Motorola has unveiled the Signature, a premium smartphone poised to compete with industry leaders like Samsung and Apple. The device, showcased at CES 2026, addresses long-standing criticisms of Motorola’s flagship offerings by delivering top-tier specs without significant compromises. This is a crucial step for the brand, as previous high-end Motorola phones often fell short in critical areas like displays, performance, or software.
A Premium Design Focused on Practicality
The Motorola Signature distinguishes itself with a lightweight build – measuring just 6.99mm thick and weighing 186 grams. This contrasts sharply with competitors like the Galaxy S25 Plus, which is thicker and heavier despite having a smaller battery. The design is further enhanced by a unique linen-inspired finish, providing a secure grip and setting it apart from standard glass or metal backs.
High-End Specs That Deliver
Under the hood, the Signature packs a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 6,200 nits, making it ideal for gaming and HDR content. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which, while not the absolute fastest chip available, remains competitive with last year’s flagship phones.
The camera system features a triple-lens setup: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom and OIS, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. The optics are supplied by Sony, promising a notable upgrade in image quality. A 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensuring quick power-ups.
Long-Term Support: A Game Changer for Motorola
Perhaps the most significant improvement is Motorola’s commitment to software support. The Signature will launch with Android 16 and receive seven years of OS and security updates, matching Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This extended support cycle addresses a major pain point for Motorola customers, who previously faced shorter update windows compared to competitors.
Limited Availability, But a Strong Statement
The Motorola Signature will launch in select European markets, with expansions planned for the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Unfortunately, it will not be available in the United States. Priced at €999 (approximately $1,170), the Signature is a direct competitor to high-end smartphones from Samsung and Apple.
The Motorola Signature signals a shift in the company’s strategy; it’s a no-compromise flagship that finally gives Motorola a place among the top contenders in the premium smartphone market. While limited availability is a drawback, this device proves Motorola is capable of building a truly competitive product.
