Motorola Signature in for review - GSMArena.com news

We've just received the new Motorola Signature at our office, giving us our first hands-on experience with Motorola's latest flagship that promises to compete with the best Android phones of 2026.

The Motorola Signature represents the company's ambitious return to the premium smartphone segment, coming in two distinctive colors: Pantone Martini Olive (which we received) and Pantone Carbon. The Martini Olive variant features a "twill-inspired finish" on the back, while the Carbon version sports a "linen-inspired texture" - both premium materials that feel substantial in hand.

What's in the box? Our review unit came with the standard retail package including documents, a SIM ejector tool, and a transparent protective case with magnets. Interestingly, Motorola has adopted a region-specific approach to charging accessories - while our unit didn't include a power adapter, markets like India will receive the Signature with a 90W charger instead of the protective case. This strategy likely reflects different consumer preferences and environmental regulations across regions.

Display and design The front of the Signature is dominated by a massive 6.85" LTPO AMOLED display that pushes the boundaries of mobile screen technology. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, this Pantone-validated panel delivers:

• 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming
• 2,780x1,264-pixel resolution (approximately 450 PPI)
• 6,200 nits peak brightness - among the brightest on any smartphone
• Dolby Vision support for enhanced HDR content
• Centered punch-hole housing a 50MP selfie camera
• Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner integrated under the display

The display's extreme brightness specification suggests Motorola is targeting users who frequently use their phones outdoors or in bright environments, while the high refresh rate caters to gamers and those who prioritize fluid UI interactions.

Camera system Around the back, Motorola's signature batwing logo sits above a distinctive squircle-shaped camera island. This module houses:

• Triple 50MP camera setup (primary, ultrawide, and 3x periscope telephoto)
• Dual-LED flash
• The consistent 50MP resolution across all three cameras suggests Motorola is focusing on computational photography and sensor quality rather than chasing megapixel counts

The periscope telephoto is particularly noteworthy, as it enables high-quality optical zoom in a relatively slim device - a feature typically reserved for larger flagship phones.

Performance and hardware Powering the Signature is Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Our review unit features 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, providing flagship-level performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.

The phone ships with Android 16 out of the box, and Motorola has made an ambitious promise: up to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. This commitment puts Motorola in rare company - only Google and Samsung currently match this level of long-term software support for Android devices. Whether Motorola can deliver on this promise remains to be seen, but it represents a significant shift in the company's approach to device longevity.

Battery and charging Despite its slim 6.99mm profile and relatively light 186g weight, the Signature packs a 5,200 mAh Si/C battery. The silicon-carbon chemistry likely contributes to the impressive energy density, allowing Motorola to maintain a slim design without sacrificing battery capacity.

Charging capabilities are comprehensive:

• 90W wired charging for rapid top-ups
• 50W wireless charging - faster than most competitors
• 5W reverse wired charging
• 10W reverse wireless charging for powering accessories

The inclusion of both reverse wired and wireless charging makes the Signature a versatile power bank for other devices, though the wireless reverse charging speed is modest compared to the primary charging methods.

Durability and extras The Signature doesn't compromise on durability, featuring:

• IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance
• MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification
• NFC for contactless payments and connectivity
• Dual Bose-tuned stereo speakers for enhanced audio
• Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
• Hi-Res Audio certification for both wired and wireless listening

These features position the Signature as a well-rounded flagship that excels in multiple areas rather than specializing in just one aspect like camera or gaming.

Market positioning and pricing The Motorola Signature is priced at €990 for the 512GB/16GB configuration, placing it firmly in flagship territory. This pricing strategy suggests Motorola is targeting the same premium segment as Samsung's Galaxy S series, Apple's iPhone, and other high-end Android devices.

The seven-year software promise could be a key differentiator in this crowded market, appealing to consumers who want to keep their phones longer and reduce electronic waste. However, Motorola will need to deliver on this promise consistently to build trust with consumers who have become skeptical of such long-term commitments from Android manufacturers.

What's next? We'll be putting the Motorola Signature through our comprehensive review process in the coming days, testing everything from camera performance and battery life to software experience and gaming capabilities. The combination of cutting-edge hardware, ambitious software promises, and distinctive design makes this one of the most interesting flagship launches of 2026.

Stay tuned to find out whether the Motorola Signature can justify its premium price tag and whether Motorola's seven-year software commitment is more than just marketing speak. In a market dominated by Samsung and Apple, the Signature represents Motorola's most serious attempt in years to reclaim its place among the Android elite.