Motorola has quietly introduced what is being touted as the world’s first smartphone with true 5G capability.
While many manufacturers loudly competed to claim the “first” 5G phone, Motorola unveiled the Moto Z3 with 5G support without fanfare.
Importantly, the Z3 enables 5G connectivity through Motorola’s modular Moto Mods system rather than embedding a 5G radio directly in the handset.
Moto Mods have often been dismissed as a gimmick, but this launch highlights a practical advantage of a modular approach: it lets existing devices gain new wireless standards without replacing the entire phone.
The Moto Z3 will be available on Verizon starting August 16. As a standalone handset it matches typical 2018 flagship design and specs: a 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display with minimal bezels, dual 12-megapixel rear cameras, and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.
Motorola chose the previous-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset for the Z3. Although not the latest silicon, the Snapdragon 835 still delivers solid performance for most everyday tasks and apps; the 5G capability provided by the add-on is the headline feature.
Verizon subscribers will be able to access the carrier’s emerging 5G network by attaching Motorola’s clip-on 5G Moto Mod to the Z3. The accessory is claimed to support theoretical peak speeds up to 5 Gbps on compatible 5G deployments.
The 5G Moto Mod implements four millimeter-wave antenna modules arranged across the front, side, and rear, which aims to maintain a reliable signal regardless of how the phone is held.
To address the larger power demands associated with high-bandwidth 5G activities—like real-time virtual reality, cloud gaming, and 4K streaming—the accessory includes a built-in 2,000 mAh battery to supplement the phone’s power.
Motorola has not disclosed pricing for the 5G Moto Mod yet, but expects to launch the accessory in early 2019. At the time of announcement, Verizon’s 5G service had gone live in three U.S. cities: Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Houston.
What do you think of this approach to bringing 5G to consumers—modular upgrades or fully integrated 5G phones? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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