Moto Z Play release date: Lenovo tipped to push Moto Z expansion; Play version coming out soon?

According to rumors, Lenovo will be taking a page off the previous Moto X lineup and will also include a Play version for the current-gen Moto Z series.Motorola U.S.

Speculations suggest that Lenovo will continue what previous Moto flagships have done -- to come out with modest versions of their top-tier lineups. Reportedly, the mid-range version of the Moto Z, the Play edition, is coming out soon.

GSM Arena points to a supposed GeekBench benchmarking website leak. A new Moto device with mode number XT1635-01 has been spotted, carrying mid-range specs like a Snapdragon 625 chipset, Android 6.0.1, and 3GB of RAM. The industry follower surmises that this specs sheet may be for the rumored Moto Z Play.

Lenovo already unveiled the new lineup with the base model Moto Z and the Moto Z Force recently, although the Moto Z Play has been left unconfirmed. However, given that past Moto flagships like the Moto X always came out with a Play edition, there is a chance that Lenovo will continue with the lineup iterations. Releases from the Moto series after it was acquired by Lenovo seem to confirm this path, as the Moto G has been refreshed once again, while the new Moto Z lineup also includes a Droid Edition much like the past Moto X series.

Other purported specs of the Moto Z Play include a 5.5.-inch display with 1080p resolution and 3,600 mAh battery. It is also said that as a mid-range device, there will be a 16MP main shooter on the back and a 5MP selfie camera.

Meanwhile, Since Lenovo has already made Moto Z its flagship lineup for the brand – with a complete Force and Play versions – some observers are wondering what will happen to the Moto X lineup. Lenovo has already stated that the previous Moto X flagship lineup still exists. It remains to be seen if the Moto X 2016 will still be considered a top-tier, premium flagship, given that Lenovo has hinted, "Moto X and Moto Z do share some great qualities, but they ultimately provide different experiences and make our portfolio more robust for consumers looking for the perfect smartphone to fit their needs."