After just announcing the Moto G4 family, it appears that Lenovo is having big plans for the Moto brand in the pipeline.
The Moto X is expected to be refreshed with new features later in 2016, but the device could come with a new name if reports are to be believed. Rumors state that Lenovo is planning to kill the Moto X name in favor of the Moto Z device, which will become the new high-end device in the line-up. This change is similar to the changes made by Sony to their own high-end smartphone line-up.
The upcoming Moto Z could be available in two versions just like the Moto X. The Moto Z Style and Moto Z Play will offer a different set of features targeting different customers. One common feature maybe the 5.5-inch screen. Lenovo only recently updated the Moto G4 to a 5.5-inch screen with full HD resolution. Hence, it is highly likely that the Moto Z could offer the next step – QHD resolution.
The snapdragon 820 processor means that performance will be significantly better than the Moto G4 family even though the device runs the stock android version. Changes made to the android 6.0 marshmallow especially in terms of battery usage mean more benefits for the Moto Z family. The Moto Z Style is expected to come with only a 2600 mAh battery. Lenovo is reportedly chasing a slim device and the Moto Z Style could come in at just 5.2 mm in thickness. This is likely to make for a very attractive phone, but the sacrifice has been made in terms of battery life.
The presence of Turbo charging could be the only saving grace. On the Moto G4 Plus, turbocharging helps get around six hours of usage time in just 15 minutes of charge. One can expect similar figures on the upcoming Moto Z as well.
The Moto Z Play is much more oriented towards the regular user may be prepared to sacrifice looks for more practicality. The device could pack in a 3500 mAh battery along with turbocharging. Also, the device is expected to come in at nearly 7 mm.
The Moto Z family could see the introduction of modular back plates in order to add accessories like stereo speakers and high-end camera in the future. The 2016 Moto Z could be launched in the next few months.