Zinc oxide (ZnO) based ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors have been fabricated and their photoresponse is studied in Schottky diode configuration. A cost-effective single-step electrochemical deposition method is adopted for the growth of ZnO film with nanorod (NR) and nanoflake morphology. A comparative study of the photodetection parameters based on surface trap states, crystallinity, and strain is done for two different morphology films. Significant photocurrent enhancement is observed for the nanorods under UV light, with appreciable photoresponse in the blue region. A template-assisted growth of ZnO NR film is proposed for better photoresponse and sensitivity of the device, useful for various optoelectronic applications.