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Lenovo Moto Z review: The new standard for modular smartphones

By Liu Hongzuo - 19 Nov 2016
Launch SRP: S$899

Moto Mods - part 2

More Moto Mods
 

 

  • Hasselblad True Zoom mod

Effectively, the S$459 Hasselblad True Zoom is a branded camera attachment module that offers 10x optical zoom and user-friendly physical controls. It features a conventional compact camera appearance, with a functional Xenon flash, some grip room, a physical shutter button, a physical jog dial for the zoom, and a power button. It also has Optical Image Stabilization.

While the module automatically starts up whenever you open the default camera app, the power button offers a physical way to start the camera without going through the phone’s menus. The grip is slightly more comfortable compared to the LG G5’s camera grip module, and it feels generous for an accessory while permitting one-handed photography. The zoom can be adjusted by tilting the dial, and the attachment autofocuses on your subject when you half-press the shutter (full presses would make the attachment snap photos at its current focus). In essence, it transforms your Moto Z’s photography into a point-and-shoot experience, and it’s definitely more comfortable and intuitive to use the Hasselblad True Zoom over conventional screen-tapping.

The attachment also has some downsides. The BSI CMOS sensor has 12-megapixel resolution in 1/2.3-inch size, with a pixel size of 1.55-micropixels. For reference, your typical Xperia flagship phone has a built-in 1/2.3-inch sensor with nearly double the megapixel count. When it comes to cameras, sensor sizes play the largest part at affecting image quality, more than megapixel count and sensor type does. There’s no sugarcoating the fact that Lenovo is offering a smartphone-quality camera for an additional S$459. Its saving grace is its 10x optical zoom lens at 4.5 – 45mm (25 -250mm, 35mm equivalent), with an aperture range of f/3.5 –f/6.5. 

Below are some photos that are taken using the Hasselblad True Zoom at both its maximum and minimum zoom range. To check the attachment’s image quality against the Moto Z’s default rear camera, please refer to our review’s Camera Performance section.

No zoom. Click for full-resolution image.

10x optical zoom. Click for full-resolution image.

No zoom. Click for full-resolution image.

10x optical zoom. Click for full-resolution image.

 

 

  • JBL Soundboost Speaker mod

The S$139 speaker module is Moto Z’s solution to folks who like having a portable speaker wherever they go. On its own, the module is 13mm thick, and it weighs 145g. Within, you’ll find two 27mm speakers operating at 3W per speaker. To charge the 1,000mAh stored battery within, the user has to do it via the Moto Z’s USB Type-C charging port, just like how one would charge the battery pack module.

On the module is a thin but sturdy kickstand, which allows a listener to prop the Moto Z upright. If you’re using the JBL Soundboost to enhance your video-watching experience, the kickstand helps since the rear-facing speakers would require you to lay the phone display-side down. We find this to be redundant, since it’s easy to prop a smartphone with stationery or personal effects around the table, and the default speakers on most phones would be sufficient, even for a small group of friends watching the same video. 

The speaker attachment offers a considerable upgrade in sound quality and volume when compared to the default Moto Z speaker. It features a decent grasp over a wide range of low-, mid-, and high- frequencies. Bass notes sound full, but bloated at times. It’s nowhere as disappointing as its handle on treble notes, which felt muddy most of the time. That said, the Soundboost has good directional projection, and it’s able to project audio across a small room unlike the phone’s default speakers.

Our testing had us playing the typical audio-testing tracks used in our headphone and portable speaker reviews, mixed in with content pulled from YouTube. Lenovo claimed that the built-in battery gives the JBL Soundboost up to 10 hours of playtime, but our first 15 minutes of testing saw an 11% battery drain. Granted, we were testing at maximum volume, but what’s the point of having external speakers if you just need it for a one-man audience?

We felt that the JBL Soundboost would be competing with the likes of the X-Mini Uno capsules. While the modular attachment can certainly beat such alternatives with its relatively compact form factor, it’s still possible (and financially wiser) to get ultra-portable speakers at half the price with better sound quality, all while getting a longer battery life. Chances are, our readers would either have that, or more expensive (and better) products like the Creative iRoar Go or UE Boom. It’s difficult to justify buying the JBL Soundboost beyond the fact that it attaches to your phone, and how it can fit into most pockets.

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8.0
  • Design 8.5
  • Features 8.5
  • User-Friendliness 8
  • Performance 8
  • Value 7.5
The Good
Good battery life
All-round performer
Slim body
The Bad
Camera module bump without mods
Moto Mods are expensive
Average display
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