Apple vs Motorola: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 1,329 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2,511 total smartphone records
Last updated:
The Bottom Line
Apple has a slight repairability edge at 60.8% vs 50.9%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. Both brands show similar longevity, with smartphones typically coming in for repair around 4.1 years old. They break in different ways. Apple's most common issue is Screen/Display (33.9%), while Motorola mostly comes in for Battery/Power (22.6%).
If durability matters most:
Apple has the repairability edge. When your smartphone eventually needs repair, Apple is more likely to be fixable. Both brands show similar longevity, so this advantage is the tiebreaker.
Based on 1,329 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Apple | Motorola |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 60.8% | 50.9% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | $9.66/pt | $8.05/pt |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (33.9%) | Battery/Power (22.6%) |
| Sample Size | 1,223 | 106 |
| Avg. Age at Repair | 4.1 years | 4.1 years |
| 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.
Premium
Apple
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Below 30-day avg
No premium smartphone from Motorola
Value
Apple
iPhone 15 Pro
Below 30-day avg
Budget
No budget smartphone from Apple
Motorola
Moto G Play | 2024 | Unlocked
Below 30-day avg
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Common Failure Types
Apple
Motorola
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple or Motorola more reliable for smartphones?
Based on 1,329 repair records, Apple is more reliable with a 60.8% fix rate vs 50.9% for Motorola.
What are the most common Apple vs Motorola smartphone failures?
Apple's top issues are screen/display and battery/power. Motorola's top issues are battery/power and screen/display.
Which smartphone brand lasts longer, Apple or Motorola?
Both brands show similar longevity, with devices averaging around 4.1 years before needing repair.
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.