The new Motorola z4 smartphone works on Verizon's millimeter-wave 5G networks in Chicago and Minneapolis.

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

May 30, 2019

2 Min Read
Motorola Launches Second 5G-Compatible Smartphone

NEW YORK CITY -- Motorola introduced the z4, its second smartphone compatible with its 5G snap-on module, which works with Verizon's millimeter wave 5G networks in Chicago and Minneapolis.

Motorola's latest smartphone uses the latest Android 9 "Pie" operating system. It features a 48 megapixel back-facing camera and a front-facing 25 megapixel camera. It features "Night Vision" software for improved low-light photography.

Figure 1: The z4 Unwrapped Moto's new z4 smartphone, part of the 'most affordable 5G solution out there.' Moto's new z4 smartphone, part of the "most affordable 5G solution out there."

The z4 will be priced at $499.99 retail, unlocked from any carrier network on 4G. It will be also available on Verizon from June 13, to those that switch to the carrier or add a new phone line, for $20.83 a month for 24 months. Customers can also buy the Moto 5G module for $199.99.

Verizon, for a limited time, won't charge the $10 upcharge for 5G to customers that buy both the z4 and Moto 5G Mod with its $80 a month Unlimited Beyond plan or $90 a month Unlimited Above plan.

Figure 2: 5G Speed Tests Motorola shows off a 1.3Gbit/s download from Verizon's Chicago 5G network. Motorola shows off a 1.3Gbit/s download from Verizon's Chicago 5G network.

The 28GHz (and 39GHz) millimeter wave 5G Moto Mod was first released on April 3rd this year. Ookla speed tests have reported downloads of up to 1.3 Gbit/s, although this in limited areas in just Chicago and Minneapolis so far. Verizon says it will launch at another 20 5G cities this year.

Figure 3: Moto Modules on Display Motorola shows off some of its 16 modules. These include a 360 degree camera and speaker add-ons, as well as the snap-on 5G module. Motorola shows off some of its 16 modules. These include a 360 degree camera and speaker add-ons, as well as the snap-on 5G module.

Motorola's older V2 smartphone will also be updated to support the Moto 5G Mod this summer.

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— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

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