At CES 2026, Motorola made a bold statement about its ambitions in the high-end smartphone market. Moving beyond its recent focus on foldables and mid-range devices, the company unveiled the Motorola Signature, the first device in a new "ultra-premium" series. This launch represents a significant shift in strategy, combining a striking, ultra-slim design with a commitment to long-term software support that aims to compete directly with industry leaders.
A Premium Design Built for Durability
The Motorola Signature's most immediate physical characteristic is its slender profile. Measuring just 6.99mm thick and weighing 186 grams, it is designed to be a statement piece. The chassis utilizes aircraft-grade aluminum, while the rear panel offers a choice of unique finishes inspired by twill or linen textures, moving away from generic glass or plastic. Despite its slim build, Motorola hasn't compromised on durability. The device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and boasts both IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, alongside MIL-STD-810H certification for ruggedness. This combination suggests a phone that is as tough as it is elegant.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8" Extreme AMOLED, 165Hz, 6200 nits peak |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X / 1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main (Sony LYTIA 828, OIS, f/1.6)50MP ultrawide/macro (122° FoV)50MP periscope telephoto (3x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 50MP (Sony LYTIA 500, AF) |
| Battery & Charging | 5,200mAh (Silicon-carbon)90W wired, 50W wireless, 10W wireless reverse |
| Durability | IP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810H, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers with Sound by Bose, Dolby Atmos |
| Dimensions | 6.99mm thick, 186g weight |
| Software | Android 16 with 7 years of OS/security updates |
| Launch Price | €999 (Europe) |
| Colors | Pantone Martini Olive, Pantone Carbon |
Display and Performance Specifications
Powering the user experience is a large 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED display. The panel pushes brightness to an extreme level, with a claimed peak of 6,200 nits, ensuring visibility even in harsh sunlight. It also features a 165Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and carries Pantone validation for color accuracy. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This hardware foundation is intended to handle demanding tasks and enable new AI-powered features seamlessly.
A Long-Term Software Promise
Perhaps the most significant announcement for potential buyers is Motorola's new software update policy. The Signature ships with Android 16 and, crucially, comes with a promise of seven years of both operating system and security updates. This commitment places Motorola directly alongside Google and Samsung in terms of long-term support, addressing a key concern for consumers looking to keep a premium device for many years. It's a clear signal that the Signature series is designed for longevity, not just immediate specs.
Camera and Audio Capabilities
The imaging system is built around a triple 50MP rear camera array. The primary sensor is a Sony LYTIA 828 with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a wide f/1.6 aperture for better low-light performance. It is joined by an ultrawide lens that doubles as a macro camera and a periscope-style telephoto lens (Sony LYTIA 600) offering 3x optical zoom. A 50MP front-facing camera handles selfies. Motorola emphasizes that its "Moto AI" is integrated across all sensors to enhance image processing. For audio, the phone features dual stereo speakers tuned with "Sound by Bose" technology and supports Dolby Atmos for a more immersive media consumption experience.
Battery, Charging, and Market Availability
Despite its thin frame, the Signature packs a substantial 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery. Charging is handled by a 90W wired TurboPower system, which Motorola claims can provide a day's power in just seven minutes. It also supports 50W wireless charging and reverse charging for accessories. The phone will initially launch in select European markets with a price tag of €999 (approximately USD 1,170). It will be available in two distinct colorways: Pantone Martini Olive and Pantone Carbon. A broader rollout in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific is planned for the coming months, marking Motorola's serious global push into the ultra-premium segment.