Motorola Signature Test: Full Review – Smartphones

The Motorola smartphone offering is complete. Folding models in the range razr to motorcycle and (economic), through the moto g (lower mid-range) and edge (upper mid-range, all prices and uses are covered.

And as our tests of the Razr 60 Ultra, the Edge 70 and the Moto G86 show, these smartphones do not fail to seduce and assert themselves as devices to be reckoned with, in their respective price ranges.

If the edge 70 was able to seduce us in certain aspects, such as its finesse and lightness, certain limitations also put us off: limited performance (for a smartphone sold for 800 euros), modest autonomy (due to a low capacity battery) and minimal photo equipment.

With the Signaturethe manufacturer offers a sort of “super edge 70”, equipped with a more efficient processor, a larger battery and no longer three photo lenses with 50 megapixel sensors, but four, including a telephoto lens. All in a case almost as thin and very attractive.

Has the formula for the perfect ultra-thin smartphone finally been perfected by Motorola? All the answers in this test.

Motorola SignatureTechnical sheet

Motorola SignatureDesign

Like the edge 70, what is immediately surprising when first handling the Signature is its finesse and lightness. As a result, the smartphone turns out to be surprisingly pleasant to handle.

It benefits from an extra-flat format: 16.2 x 7.6 cm and 7mm thick. Certainly, it is 1 mm more than other so-called “ultra-thin” smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone Air (5.6 mm), the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8 mm) or the Motorola edge 70 (6 mm).

But it is also 1 mm less than many “classic” smartphones, the thickness of which is – on average – 7.8 to 8 mm.

The same goes for the weight. The Signature weighs 186 grammes. It is therefore not one of the slenderest models, whose weight is around 160 to 170 grams. However, it is also lighter than average (around 200 – 210 grams).

Another major advantage of the Signature lies in its exemplary finishes. The smartphone is offered in two colors: Pantone Martini (olive green, the model we tested) or Pantone Carbon (black).

On the back, the manufacturer’s logo is subtly integrated, while the square optical block is discreetly removed from the case. This consists of a metal plate where the three rear lenses are integrated, as well as the flash.

The icing on the cake is that the back of the Signature features a “twill linen effect” finishsoft, very pleasant, and on which no fingerprints (or anything else) can remain.

On the other hand, the smartphone should hold up well to everyday abuse. In addition to being certified IP68/69guaranteeing total waterproofing, its screen is sheltered behind a layer of type glass Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Furthermore, his aluminum frame provides some resistance to falls.

Everything is completed by a fingerprint reader (at the bottom of the screen) and four control keys: the first are essential, since they are used to modify the sound volume of the speakers and to start / turn off the smartphone.

The fourth, on the other hand, is more original. This is the touche IAplaced opposite the other three. It allows you to quickly carry out two operations, following a double click or a long press.

Same principle for the start key. Its behavior differs depending on the type of pressure (see the software part below).

Motorola SignatureScreen

The Motorola Signature has a large screen, 6.8 incheswith a from OLEDswhich sports very thin borders and on which we only see a small opening, in the shape of a punch, housing the front photo sensor.

The display is particularly precise, since the images are displayed in 2780 x 1264 pixels.

On the other hand, the maximum refresh rate is 165 Hzwhich is not really essential, in our opinion. However, we are not going to criticize the manufacturer for exploiting, like its competitors, the latest technologies available, even if it becomes a little ridiculous (on a smartphone in any case!).

In fact, the manufacturer even comes forward a little by announcing 165 Hz. In fact, we note that only the 60 Hz and 120 Hz frequencies are offered, in addition to the “Intelligent and balanced” mode (variable frequency up to 120 Hz).

This is because the refresh rate of 165 Hz is only used – according to Motorola – when a game is identified. But which one? Because, during our tests, the maximum framerate was only 120 frames per second in Fortnite.

Of course, we have the possibility of setting the display frequency at 60 Hz, in order to reduce power consumption, and thus optimize the endurance of the smartphone.

Furthermore, the technology LTPO allows you to vary the refresh rate very finely, when the Intelligent and balanced mode (used by default) is active.

The manufacturer announces a maximum brightness of 6200 nits. But this value is only reached during HDR peaks. In a “normal” situation, the situation changes. Armed with our probe Calibrite Display Pro HL and CalMAN Ultimate software from Portrait Displays, we measured a basic brightness of approximately 500 nits (an average value), which can rise to 1550 nitsby activating Auto Brightness. This last result is in the high range and allows you to benefit from good readability, outdoors, under the sun for example.

Three colorimetric profiles are offered in the display settings. The one that seems to be the most efficient is called Bright colors (the other two are called Natural Colors and Vibrant Colors). It achieves excellent color fidelity (Average Delta E of only 1.65), a particularly neutral average color temperature (6677 K) as well as impeccable colorimetric coverage (147% for the BT-709 gamut, 99% for DCI-P3 and 66% for BT.2020).

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Enough to benefit from superb images, particularly for video streaming, with compatible content Dolby Vision et HDR10+for which the Signature screen is certified.

Finally, let us point out that – as is becoming more and more common – the screen can be used in the rain without any problem.

Motorola SignaturePerformances

The processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 which the Motorola Signature is equipped with, has already been encountered in the OnePlus 15R, for example. If it is not Qualcomm’s most efficient chip at the moment, it is more than sufficient to meet the most diverse needs, while ensuring (in theory) a reasonable temperature rise during long and intensive tasks.

With a Antutu v10 score of just over 2.2 million (and a little over 3 million for Antutu v11), the Snapdragon 8 Gen is only surpassed – logically – by its big brother, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Antutu v10 score of 2.8 million), present in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra that we recently tested.

Suffice to say that we have a large reserve of power to carry out all the demanding tasks conceivable on a smartphone, with optimal responsiveness.

And when it comes to gaming, we have a choice: we can benefit from animations with a maximum of 120 frames per second in Fornite. Of course, this extreme fluidity is only achieved with the lowest graphics level, but the responsiveness is impeccable.

On the other hand, you can also opt for the best graphics quality (Epic mode), and obtain a framerate which peaks at any time at 60 frames per second.

The only problem with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is its excessive heatingwhich forces him to severely limit his performance. This is a point to watch out for if the smartphone pushes itself to its limits.

Good point, despite the very high maximum temperature of the CPU, that of the smartphone – as felt when holding the device in hand – remains almost normal, lukewarm at most.

Motorola SignatureSoftware

Comes with Android 16the Motorola Signature should be useful for many years. In fact, the manufacturer indicates that the operating system will be updated regularly, during 7 ans (Security updates will also be offered during this time).

As things currently stand, we appreciate the fact that the system is not invaded by spam (there is none!).

In addition, the system is packed with practical features. Thus, we find the now classic sidebar, which provides quick access to messages, the calendar, Chrome, YouTube, the calculator, etc.

On the other hand, we have several other ways to launch certain functions or applications, via the touches IA and startup, as we have already indicated, or by double tapping on the back of the smartphone (and it is often possible to modify the basic settings). You can also double tap on the back of the smartphone.

It’s also easy to share the screen, to keep an eye on two applications simultaneously (an index finger gesture is enough).

Finally, the system recognizes certain gestures, which automatically trigger a screenshot or the launch of the flashlight.

In terms of artificial intelligence, the manufacturer offers its Moto AI services:

• Debrief me : summary of the different notifications received during the day.
• Take notes vocal, with transcriptions.

• Memorize : saving images or voice notes, then analysis and possible searches by AI.
• Image Studio : generation of images by typing text or drawing a sketch on the screen.
• Playlist Studio : works with Amazon Music, to provide musical suggestions.

Finally, although there are numerous photo editing functions, some – very popular thanks to AI, such as image extension – are not present.

Motorola SignaturePhoto

As we have already indicated, the Signature totals four lenses, each equipped with a 50 megapixel sensor.

These all use Quad Pixel Binning technology to capture more light and thus produce more detailed images, particularly when the ambient light is very low, at night for example. Photos are therefore captured by default in 12.6 megapixels.

And we can only welcome the fact that the evolution compared to the Motorola Edge 70 materializes in the arrival of a telephoto lens. The backend configuration is therefore as follows:

• Main lens, wide-angle (focal length of 23 mm and aperture of f/1.6).
• Ultra wide-angle lens.
• Telephoto lens offering focal length of 71 mm (i.e. a 3x optical zoom) and an aperture of f/2.4.

For selfies, the front lens offers a 21mm equivalent focal length, with an aperture of f/2.0. Its sensor is a Sony Lytia 500 of 50 megapixels (photo in 12.6 megapixels, or 4096 x 3072 pixels).

Grand-angle

The sensor Sony Lytia 828 generates photos by default (wide-angle) in 12.6 megapixels, or 4096 x 3072 pixels (it is possible to activate an Ultra HD mode to obtain photos in 50 megapixels).

Thanks to a device optical stabilization of the sensor, the risk of blurry photos is virtually eliminated. As demonstrated by the examples below, the level of detail is particularly appreciable.

As is often the case, shots taken at night in wide-angle mode are satisfying. With the Signature, the smallest sources of light are magnified, which contributes to obtaining perfectly rendered objects.

Ultra grand-angle

In broad daylight, the ultra wide-angle mode, with its focal length of 12 mmand a aperture of f/2.0allows you to capture marginal scenes without any particular problem.

At night, it’s quite a nice surprise. If the photos are not all free from criticism, because some are blurry, we nevertheless manage to obtain rather satisfactory images.

However, even those that appear satisfactory, at first glance, demonstrate a lack of precision around their edges.

Zoom

Associated with a sensor Sony Lytia 600the telephoto lens allows you to use a 3x optical zoom to take photos of subjects that are a little distant, or to see them in closer shots.

When ambient lighting conditions are favorable, the quality of the images produced is impeccable. The smallest detail is perfectly visible. The texture of the different materials is captured and reproduced with precision and the colors faithful to reality.

At night, even when you are far from a lighting source, the 3x optical zoom can also be used and the results are – most of the time – usable.

When we put into action the 6x digital zoomthe quality of the photos hardly drops. You really have to look at them closely on a large screen to notice, sometimes, a slight decrease in sharpness. However, overall, the details are still well present.

Of course, the more you push the digital zoom towards its maximum value (100x), the less precise the image is. From 20x zoom, this becomes too approximate to be used.

Selfie

The Sony lens and front sensor do an excellent job when it comes to taking photos. Even displayed in real size on a large screen, the photos show great precision. The texture of the skin is visible, as are all (slight) imperfections.

At night, like the ultra wide-angle mode, it is possible to obtain good, sharp and precise results, which is not so common.

Video

The videos benefit from high-end processing. Thus, sequences can be captured in mode Dolby Visionwith a definition of 8K / 4320p (30 frames per second) or in 4K / 2160p (with 60 frames per second).

Motorola SignatureAudio

For the audio part, Motorola chose to collaborate with Bose, a recognized specialist in the field. And it is clear that the « Sound by Bose » hits the mark, since the audio reproduction from the two speakers is excellent.

In addition, several audio profiles can be activated, for music, films, games or podcasts. On the other hand, a mode allows you to obtain a spatial rendering (for films) and a 10 frequency range equalizer is present, so that everyone can find the ideal setting according to their preferences.

Motorola SignatureNetwork and communication

Although the Signature is of course 5G compatible, it can only manage one physical nano SIM card. On the other hand, it is able to support a second card, type e.g.

On the other hand, like all high-end smartphones, it is not compatible with microSD cards.

And, for local wireless communications, the smartphone supports the latest technologies: Wi-Fi 7 et Bluetooth 6.

Motorola SignatureBattery

Due to its particularly compact format, the Motorola Signature is equipped with a large… 5200 mAh (!).

In fact, this capacity may seem somewhat limited, at the start of 2026. However, we must put things into perspective, and take into account the small thickness of the smartphone. It is indeed 400 mAh better than the edge 70 (4800 mAh).

Thanks to technology Lithium-ion Si/C (Silicon-Carbon)the manufacturer has still managed to integrate a larger capacity battery than that of the recent Nothing Phone (4a), whose capacity is only 5080 mAh, despite a greater weight and thickness.

As a result, office and multimedia autonomy, measured by the PC Mark application test, with an adaptive display frequency and a brightness of 250 nits, turns out to be average: 12 hours and 48 minutes.

And if the refresh rate is set at 60 Hz, this increases slightly, by one hour, to reach just under 14 hours. Enough to use the smartphone for one or two days, depending on the activity, light or intensive.

For video playback, the measured autonomy is in a good upper average, with just over 24 hours of streaming over Wi-Fi.

Finally, the Motorola Signature can be recharged using a wired USB C adapter, with a maximum power of 90 W. It’s good ! Moreover, the manufacturer announces that the battery can regain 50% of its charge in just 15 minutes.

But for this, it is absolutely necessary to use a Motorola charger using TurboPower technology (the model delivering a power of 125 W is sold for 80 euros on the manufacturer’s website). Because, if – as we did – we use another 90 W charger (from Xiaomi in this case), we obtain less flattering charging levels:

• 19% in 15 minutes
• 38% in 30 minutes
• 57% in 45 minutes
• 74% in 60 minutes
• 90% in 75 minutes

Good point, the Signature supports wireless charging, with high maximum power (50 W). In addition, thanks to reverse charging, the smartphone can share its battery with another device, wired (10 W) or wireless (5 W).

Motorola SignaturePrice and availability

The Signature is the flagship of the Motorola range. Therefore, it is only available in one version, which has 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage space. It is offered at 1299 euros.

If this price is high, it is not crazy, given the design and the decidedly high-end equipment of the smartphone.

As a bonus, the manufacturer offers the Moto Buds Loop Bluetooth headphones as well as the Moto Watch (the pill goes down a little better this way).