Motorola ThinkPhone: The best smartphone in cybersecurity

Motorola ThinkPhone: A Rugged Back for an Almost Complete Package

Technical Specifications of the Motorola ThinkPhone

Component	Details
Display	6.6-inch P-OLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 144 Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus
Dimensions & Weight	158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm, 188.5 grams
Processor	Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM	8 GB
Storage	256 GB UFS 3.1
Front Camera	32 MP f/2.45
Rear Cameras	Main: 50 MP f/1.8, OIS; Wide-angle: 13 MP f/2.2; Depth: 2 MP f/2.4
Battery	5,000 mAh, 68 W charging, 15 W wireless charging
Operating System	Android 13 + My UX
Connectivity	5G, Bluetooth 5.2, Wifi 6E, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
Other	IP68 certification, aramid fiber back, aluminum frame, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint sensor
Price	$999 USD

Design and Build Quality

The Motorola ThinkPhone is built to impress, starting with its unique back made of aramid fiber, giving it a feel distinct from the typical glass or plastic. Initially, the texture might seem unusual, but it grows on you. This material is known for its strength, being used in parachute cords and protective equipment, contributing to the phone's MIL-STD-810H and IP68 certifications.

Durability

One week without a case, and the ThinkPhone’s back remains unscathed, even after being placed on various surfaces. The only downside is that it attracts fingerprints and dust around the camera module. The device’s aluminum frame and rounded corners provide a premium feel, with well-placed, tactile buttons. However, the red button on the right, intended for Ready For mode, feels awkwardly positioned.

Display

The 6.6-inch P-OLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, delivers an impressive viewing experience. Although it’s only FullHD+ rather than the QHD+ you might expect at this price, the panel’s brightness (up to 1,200 nits) ensures visibility in all lighting conditions. The 144 Hz refresh rate enhances fluidity in animations and gameplay, although it lacks LTPO technology. The display's color accuracy and touch sensitivity are commendable, especially in the ‘Saturated’ mode.

Performance

Equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the ThinkPhone isn’t the latest but still holds its ground. In benchmarks, it performs well, maintaining stability even under stress. In real-world usage, it handles heavy games like ‘Genshin Impact’ and ‘Diablo Immortal’ smoothly, with minor frame drops and manageable heat levels.

Benchmark Comparisons

Device	Processor	RAM	Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi)	3D Mark Wildlife Unlimited	3D Mark Stress Test (Best/Worst)
ThinkPhone	Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1	8 GB	1,732 / 4,772	11,133	11,110 / 11,011
Realme GT 3	Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1	16 GB	1,392 / 3,895	10,650	10,940 / 9,968
OnePlus 11	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	16 GB	1,176 / 4,960	14,018	14,250 / 11,186
iPhone 14 Pro	Apple A16 Bionic	6 GB	2,508 / 6,306	12,344	12,344 / 7,931
Galaxy S23+	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	8 GB	2,019 / 5,308	14,250	14,018 / 13,968

Software Experience

Running on nearly stock Android 13 with Motorola’s My UX, the software experience is fluid and intuitive. Motorola’s additions, like gestures (e.g., shake to turn on the flashlight), Always-on Display, and the Microsoft suite, are useful without being intrusive. The promise of three years of major updates and an additional year of security patches adds to its appeal.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5,000 mAh battery consistently provides over a day and a half of use, with screen-on times averaging over six hours. The included 68 W charger juices the battery quickly, hitting 50% in just 12 minutes and a full charge in under 40 minutes. The 15 W wireless charging is slower but convenient.

Charging Breakdown

• 15% in 3 minutes
• 50% in 12 minutes
• 75% in 21 minutes
• 100% in 39 minutes

Biometric Security and Special Features

The in-display fingerprint sensor is reliable but positioned lower than ideal. Facial recognition works but struggles in low light. The Moto Secure app consolidates security settings, offering features like a secure folder, app masking, and connection protection, although it lacks a VPN. The red button on the side can be customized, but its default function is connecting to Windows for seamless integration, similar to Apple’s Continuity Camera.

Camera Performance

Rear Cameras

The ThinkPhone’s camera setup is its weakest point. The primary 50 MP sensor captures decent images in good light but struggles with focus and exposure. In low light, the results are noisy with over-processed colors. The 13 MP wide-angle camera produces similar color profiles but lacks detail and dynamic range. The 2 MP depth sensor adds little value.

Front Camera

The 32 MP front camera delivers sharp selfies, although the overall image can appear flat. Portrait mode is accurate but uninspiring.

Video Recording

Video capabilities include 8K at 30 fps, but 4K at 60 fps is more practical. Stabilization is present but inconsistent, and the color processing remains flat.

The Motorola ThinkPhone excels in many areas: robust build, excellent display, smooth performance, and solid battery life. Its almost-stock Android experience ensures stability and speed, making it a joy to use daily. However, its camera performance lags behind competitors in this price range, making it a tough sell for photography enthusiasts.

For users who prioritize a durable, secure phone with excellent integration with Windows and solid overall performance, the ThinkPhone is a compelling choice. But those seeking top-notch photography should look elsewhere.

For more details on the Motorola ThinkPhone and where to purchase it, check Amazon and Motorola's Official Site.