Released within weeks of each other in 2017, the Motorola Moto Z2 Force and Samsung Galaxy S8 represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design. One leaned into modularity with Moto Mods, while the other embraced a sleek, all-screen aesthetic that would define Samsung’s future flagships. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are seven years old—well beyond the typical lifecycle of a modern smartphone. Yet, some users still ask: can either device hold up today? Whether you’ve held onto one since launch or found it at a thrift store for $20, this deep dive evaluates their viability in the current mobile landscape.
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Durability Philosophies
The Moto Z2 Force stood out for its “shatterproof” display, thanks to Motorola’s proprietary ShatterShield technology—a layered screen designed to resist cracking even after repeated drops. At the time, this was a major selling point, especially compared to glass-heavy competitors. The phone had a minimalist aluminum unibody and supported Moto Mods, magnetic accessories like battery packs, speakers, and even a Hasselblad camera lens.
In contrast, the Galaxy S8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display: a curved, edge-to-edge 5.8-inch AMOLED panel with minimal bezels. Its glass-and-metal construction felt premium but was more fragile. While the S8 was IP68-rated for water and dust resistance—a feature the Z2 Force lacked—it required careful handling or a case to avoid damage.
Performance and Software: Where Age Shows Most
Under the hood, both phones launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which was top-tier in 2017. That chip could handle multitasking, gaming, and high-resolution video playback with ease—back then. Today, however, app optimization has shifted toward newer architectures. Basic tasks like web browsing or messaging may still work, but expect lag when opening multiple tabs, using social media apps, or navigating Google Maps.
Software support is where both devices fall short. The Moto Z2 Force received updates up to Android 9 (Pie), while the Galaxy S8 was updated to Android 10. Neither will ever receive Android 11 or beyond. This means no security patches since 2020–2021, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits. Google Play Protect may block certain apps from installing due to compatibility or security concerns.
“Devices stuck on Android 10 or earlier are increasingly incompatible with modern app ecosystems. Even basic banking apps now require newer OS versions.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs
Camera Comparison: Outdated by Modern Standards
The Z2 Force featured a dual 12MP rear camera setup (color + monochrome) with f/2.0 apertures, aiming for better low-light detail through pixel binning. Motorola’s camera processing was functional but inconsistent—especially in dynamic lighting.
The Galaxy S8’s single 12MP Dual Pixel sensor offered superior image quality at the time, with excellent dynamic range and reliable autofocus. Samsung’s HDR+ processing gave it an edge in challenging conditions. Both phones had 8MP front cameras, adequate for selfies but lacking modern features like AI beautification or wide-angle framing.
In 2024, neither camera matches even budget smartphones. Low-light shots are noisy, autofocus is slow, and computational photography features—night mode, portrait depth mapping, HDR fusion—are absent or primitive. Video tops out at 4K@30fps, but stabilization is mediocre.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Moto Z2 Force | Galaxy S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2017 |
| Display | 5.5\" Full HD POLED (ShatterShield) | 5.8\" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (Curved) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (f/2.0) | Single 12MP Dual Pixel (f/1.7) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 2730 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Charging | 15W (USB-C) | Fast Charging & Wireless |
| Water Resistance | No official rating | IP68 |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Last OS Version | Android 9 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint (rear), Face Unlock | Fingerprint (side), Iris Scan, Face Unlock |
Real-World Use Case: Can Either Phone Be a Daily Driver?
Consider Sarah, a freelance writer who inherited her brother’s old Moto Z2 Force in early 2023. She wanted a secondary device for note-taking and offline reading. Initially impressed by the screen’s resilience, she quickly ran into issues: WhatsApp wouldn’t install due to outdated Android security policies, and Google Docs frequently crashed. After rooting the device to sideload newer APKs, she gained limited functionality—but lost access to Google Pay and several cloud sync tools.
Meanwhile, Mark picked up a Galaxy S8 from a secondhand shop for $30 to use as a music player in his workshop. With Wi-Fi disabled and only local files loaded, it functions reliably. But he avoids connecting it to any personal accounts, knowing the lack of security updates makes it a liability.
These examples highlight a key truth: both phones can serve niche roles—media players, smart home remotes, retro gaming devices—if isolated from sensitive data and online services.
Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate an Old Smartphone in 2024
- Check Android version: Go to Settings > About Phone. If it’s below Android 10, assume limited app compatibility.
- Test core apps: Install WhatsApp, Gmail, and your bank’s app. See if they run smoothly—or install at all.
- Evaluate battery health: Does it drain in under 4 hours? Swollen batteries are fire hazards; replace immediately if deformed.
- Assess update status: Search for “last security patch” in settings. Anything older than late 2021 is high-risk.
- Determine purpose: Will it be online daily or used offline? The latter reduces risk significantly.
FAQ: Common Questions About Using Legacy Phones
Can I safely use either phone for texting and calls?
Yes, if carrier networks still support LTE bands used by these devices. Both are 4G-only, so they won’t work on 5G networks, but voice and SMS over LTE (VoLTE) should function on most major carriers as of 2024—though sunset plans are underway.
Is it safe to connect these phones to my Google account?
Not recommended. Without security updates, malware could intercept login tokens. If necessary, use a separate, non-critical account and enable two-factor authentication elsewhere.
Can I upgrade the OS with custom ROMs?
Possible, but risky. LineageOS supports both devices unofficially, offering Android 11–13 builds. However, installation voids any remaining hardware integrity, may introduce instability, and doesn’t guarantee full driver support (e.g., camera, fingerprint).
Final Verdict: Should You Still Consider Either?
The short answer: not as a primary phone. In 2024, both the Moto Z2 Force and Galaxy S8 suffer from obsolete software, degraded hardware, and growing incompatibility with essential services. Their processors struggle with modern app demands, their batteries have likely diminished after hundreds of charge cycles, and their lack of security updates poses real risks.
That said, they aren’t entirely useless. The Galaxy S8’s vibrant display makes it ideal for displaying photos or acting as a dedicated e-reader. The Moto Z2 Force’s modular system allows creative reuse—attach a speaker mod and turn it into a Bluetooth jukebox. For collectors or tinkerers, these phones offer nostalgic value and DIY potential.
Conclusion: Honor the Past, But Move Forward
The Moto Z2 Force and Galaxy S8 were groundbreaking in their time—ushering in bezel-less displays, advanced biometrics, and new approaches to durability. But technology moves fast. Holding onto them as daily drivers in 2024 means accepting limitations that affect productivity, privacy, and peace of mind.
If you’re attached to one for sentimental reasons, preserve it as a collector’s item. Otherwise, consider recycling it responsibly through programs like Samsung’s Re+ or Motorola’s trade-in options. For less than $150, you can own a modern Android phone with multi-year updates, robust security, and performance that dwarfs these classics.
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