Modular Phones? How modular is Moto Z Series when compared to earlier modular phones?

Modular Phones? How modular is Moto Z Series when compared to earlier modular phones? 

Just like the way I did before, this time I have tried out using Moto z3 play as my daily driver. I prepared well, spent quite a good amount of time researching about this phone, looking at the review videos and all. I have heard some drawbacks and some plus points. But, over all the point which brings me close to this phone is the moto mods.

With the launch of this phone and earlier to the time when Google took over the adaptation of Motorola from Phoneblocks, I have been seriously looking out for a modular phone.

First meet: Siemens S55

In my childhood, I have got to know about a phone which uses a camera component connecting to it as an external accessory. It was Siemens S55. 

This phone had improved my experience and willingness of modular phones. 

Second Date: modu T

I have been introduced to another modular phone called modu T. This was good enough but not to the pace of that era's smartphones. By the time modu T is in the market, android phone or smart phone era has started and people started using most of the apps like WhatsApp, Facebook which were not offered by this phone. I also included a picture of it, It had several factory built components like camera, speaker, Qwerty keyboard and out of these only camera is included in the box. It was too tiny without those modular pieces. 

Crush: Phonebloks

Some time in September 2013, Dave Hakkens uploaded a concept video of making use of all the reusable components from e-waste and have a modular concept through which a complete phone can be built. As a result an individual is not forced to trash his complete phone just for the reason he cracked his screen or speaker. It can be replaced, but what is a newer screen technology emerges in the market and he want to migrate? 

So, there should be a concept of assembling all the parts as modules and can be replaceable whenever required just like a magnet. A link to the video is given below, Please have a look.

This concept video gained popularity and caught many eyes like Motorola and Google. Google has branded this project as Project ARA where the development was taken in complete full pace. Internet sources told there will be a developer edition launched for ~$100 in Fall 2016. Field testing was carried out by some 80 prototype devices but the project was later cancelled in respect to the question of its possibility. There were videos released with working prototypes but Google never really announced why it has taken off its hands from Project ARA. Currently few other companies are still working on developing a modular phone based on the concept of Dave, Phonebloks. We should wait and see how far the efforts go.

Partner: moto Z

Then after arrived the current only popular modular phone, moto Z. 

In the late 2016, Motorola has announced moto Z series phones which were initially released only on the carrier Verizon. These phones included 3 models which were released during 2016 naming moto Z, moto Z force, moto Z play. All these phones included modular capacity and motorola also branded the modular parts as moto mods. Initially it partnered with Hasselblad, Polaroid, Projector company and several to create some unique add ons to the phones. Now they are in a stage where most of the addressable issues are answered through a mod. My favorites are gamepad, projector, Insta-printer and True Zoom mods. 

Currently, I see motorola is pushing many enthusiasts in developing moto mods and conducting some events to sponsor many concepts. It recently announce 5G capability to its phones using a mod which is the next cool thing which can make phones last really long. They are also making sure all their phones maintain the same dimensions externally so as to users doesn't invest again for the compatible mods. I have purchased a moto Z3 play which is the latest moto Z series available for all US networks. I will be trying it out and posting my experience soon. 

Out of all these, my favorite was and is Project ARA which almost went live.

Bonus: 

I found the Project ARA working prototype video, Please check it out. 

If this concept comes into market, I hope most of the current phones will black out and never sustain the competition of modular phones. 

Please do share your opinion if you ever had a chance to use the modular phones or wanted to.

Thank You!

Image credits:

subject to respective owners