapdragon 835 processor with 4GB of RAM (processor from last year)
• 64GB storage with micro-SD expansion
• Android 8.1 Oreo
• Dual 12MP f/2.0 camera + 12MP Monochrome sensor, auto-focus, flash, OIS, etc
• 8 Megapixel Front Camera with auto-focus, LED flash, wide angle
• Metal Design with MotoMaker customization and MotoMods
• USB Type-C Port with Fast Charging, and USB-C Headphones (no 3.5mm port)
• 3,000 mAh battery with 15w Turbo Charging
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock
• Water repellent nano-coating

The Moto Z3 has a processor most flagship phones from 2017 used, and 4GB of RAM. Still, that's a high-end chipset with plenty of power. As an example, the Galaxy Note 8 and Pixel 2 XL both have the Snapdragon 835 processor. That processor is the BIGGEST difference between the Z3 and the Play.

Moto Z3 Play Specs

• 6.01-inch AMOLED Display
• 8-Core Snapdragon 636 processor with 4GB of RAM 
• 64GB storage with micro-SD expansion
• Android 8.1 Oreo
• Dual 12MP f/1.7 camera + 5MP Monochrome sensor, auto-focus, flash, OIS, etc
• 8 Megapixel Front Camera with auto-focus, LED flash, wide angle
• Metal Design with MotoMaker customization and MotoMods
• USB Type-C Port with Fast Charging, and USB-C Headphones (no 3.5mm port)
• 3,000 mAh battery with 15w Turbo Charging
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock
• Water repellent nano-coating

As you can see, these are very similar devices. The "Play" series of Moto phones always have a slightly more "budget" or mid-range processor but a huge battery for all-day usage, but that's not the case here. While a 3,000 mAh battery is decent, it's not great. You'll almost have to use the battery mod. 

The Moto Z3 has a more powerful and closer to high-end 8-core processor with 4GB of RAM.

With the Moto Z3 Play you get a mid-range processor (but still good) and potentially a better camera experience, as it has a faster f/1.7 aperture. The Z3 Play should last a little longer as the processor isn't sucking as much juice, but that's about it. 

If battery life is a concern go with the Play. If you want the best performance, get the regular Z3.