Introduction
Motorola has come a long way from their early days pioneering car radios and walkie-talkies over 90 years ago. They helped usher in the era of mobile phones in the 1980s and became a household name. While no longer a market leader today, Motorola still produces respectable Android smartphones across different price points aimed at consumers worldwide.
The Moto Z series represents Motorola’s attempt at a premium-tier device with an ecosystem of swappable modules and accessories. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the popular Moto G family targets budget-minded shoppers looking for an affordable yet capable smartphone.
Now on their third and seventh generation respectively, the Moto Z3 released in 2018 faces off against the brand new Moto G7 unveiled in 2019. Two Motorola phones, two distinct users in mind… but how exactly do they compare? Which one deserves your hard-earned dollars? Let’s find out!
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Moto Z3 | Moto G7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.0" Super AMOLED 2160 x 1080 resolution |
6.2" IPS LCD 2270 x 1080 resolution |
| Dimensions | 156.5 x 76.5 x 6.8 mm 5.5 oz weight |
157 x 75.3 x 8 mm 6 oz weight |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| Rear Camera | – Main: 12MP – Monochrome: 12MP – 4K video @ 30fps |
– Main: 12MP – Depth: 5MP – 4K video @ 30fps |
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| Front Camera | 8MP 1080p video |
8MP 1080p video |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Charging | USB-C TurboPower | USB-C TurboPower |
| Headphone jack | No | Yes |
| Resistance | Water repellant | Water repellant |
| Security | Side fingerprint | Rear fingerprint |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 |
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Price | $349 | $299 |
Detailed Comparison
Now let‘s dive deeper into some key areas where these two Motorola phones set themselves apart – or deliver more of the same.
Display
As the spec table shows, the Moto Z3 sports a 6.0" diagonal Super AMOLED panel while the newer Moto G7 houses a larger 6.2” IPS LCD display.
AMOLED offers more vivid colors and deeper blacks given an independent light source in every pixel. The IPS LCD alternative saves cost and power at the expense of lower contrast. Many users would struggle to perceive much difference in real world use.
Both feature an elongated 19:9 aspect ratio with equivalent FHD+ 1080p resolution – no change discernible here. You gain a thinner bezel and fractionally more screen space on the Moto G7 but otherwise visual fidelity remains similar. They include Dolby vision tuning and color modes in their respective software as well.
The protection and durability of these displays appear on par too – both protected by a Gorilla Glass 3 panel according to Motorola’s specs.
Verdict: Very comparable displays but AMOLED gives Z3 the edge in contrast and multimedia experience.
Performance
Motorola opted to put their best foot forward processor-wise during each phone’s development cycle:
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The Moto Z3 announced in 2018 runs Qualcomm’s powerhouse Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip released the year prior. This was among the top-rated mobile processors at launch.
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Surprisingly, the newer 2019 Moto G7 confusingly sports a Snapdragon 632 – a decidedly mid-range chip intended for affordable devices.
As the numbered tiers suggest, benchmarks prove the Moto Z3 and 835 combo achieve consistently faster speeds compared to the 632:
| Benchmark | Moto Z3 (Snapdragon 835) | Moto G7 (Snapdragon 632) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench | 1804 / 6075 | 1326 / 4102 |
| 3DMark | 1497 / 5648 | 943 / 3234 |
| PCMark | 6921 | N/A |
This won’t always translate into large real-world differences however. Both easily handle everyday tasks like web browsing, maps and messaging without issue. But heavier games and apps ramp up demand which is where the Z3’s more powerful silicon and graphics have room to stretch their legs.
On sustained workload like gaming for extended periods, expect to encounter some thermal throttling on either unit.
Verdict: Faster general and graphical throughput from flagship 835 chip makes Z3 undisputed performance winner.
Cameras
Motorola keeps things straightforward in the imaging department for both models. You’ll find no gimmicky extra lenses or sensors – just well proven 12MP f1.8 dual pixel technology as the rear workhorse:
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On the Moto Z3, accompaniment comes in the form of a secondary monochrome cam for sharp black-and-white shots and improved contrast.
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The Moto G7 instead employs a 5MP depth helper to enable bokeh portrait effects.
While matching 12MP front-facing shooters, neither produces exceptional low light shots with night quality only average based on samples. But when lighting conditions allow, both can capture good photos with plenty of detail thanks to Motorola’s camera software enhancements:
Moto Z3 daylight photo sample (via TrustedReviews)
Moto G7 outdoor photo sample (via TechAdvisor)
On the video front, they again align with 4K capture at a steady 30 fps plus 1080p slow-motion support. As long as you understand these phones deliver good rather than incredible photography, the Moto Z3 and G7 offer plenty to satisfy the mobile shutterbug for day-to-day life captured.
Verdict: Z3 offers higher flexibility and contrast in its dual cam setup but shoots neck-and-neck with the G7 otherwise.
Features
As purpose-built devices, each phone prioritizes different capabilities and user experiences:
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The Moto Z3 clearly emphasizes its modular functionality using Moto Mods to enable more specialist features like better audio, camera zoom, game controllers and extended battery life at the cost of reduced portability.
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In contrast, the Moto G7 focuses on being a well-rounded affordable smartphone achieving capable performance in core use cases without fancy assistants or extras.
Both launched with Android 9 Pie and include Motorola’s enhanced software like twisting gestures for camera access and screenshots. But the very nature of attachable Mods means the Moto Z3 has more potential to transform its role over time even if at an additional expense. Further customization comes from Moto Styles magnetic back plates allowing easy aesthetic changes too.
The Moto G7 holds appeal for its sheer simplicity and clutter-free interface almost resembling stock Android. Music lovers preferring private listening will appreciate the G7 retaining the standard 3.5mm audio jack still widely used in headphones and auxiliary cords – noticeably absent on the Moto Z3 requiring USB-C or wireless alternatives.
Verdict: It’s Mods ecosystem vs elegant simplicity. Expandability vs familiarity. But both share Moto’s useful additions to Android.
Similarities
Beyond the numbers and obvious contrasts, the Moto Z3 and Moto G7 share commonality in various areas from core functionality to design ethos:
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Each delivers perfectly usable battery life from a 3000mAh cell with no option for swapping while charging. Expect around 6-8 hours screen time under mixed conditions depending on usage. Moto’s TurboPower standard quick charging speeds replenishment.
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While not impervious to dust and wet weather, Motorola affords their trademark internal nano-coating for basic protection similar to other brands at this price level. Just don’t expect IP-rated grade resistance seen in many flagships nowadays.
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Both respect conventions like single loudspeaker setups for ringtones and alerts as opposed to stereo sound. Call clarity ranked well for their class as did WiFi and LTE reception across bands. You’ll have no problems using either device as a competent mobile communication tool.
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On connectivity you again find similarities like dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4/5 support, GPS, NFC and other standards as expected in 2019 smartphones. Proprietary mirroring options do carry over to external TVs or Chromecast targets too.
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Ample storage comes fitted at 64GB RAM plus SD card expansion up to 512GB if desired. While only the Moto Z3 offers a 6GB option, most uses don’t require more in today’s cloud-oriented environment with selective downloads.
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Neither delivers class-leading camera specs (as covered earlier) but should cover majority of buyer needs. Casual users will appreciate the intuitive UIs and effective HDR on both models especially in social sharing situations with people as subjects.
In most daily duties, performance and essential functionality clearly align quite closely between the Moto Z3 and more wallet-friendly Moto G7. There’s a lot more similarity here than the numeric naming or positioning might suggest. Savvy shoppers would do well to notice where corners weren’t cut.
Motorola Phone Facts
Stepping back, it’s worth reflecting on some achievements and stats having propelled Motorola’s phones among the first choices for millions historically:
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Motorola manufactured the first-ever portable cell phone back in 1973 weighing almost 2 KG! Compare that to today’s 150g phones.
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Their iconic RAZR clamshell design released in 2004 sold over 130 million units becoming the world’s best selling flip phone ever at the time. Such was its impact that RAZR variants exist even 15 years later.
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84 years have passed since Motorola first began under its founder the inventor Paul Galvin in Chicago, starting in 1928. Originally named Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, their first product was battery eliminators.
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As of 2020 over 100 million Moto G phones have shipped globally since launch in 2013, making it among their most successful modern smartphone lines.
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Currently Lenovo owns the Motorola phone business as of a $3 billion acquisition from Google finalized in 2014. But Motorola continues to operate as an independent mobile brand under existing leadership in Chicago where it all began.
Recommendations
Having explored the Moto Z3 and Moto G7 inside out, let’s summarize their pros and cons clearly:
Moto Z3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slick premium design | Aging Snapdragon 835 platform |
| Vibrant AMOLED display | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Great performance | Difficult to find brand new |
| 4K video & crisp photos | Battery life merely average |
| Moto Mods ecosystem | Mods raise cost of ownership |
Moto G7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Plasticky feeling build |
| Excellent price-to-performance | Low-light camera performance limited |
| 3.5mm headphone jack retained | Mid-range processing power only |
| Newest budget-range processor | Less bright IPS LCD panel |
The Moto G7 emerges the easy choice for value-focused buyers wanting the basics done right at a wallet friendly price. With respectable capabilities across the board, it epitomizes Motorola’s mass appeal G series formula.
Meanwhile recent discounts make the Moto Z3 enticing for previous-gen Snapdragon performance and a glimpse at the Mods ecosystem future. Power users should consider searching one out.
Ideally both phones still have some life left for another year or so it seems before ending software support. So which is the better purchase today? The answer depends a lot on your preferences and budget.
But for shoppers focused purely on maximizing bang-for-buck in an unlocked Android phone, the Moto G7 presents extremely tough competition to beat as we progress through 2019 and likely beyond.
