Moto Z3 Play vs. Moto Z2 Play: Should you upgrade?

Relax, you probably don’t need to upgrade just yet.

Earlier this month, Motorola refreshed its endurance-focused Z Play series with the Moto Z3 Play. While it’s more a mid-range device than a true flagship for the company (that title is likely reserved for the Moto Z3 or Moto Z3 Force), the Z3 Play brings some much-needed modernization to the design language we’ve seen for the last three years.

Last year’s Moto Z2 Play is still a great option, though. It still offers full Moto Mod support, a razor-thin design, and a cheaper price tag. So which phone is right for you?

What the Moto Z3 Play does better

Motorola’s commitment to its Moto Mod ecosystem, while certainly commendable, creates a bit of an issue with regards to the company’s general design language for its Z series phones. In order to support new devices as well as the old, Motorola can’t do much to change the physical dimensions of its phones, aside from thickness. The Moto Z3 Play is actually a bit thicker than last year’s model, but it still comes in incredibly thin at just 6.75mm.

But just because Motorola can’t change the shape of its phones, doesn’t mean it can’t change anything. Around the front, the Z3 Play features a 6-inch 18:9 display, up half an inch from last year. To make room for that larger display, the fingerprint sensor has been moved from the front to the righthand side, along the phone’s aluminum frame. This is a much cleaner, more modern look than last year, but not everyone will be crazy about the side-mounted fingerprint sensor — or the power button’s repositioning on the lefthand side.

Inside, the Moto Z3 Play actually has the same 3000mAh battery as last year’s model, though the newer Snapdragon 636 processor is more power-efficient and should lead to as much as 30% better performance. You also gain an extra gigabyte of RAM over the Z2 Play — up now to 4GB. The Z3 Play runs Android 8.1 Oreo, and features the popular Moto Actions that allow you to quickly launch the camera or flashlight through gestures, as well as Moto Display for ambient notifications. There’s also a new (optional) way to navigate the phone, similar to Android P’s navigation pill.

The cameras have gotten a bit of an upgrade as well, with the Moto Z3 Play being the first phone of the series with dual cameras. The secondary camera is used for measuring depth to aid in portrait mode shots, and Motorola’s camera app comes with a bevy of new features including built-in Google Lens support and cinemagraph capture.

See at Motorola

Where the Moto Z2 Play still holds up

A tall display isn’t everything. The Moto Z2 Play still looks great, with almost exactly the same design around back as the newer Z3 Play — though it still has an aluminum back, rather than the Z3 Play’s more fragile glass. It also has arguably a more accessible layout; the fingerprint sensor is easy to reach up front beneath the display, and the power button is in line with the volume controls along the righthand side. The Moto Z2 Play also retains a headphone jack — something the Z3 Play eliminated, despite being thicker.

The Moto Z2 Play also still works with any Moto Mod, new or old. This has been Motorola’s promise from day one, and it’s great to see them actually follow through. If you want better battery life, better speakers, or even new features like a pico projector, wireless charging, or Amazon Alexa, all you need to do is snap on a Mod accessory — no fussing with Bluetooth or wires.

There’s not much to be jealous of internally, either. The Z3 Play’s Snapdragon 636 is newer and more power-efficient, sure, but the Snapdragon 626 is no slouch, and it keeps the Z2 Play running smoothly and, more importantly, running all day. The 3000mAh battery inside is plenty, given the phone’s 1080p display and clean software. You won’t get Android 8.0 Oreo on the Z2 Play (at least not yet), but you still get Motorola’s suite of Moto Display, Moto Actions, and more.

See at Amazon

Which is right for you?

If you already have the Moto Z2 Play, there’s little reason to upgrade to the Z3 Play. Its dual cameras are still unproven, but in our early testing, portrait mode doesn’t seem to benefit much from the additional camera. Furthermore, with continued Moto Mod support, most of the Moto Z3 Play’s benefits like the more efficient processor can be offset by simply adding an extended battery.

The Moto Z2 Play is also significantly cheaper than the Z3 Play, available on Amazon for as little as $360. That $140 difference in price could go towards a Moto Mod or two, further augmenting your Z2 Play to be a better device. Unless you really want an 18:9 display or Android 8.1, you’re better off keeping your Moto Z2 Play for the time being.

Have you been using a Moto Z2 Play? Are you looking to upgrade to the Z3 Play, or are you sticking with what you have? Let us know in the comments!

Should you wall mount your PlayStation 4?

Wall mounting your PlayStation 4 is a great option for those who want their console out of the way.

Keeping your PlayStation 4 clean and safe from having discs and other items stacked on it can be a real problem, especially if you live in a house with children, pets, or unruly roommates. There is a solution to these problems and it can all be fixed by a simple wall mount. By wall mounting your console, you can keep it safe from tiny fingers, and ensure that cleaning it won’t require removing fur from the vents. Here are some details to decide if mounting your PlayStation 4 is right for you.

Wall mounting is a personal preference

When it comes to deciding between just placing your console on the entertainment center, or mounting it up on the wall, it really is just a personal preference. It’s certainly not a requirement, but there are plenty of ways to do it and save yourself some space in the long run. Whether you’ve got some pesky roomies or you just like the look of it mounted by your TV, there are determining factors that will help you decide if this is a good move.

Mounting your system on the wall can save room, especially for those who are set in up in a bedroom, gaming nook, or limited on space due to apartment living. Getting your PlayStation 4 out of the way can also help with keeping it clean and cool for longer between cleanings. Since earlier models of the console can be turned on — or off — by an errant paw, tail, or a sneaky little finger, this also eliminates accidentally power loss.

However, you will need to remember to have your system close enough to connect your television, and wall mounting a console that hooks up to PlayStation VR might be more cords than you want to be draped across the wall. It can also cause problems if you charge your controllers using the USB ports as you’ll need to get longer cords or stop playing while you charge up.

You also want to be careful with the mount you end up getting, based on the people in your house and the traffic they may cause. As easy as it is to bump a PlayStation off a shelf or table, it’s just as easy to run into a wall and knock it off the mount as well. So, if you have not-so-little pups or crazy kids that can’t stop knocking into things, you might want to be cautious when purchasing a mount.

These are great points to think about if you want to get a mount for your console. If you do decide that wall mounting is the way you want to go, there are plenty of accessories to make this process a breeze!

How do I wall mount my console?

To wall mount your PlayStation 4, you’ll want to pick up a wall mount that fits for your specific model of the PlayStation 4, and then follow the instructions to get it hung on the wall. For those who have never put up a shelf before, you’ll want to be sure that you don’t mount directly onto drywall, unless it comes with drywall anchors, so a level, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a stud finder are all handy to have.

You can peruse through several different wall mounts, several of which have specifically been built to avoid damaging your console. Just be sure to double check that the mount you decide to order is compatible with the model of PlayStation 4 that you have at home. We’ve made sure to include the best one in our article, so you don’t have too much of a hassle when searching for the best one.

See at Amazon

Questions?

Is your PlayStation 4 mounted? Do you prefer it on the entertainment center? Do you still have questions about wall mounting? Let us know about your set up in the comments below!

Updated June 2018: We’ve updated this article to give you the best information.

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

Amazon

Mophie Charge Stream Pad+: Why plug-in charging for smartphones may soon be obsolete

The Mophie pad+ delivers optimized wireless fast charge power to Samsung, Apple, and other Qi-enabled smartphones

Wireless charging has been a reality since 2015 when Samsung first introduced the technology as a basic option with the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Since then, Qi wireless charging has achieved mainstream consumer adoption and is now found in most of today’s popular smartphones. Charging stations have also infiltrated airports, public venues, office buildings, restaurants, hotels, and even cars.

Why is this important? As smartphone technology improves, consumers get faster processors, crisper displays, and increased storage. But these advancements all tax the same resource— battery life —which, for most people, continues to be one of the most important aspects of a smartphone. As a leader in portable power and wireless charging, Mophie’s charge stream pad+ delivers the optimal amount of power to both Samsung and Apple Qi-enabled devices for a quick and easy fast charge experience. Charging begins the moment you set your phone on the pad. The charge stream pad+ even charges through cases up to 3mm thick. Wireless charging has never been this easy or this fast.

Mophie’s approach to wireless charging makes plug-in charging obsolete. If you’re exhausted at the end of the day, just place your phone on the charge stream pad+ on your nightstand or do the same to top off your battery throughout the day. No need to plug in any cords. The high-tolerance components operate in silence, so you can continue with your day or charge throughout the night without distractions. And the low-profile design fits any environment perfectly, whether you choose to charge at home or at the office.

The charge stream pad+ is powered by an impressive 12 volts at 1.5 amps and it comes with a QC 2.0-compatible wireless adapter and a 1.5-meter Micro-USB cable. It has a clean, streamlined style with a soft-touch finish. Its rubberized non-slip pad protects phones from scratches and provides a stable surface to quickly charge. Its lightweight, compact design travels well, so you can charge while on the road. Foreign object detection also communicates with your phone, ensuring that power is only sent to compatible wireless devices.

The Mophie charge stream pad+ is compatible with Apple, Samsung, and most Qi-enabled phones. With an impressive 5W/7.5W/10W output (universal/Apple/Samsung adaptive fast charge respectively), it’s perfect for people with mobile lives who don’t have time to fuss with cables or wait around for a charge.

See at Mophie

Deals Reminder: MacRumors Exclusive Twelve South and RAVPower Sales End Friday

A few weeks ago, MacRumors shared news of exclusive sale partnerships with Twelve South and RAVPower, both of which will be ending this Friday, June 15. Each sale offers savings on useful Apple accessories, including desk organization products from Twelve South and charging devices from RAVPower. As a friendly reminder we’ll briefly recap the sales below, so be sure to check all of the items discounted with our exclusive promo codes and then place your orders before the end of June 15.

Our collaboration with well-known accessory company Twelve South allows you to enter the promo code MacRumorsSetups to get 20 percent discounts on five items that are aimed at decluttering your Mac workspace. We launched the sale in conjunction with Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference last week so that developers can save a little money on upgrading their desk, but of course any of our readers can use the code if interested.

Head to our full post on the sale for more information on shipping and item descriptions, then check out the Twelve South products discounted below:

• BackPack – $27.99, down from $34.99

• BookArc – $39.99, down from $49.99

• Curve – $39.99, down from $49.99

• BookBook Vol. 2 – $63.99, down from $79.99

• HiRise 2 (Non-Deluxe and Deluxe) – Non-Deluxe for $31.99, down from $39.99; Deluxe for $47.99, down from $59.99

In our other exclusive sale, RAVPower offers a collection of exclusive promo codes to our readers that includes discounts of 50 percent off a battery case for iPhone 6, 35 percent off the RAVPower Fast Wireless Charging Pad for iPhone X and iPhone 8, and more. You can find all of the items on sale and their exclusive promo codes in the list below, and you’ll have until 11:59 p.m. PT on June 15 to claim them.

Visit our full post on the sale for more information and then browse all of the RAVPower accessories on sale below:

• 7.5W Fast Wireless Charging Pad – $25.99 with code RUMORSPC034, down from $39.99

• 7.5W Fast Wireless Charging Stand – $35.99 with code RUMORSPC069, down from $45.99

• 60W 5-Port USB Power Delivery Charger – $29.99 with code RUMORSPC059, down from $39.99

• 3,000 mAh Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s – $9.99 with code RUMORS045, down from $15.99

• 16,750 mAh 4.5A Dual USB Output External Battery Pack – $22.99 with code RUMORS010, down from $31.99

• Power Strip 6-Outlet Surge Protector with 2 USB Ports – $11.99 with code RUMORSPC009, down from $15.99

• Lightning Cable, 2-Pack 3ft 6ft Apple MFi Certified iPhone Cables – $11.99 with code RUMORSLC010, down from $15.99

For more discounts happening this week, head to our full Deals Roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple DealsTags: Twelve South, RAVPower
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