X

Meet the drop-resistant Moto Z2 Force and its crazy mods

Moto's newest phone gets dual cameras, and a bunch of mods that work with it. We got to play with it.

Scott_Stein.jpg
Scott_Stein.jpg
Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
moto-z2-force-18
1 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Meet the Moto Z2 Force. Arriving in the US August 10, it's the new top dog in the Z series. Attached is the new 360-degree camera mod, sold separately for $300.

moto-z2-force-5
2 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The Z2 Force has two rear cameras, and new camera tricks like depth-of-field effects.

moto-z2-force-2
3 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

They're both 12-megapixel cameras. One's color, one's monochrome.

moto-z2-force-6
4 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Motorola claims you get a truer black and white photo with these cameras.

moto-z2-force-21
5 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Trying for a B&W shot of the ceiling.

moto-z2-force-1
6 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The Z2 Force runs Android 7.1.1, and has a pretty clean interface.

moto-z2-force-3
7 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

It's really thin. USB-C onboard, but no headphone jack (an adapter is included).

moto-z2-force-4
8 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

6.1mm is super thin. One downside to that: The battery, at 2,730mAh, isn't as big as in last year's Force.

moto-z2-force-19
9 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Giving the Moto Z2 Force a test drop: Motorola says it will survive drops of 4-5 feet. It did, but the case started to get scuffed.

moto-z2-force-7
10 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The 360 Camera mod pops out the top, like an eye.

moto-z2-force-9
11 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The mod, sold separately, is actually attached to a full back plate.

moto-z2-force-17
12 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

It snaps onto the back of any Moto Z phone.

moto-z2-force-8
13 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

360-degree photos and videos can be captured instantly, and edited in-camera. 4K video is supported, plus 150-degree "ultrawide angle" photos.

moto-z2-force-24
14 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

It was pretty easy to use in a quick demo.

moto-z2-force-22
15 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Lens cap comes included.

moto-z2-force-23
16 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

A view from the back.

moto-z2-force-25
17 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Do you need a 360 camera, though? And if you do, do you need one this expensive?

moto-z2-force-28
18 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

What you see when you snap on the 360 camera mod.

moto-z2-force-27
19 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The mod detached from the Z2 Force.

moto-z2-force-10
20 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

This Moto GamePad is another new mod coming this summer for $80. It's a snap-on game controller.

moto-z2-force-11
21 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

Full buttons and analog sticks make it feel like a little game handheld.

moto-z2-force-12
22 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

It makes the phone much longer, but at least it's comfy to hold.

moto-z2-force-15
23 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

There are trigger buttons, which feel a little stiff.

moto-z2-force-16
24 of 24 Lori Grunin/CNET

The GamePad mod from the back. Notice the Lenovo gaming logo glowing red?

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
2023 BMW Z4 Is 100% More Purple
2023 BMW Z4

2023 BMW Z4 Is 100% More Purple

17 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos