Is the Moto Z2 Force Waterproof?

BY Ben Patterson

Published 26 Jul 2017

Is the Moto Z2 Force Waterproof?

Earlier today, Motorola unveiled the Moto Z2 Force, its flagship phone for 2017. Unlike the last few years, there’s no ‘Z2’ model here. Instead, Motorola has fused the ‘Z2’ with the ‘Force’ model.

The Moto Z2 Force is a true flagship smartphone as its specs show. It features an octa-core Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage space. There is also a 5.5-inch Quad HD ShatterShield display, a 2730mAh battery, and a dual-12MP camera setup at the rear.

The most disappointing aspect of the Moto Z2 Force is that it lacks an IP certification like almost every other flagship smartphone released this year.

Moto says that while the handset is not water resistant like the HTC U11, Galaxy S8, or the LG G6, it still has a “water protection” nanocoating. Moto has used the same nanocoating on its previous flagship and mid-range devices so this coating is nothing new. The nanocoating is only good enough to repel water and will not save your Moto Z2 Force if you accidentally dunk it in water or take it swimming with you.

For the flagship price that the Moto Z2 Force commands, it is disappointing to see the handset lack any kind of water proofing which has now essentially become a standard in all flagship smartphones released this year. The HTC U11 and the Galaxy S8 are water-resistant and are frequently available on discount which makes them a better buy than the Moto Z2 Force.