First announced at MWC Barcelona later showcased in IFA Berlin, Lenovo has finally introduced the Moto Z and Moto Z Play that can be attached with various add-ons with a simple snap.

Whats unique about the new smartphones is the Moto Mods interchangeable backs, that can give the phone endless possibilities in terms of functions. Having collaborated with Hasselblad, the back can be attached with this premium camera mod and instantly equip the smartphone with high grade photography feature, likewise for the JBL sound system and a 70″ projector.

While Moto Z goes into the premium segment the Moto Z Play is made targeting at the mid range market, pricing it RM900 cheaper. The difference is of course in the internal workings, with Qualcomm 620 Snapdragon on the latter and a 820 in the former, if that’s not convincing there is also the difference in RAM and camera fitted in both devices.

For the Moto Z, Lenovo went with strong outer layer form by using military aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel which is needed to hold the 5.2mm thin frame intact and uses a Quad HD Amoled on the 5.5″ display. An 13MP, f1.8 with OIS gives low light picture taking possible and a front facing 5MP sorts out the selfie fans. The icing has to be the battery life, despite the thinness, the engineers manage to fit a 2600 mAh battery that can support up up to 24 hours of battery life and a quick charge of just 15 minutes can juice the device for 7 hours. On Moto Z Play the battery life is outstanding thanks to the 3510 mAh power.

Lets talk about the elephant in the room, the phones are ‘okay’ with commendable features but what sets the device from the rest has to be the Moto Mods. A modular system that reimagines the use of a smartphone. With a magnetically attachable back, the phones transforms to a projector, a music machine and even a high grade camera. The possibility seems endless, and its only up to Lenovo to think of what else they can attach to the phone. The connector pins on the back keeps data transmitting between the mod and the device and snaps on and off easily without any disruption to operation.

A key selling point for the phone that it has to take advantage of to bring the interest back to the Moto brand, officials at the event assured that the form factor for the smartphone will remain for future version rendering the Mods usable in newer models.

Availability and Price

• Moto Z and Moto Z Play will be available for pre-order on 11street and Lazada starting 4 November. The first 50 pre-order customers on each etailer will receive a JBL SoundBoost Speaker Mod for free with purchase of the Moto Z or Moto Z Play.
• Moto Z, Moto Z Play and Moto Mods will be available from end November.

The Moto Z and Moto Z Play is priced at RM2,699 and RM1,799 respectively.