Article Summary
One month after launching in the US, the moto z4 is has come to Canada and it's exclusive to Videotron (Quebec) customers. WhistleOut reviewed the newest flagship phone from Motorola and found it a capable phone for the price. However, the Canadian model is selling for a far higher price. Is it still worth buying at $819.95?
When Motorola launched the first-generation moto z just three years ago they also introduced the innovative moto mod accessories. With just a snap, users can choose to have more battery life, add a premium-quality camera lens, or get unique features like a projector or instant printer. Motorola promised they would support moto mods accessories on future models for at least three years. Just short of that time limit they've added a 2019 model to the collection with the moto z4.
The newest flagship from Motorola launches as an exclusive to Quebec-based Videotron. There's no word if and when sales will expand to the rest of Canada. Right now, customers can buy the moto z4 starting at $0 down on a two year 9+2GB Premium+ plan for $100/month or $819.95 outright.
What is the moto z4?
We've written a full review about moto z4 on WhistleOut US. In summary, the moto z4 features a current-generation mid-range processor comparable to the Samsung A70 or Google Pixel 3a.
Up front there's a massive 6.4" FHD+ AMOLED display, powerful selfie camera and fingerprint scanner built right into the screen. Inside there's 128GB of expandable storage and large 3,600 mAh battery. The back sports a 48MP camera that takes sharp photos even in low-light conditions. There's even a headphone jack.
As a flagship phone, it won't win any 1st-place prizes. However, the inclusion of moto mods and a price less than half that of other flagship phones makes the moto z4 a recommended smartphone in the US...
...but here it sells for $819.95 Cdn.
What Happened to the Price?
American consumers had a few options when it comes to buying the new moto z4:
- Buy through Verizon, a nationwide carrier, for $240 USD ($315 Cdn) over two years
- Add a 5G moto mod for $199 in select markets for $439 USD total ($575 Cdn)
- Buy unlocked through retailers with moto 360 camera mod for $499 USD ($660 Cdn)
I hope you'll forgive my sticker shock when Motorola announced it would be coming to Canada priced at $819.95 Cdn. That's $160 more than the highest-priced SKU in the American market.
Videotron Exclusive Launch
Motorola and Videotron have a tight partnership. Their mid-range moto g7 launched a few months ago as a Videotron exclusive while most other Canadian carriers sell the lower-spec'd moto g7 Play.
The moto z4 has launched in Canada as a Videotron exclusive, and will also be available on select plans starting at $0 down. You can read our full review of the Motorola moto z4 with moto mods.
Those interested in the more affordable moto g7 Play can pick it up today for $239.95, or $0 upfront on plans starting at $44/month. The cheapest plan at that price includes 1GB of data and unlimited Canada-wide talk and text..
Should I Buy A moto z4?
The moto mods accessories are a fantastic way to personalize an affordable smartphone with your favourite features as they come and go, or add features not found on any other smartphone. However, the Canadian retail price is more than $150 higher than the US price even after taking into account the exchange rate.
$819 puts the moto z4 in the price range of far more powerful phones like the iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S8 or Google Pixel 3. The performance is closer to the Samsung Galaxy A70 or Google Pixel 3a and both of those are priced under $650. Even with the Polaroid Insta-share printer moto mod, the moto z4 just doesn't seem like a good deal.
If you can get a good price through promotion or two-year contract and the moto mods are a feature that interests you then you'll be very happy with the moto z4. However, if you're looking for good performance at a good price you won't find it here.
WhistleOut has reached out to Motorola for a comment on the discrepancy between Canadian and US pricing, and will update this page when we know more.
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