Forget Grey—Motorola’s Colourful Smartphones Are Taking Over

When you pick up a Motorola smartphone, it’s hard not to notice its vibrant colours and distinctive design, a stark contrast to the typically utilitarian devices seen across the smartphone market. From vegan leather backs to AI-powered features, Motorola has focused on adding fun and personalization to its devices, and it’s paying off.

In an exclusive interview, Ruben Castano, Vice President of Design, Brand & CX at Motorola Mobility, shed light on how the company’s bold move toward experimenting with colours and finishes is changing the smartphone landscape. The move also speaks to a larger shift in how consumers are responding to a more dynamic, customizable mobile experience.

65% of Sales from Phones in Vibrant Colours

Motorola has long been known for its innovation in design, but Castano’s comments reveal a deeper trend. Over the past two years, 65% of the company’s phone sales have come from devices in colours other than the traditional black, grey, and white. This marks a significant change in an industry where these neutral tones have often dominated.

“We’ve grown in volume, and 65% of that growth came from phones in colours other than black, grey, or white — the traditional colours that typically dominate the market,” Castano said, emphasizing that the shift in consumer demand has been central to Motorola’s strategy. “So for us, it’s working, and I believe it’s working because we have the right strategy and the right partner.”

Motorola’s decision to experiment with bolder colours and unique materials speaks to a broader cultural shift in mobile design. With a growing consumer interest in personalizing their devices, the company is capitalizing on a market that is moving away from cold, metallic designs toward more expressive and engaging products.

Bold Hues – Motorola’s Pantone Collaboration

Motorola’s colour experimentation is not random. Castano revealed that the company works closely with Pantone, the global colour authority, to select the most on-trend and appealing shades for its smartphones. This collaboration ensures that each device feels fresh, current, and aligned with consumer preferences, all while maintaining Motorola’s distinct design identity.

“We focus on bringing more fun and personalization to the lineup, making sure that we’re not just launching another cold, functional device,” said Castano. “We want our phones to reflect individuality. The collaboration with Pantone plays a key role in helping us identify colours that resonate with people.”

Back to the Early 2000s: Nostalgic Yet Innovative

The bold colour choices also hark back to a time when phones were more than just communication tools; they were fashion accessories. This retro vibe is reminiscent of the early 2000s when Motorola made waves with the colourful Razr phones. Now, the brand is reintroducing that same sense of playfulness and vibrancy in a world of sleek, metallic, and minimalist smartphones.

“We’re seeing a return to a time when phones weren’t just black or grey. They were fun, colourful, and full of personality,” Castano reflects. “Today, people are looking for more than just functionality. They want something that stands out and matches their individual style.”

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