Apple vs Motorola: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 1,497 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 3,170 total smartphone records
Last updated: · Fix rates refresh when openrepair.org publishes new data, about once a year
The Bottom Line
Apple has a slight repairability edge at 61.4% vs 53.5%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. They break in different ways. Apple's most common issue is Screen/Display (32.1%), while Motorola mostly comes in for Battery (20.5%).
If durability matters most:
Apple has the repairability edge. When your smartphone eventually needs repair, Apple is more likely to be fixable.
Based on 1,497 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
Head-to-head reliability data for Apple vs Motorola smartphones, based on 1,497 community repair records. Apple leads on fix rate (61.4% vs 53.5%).
| Metric | Apple | Motorola |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 61.4% | 53.5% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | N/A | $9.14/pt |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (32.1%) | Battery (20.5%) |
| Sample Size | 1,370 | 127 |
| Typical Age at Repair | 4 years | Under 100 ages |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 6.1/10 | 5.7/10 |
| French Repairability IndexGovernment-mandated, 0-10 | 6.1/10avg of 29 models | N/A |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.
Premium
Apple
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Renewed
No premium smartphone from Motorola
Value
No value smartphone from Motorola
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Common Failure Types
Apple
Motorola
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple or Motorola more reliable for smartphones?
Based on 1,497 repair records, Apple is more reliable with a 61.4% fix rate vs 53.5% for Motorola.
What are the most common Apple vs Motorola smartphone failures?
Apple's top issues are screen/display and battery. Motorola's top issues are battery and screen/display.
Should I buy Apple or Motorola if durability matters?
If durability is your priority, Apple edges ahead with a higher fix rate, meaning repairs are more likely to succeed when needed. The best choice still depends on your specific model and usage.
Check a Specific Model
Brand averages only go so far. Your specific model matters too. See repair costs, repairability scores, and failure data for individual smartphones.