Mobile device operation using grip intensity. An embodiment of a mobile device includes a touch sensor to detect contact or proximity by a user of the mobile device; a memory to store indicators of grip intensity in relation to the touch sensor; and a processor to evaluate contact to the touch sensor. The processor is to compare a contact with the touch sensor to the indicators of grip shape and firmness to determine grip intensity, and the mobile device is to receive an input for a function of the mobile device based at least in part on determined grip intensity for the mobile device.