[Moto Z Play Questions & Answers] Nyoir:
Honestly same, I love my Moto Z Play. If it weren't for the bad experiences I've had a couple times with security patches and the lack of software support I'd stick with it for much longer. But there are other options now that make what this accomplishes seem sub par. Don't get me wrong though. This phone is stable to a fault and I've got a lot of battery life to boot with the power pack attached as well. But The weight, the storage limitations, sub 4GB RAM (which I wouldn't mind if 2 or 3 of my apps weren't so hungry for the stuff) and the aforementioned lack of software support is starting to become more apparent. I'm probably going to keep the phone as a trusty backup though but I think I'm going to save up for the top-end model of the OnePlus 6T because it seems to have everything I love about this phone give or take a few brand specific quirks swapped out (Moto Gestures for Oxygen gestures) plus a better camera and just more overall fluidity. It kinda annoys me too about the headphone jack but I've been mostly using my Sony WH-1000XM3s which support AptX HD and LDAC so I won't be missing it too much plus I'm probably gonna spend a bit extra for all the sense of security stuff plus a case and bullets wired for the sake of convenience. However I'm terms of how much I love the Moto Z Play I'd say it's earned a place in my heart right next to my Nexus 5.

It has also earned a place on my shelf next to the N5 as well lol (sadly the Nexus 5's screen recently shattered finally so thusly the MZP takes it's place as my trusty backup should anything go awry.)

---------- Post added at 04:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 AM ----------

I realized I digressed haha, just really love the time I've had with this.

Actual advice I'd say is a real toss up for good choices. I really don't like Apple as a company but as of recently I'd say the iPhone X is a pretty good value in terms of optimization but the OS and insistent use of the lightning connector as opposed to USB-C is a deal breaker for me. If those don't mean much to you however I'd say it's a pretty good option.

Huawei has seen similar optimizations in terms of hardware what with the new 7nm SoC soaking up much less battery and pumping out much more performance but I don't know much of their software support in terms of updates or individual app developers considering their devices. I've heard the firmware and camera are amazing though this time around. Again, from my POV the heavy skin is a bit much for me with too many things I wouldn't use personally.

I can't honestly recommend the Pixel 3 devices due to their questionable specs for the price unless all you're looking for is a DSLR camera with optional onboard editing software. But of course software support is amazing.

ANY of the gaming branded phones (Xiaomi Black Shark 2, Razer Phone 2, and the ROG Phone) aren't half bad values disregarding the lack of history for their lines so you won't know if they have good software support at all. The skins are all pretty heavy UI wise minus the Razer Phone 2. Of all of them though I've only seen the Razer Phone 2 in person and it's pretty sleek tbh.

Sony is a mixed bag, I can't think of a specific model off the top of my head but they're generally amazing in one aspect and maybe pretty good in a couple of others but then tank every other category so that's your gamble to take if you wish.

Samsung kinda takes the same page as Google in you're paying a bunch but you're getting that heavy skin on the UI (with some admittedly neat features like Ultra Battery Saver) meh update support, and a nice camera. The difference being that you're also getting a huge battery and more RAM options so it's not as bad a value as the Pixel devices.

Then last but far from least would be the current king of value (due to the Poco F1 DRM failure) which would be the OnePlus 6T. Buying new from OnePlus it's the same price set as the OP6 but the 6T has a larger battery and smaller notch not to mention the first considerably fast in display fingerprint scanner. Dash charging is already a good bonus considering it's one of the fastest charging technologies I'm the phone market. As far as I've seen the phone scores 10s all around (I don't know about speaker performance however) Topping it off with the fact the UI has everything I love about Motorola's tweaking plus a couple more things. Setting the settings and other context menus to black to save a bunch of battery, more options for screen calibration, optimized to be light on the processor and battery to keep it from running down in your pocket. Big downer however is the loss of our dearly departed headphone jack, it's unfortunate but OnePlus said it was time. On the upside however it includes the dongle, the dongle includes a DAC, and the BT codecs included aren't bad either. OnePlus also made a statement not long ago that they're essentially going to be giving their devices Pixel/Nexus-like software support roadmaps further supported by Google's new software support policy.

Ah and frosting on top; It's not $1,000 for 256GB storage, 8GB RAM, and a huge AMOLED panel but about $650

Even with a case/bullets bundle with all the added warranty/damage protection stuff it's still under $1,000 at about $816 so that's why I'm picking the 6T myself.

All those considered however it's largely you're decision what you're most comfortable with getting based off your own experiences and judgement. I just hope it's a purchase you'll wholeheartedly love :)