1928–1947: The Beginning

Motorola originated as Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, founded by brothers Paul V. Galvin and Joseph E. Galvin in Chicago. The company initially produced battery eliminators, which enabled battery-powered radios to operate using household electricity.

In 1930, Motorola introduced one of the first commercially successful car radios. The name “Motorola” was derived by combining:

• Motor (referring to automobiles)
• -ola, a suffix commonly used for audio products during that era

The brand achieved significant success, leading the company to officially adopt the name Motorola, Inc. in 1947. 2

Throughout the 20th century, Motorola established itself as a global leader in communications technology innovation. Key achievements include:

Car Radios

During the 1930s, Motorola popularised affordable in-car entertainment systems.

Walkie-Talkies

In World War II, Motorola developed portable two-way radios that were extensively utilised by Allied forces.

Television

By the 1950s, Motorola had become one of the largest television manufacturers in the United States.

Semiconductors

The company entered the semiconductor sector and subsequently became a major chip manufacturer.

Apollo Moon Mission

Motorola radio technology was responsible for transmitting Neil Armstrong’s first words from the Moon back to Earth during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. 3

Motorola is widely credited with creating the first practical handheld cellular phone. On April 3, 1973, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the world’s first public handheld mobile phone call using a prototype known as the DynaTAC.

In 1983, the company released the DynaTAC 8000X, the first commercially available handheld cellular phone. This invention cemented Motorola’s status as the pioneer of the mobile communications industry. 1

StarTAC (1996)

Recognised as one of the first flip phones, the StarTAC featured:

• Compact design
• Vibrating alert
• Lightweight construction

It remains one of the most iconic mobile phones of the 1990s.

RAZR V3 (2004)

Arguably Motorola’s most renowned device, the RAZR V3 was distinguished by:

• Ultra-thin metal body
• Stylish flip design
• Premium materials
• Massive global popularity

2

Droid Series

In partnership with Verizon, Motorola launched the Motorola Droid in 2009. The Droid served as one of Android’s earliest flagship devices and played a pivotal role in establishing Android as a major competitor to Apple’s iPhone.

Moto X

Released in 2013, the Moto X was notable for:

• Near-stock Android experience
• Voice controls
• Customisable colours and materials

Moto G Series

Introduced in 2013, the Moto G became one of the world’s most successful budget smartphone series by delivering strong performance at accessible price points.

Moto Edge Series

Motorola’s modern flagship lineup features:

• High-refresh-rate OLED displays
• Premium cameras
• Snapdragon processors
• 5G connectivity

Razr Foldable Series

Beginning in 2019, Motorola revived the iconic Razr name with foldable smartphones, merging the classic flip form factor with flexible OLED display technology. 1

In January 2011, Motorola separated into two independent entities:

Motorola Mobility

This division focuses on:

• Smartphones
• Consumer electronics
• Wearables
• Tablets

Motorola Mobility was acquired by Google in 2012 and subsequently sold to Lenovo in 2014. 2

Motorola Solutions

This division focuses on:

• Police communications
• Emergency response systems
• Public safety radios
• Enterprise communication solutions

Motorola Solutions remains an independent American company. 3

Since 2014, Motorola Mobility has operated as a subsidiary of Lenovo. The brand continues to produce Android smartphones while retaining its distinct identity. Current product families include:

• Moto G
• Moto E
• Moto Edge
• Motorola Razr
• Moto Buds
• Moto Watch
• Motorola accessories

Lenovo positions Motorola as one of its global smartphone brands alongside Lenovo-branded mobile devices. 1

Motorola currently manufactures:

• Smartphones
• Foldable phones
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds
• Chargers
• Phone cases
• Power banks
• Smart home accessories

Motorola smartphones are known for providing an Android experience close to stock Android, with minimal pre-installed software. The company also incorporates proprietary features such as:

• Moto Gestures
• Peek Display
• Ready For (desktop/mobile productivity mode)
• Moto Secure
• Family Space

Motorola products are available in:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Asia
• Australia
• Middle East
• Africa

The brand holds particularly strong market positions in countries such as Brazil, India, Mexico, and parts of Europe. 1

According to Motorola, its mission is to design, create, and deliver purposeful innovations that enable people to discover, share, and connect with the world. Since 1928, the company has emphasised accessible mobile technology and practical innovation. 1

Motorola has made numerous enduring contributions to technology, including:

• Inventing the first handheld mobile phone
• Developing early cellular communication technologies
• Creating the iconic StarTAC and RAZR phones
• Transmitting the first words from the Moon
• Advancing two-way radio systems used by public safety organisations
• Helping establish Android through devices like the Droid

These achievements have established Motorola as one of the most influential brands in the history of telecommunications. 1

1. About Us: Motorola Products, Services & Brand Story | motorola
2. Motorola
3. Company Timeline – Motorola Solutions Asia