Fairphone vs Motorola: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 162 real repair records from community repair events.
Data from openrepair.org (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 2,727 total smartphone records
Last updated: · Fix rates and sample sizes refresh weekly from openrepair.org
The Bottom Line
Fairphone and Motorola have nearly identical fix rates (53.6% vs 50.9%), so when something breaks, both brands are equally likely to be repaired successfully. Both brands show similar longevity, with smartphones typically coming in for repair around 3.3 years old. They break in different ways. Fairphone's most common issue is Screen/Display (19.6%), while Motorola mostly comes in for Battery/Power (22.6%). Professional teardowns give Fairphone a 9.4/10 repairability score vs 5.7/10, meaning it's physically easier to open up and fix.
If durability matters most:
Both brands perform similarly on durability. Choose based on features, price, and the specific model. Our data comes from 162 real repair records, so this tie is meaningful.
Based on 162 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
Head-to-head reliability data for Fairphone vs Motorola smartphones, based on 162 community repair records. Motorola leads on fix rate (50.9% vs 53.6%).
| Metric | Fairphone | Motorola |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 53.6% | 50.9% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | N/A | $8.90/pt |
| Top Failure | Screen/Display (19.6%) | Battery/Power (22.6%) |
| Sample Size | 56 | 106 |
| Avg. Age at Repair | 3.3 years | 4.1 years |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 9.4/10 | 5.7/10 |
| French Repairability IndexGovernment-mandated, 0-10 | 9.3/10avg of 6 models | N/A |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.
Value
No value smartphone from Fairphone
Motorola
Moto G Power - 2025 | Unlocked
Below 30-day avg
Budget
No budget smartphone from Fairphone
Motorola
Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked |
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Common Failure Types
Fairphone
Motorola
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairphone or Motorola more reliable for smartphones?
Fairphone and Motorola show similar reliability, with fix rates of 53.6% and 50.9% respectively, based on 162 community repair records.
What are the most common Fairphone vs Motorola smartphone failures?
Fairphone's top issues are screen/display and battery/power. Motorola's top issues are battery/power and screen/display.
Which smartphone brand lasts longer, Fairphone or Motorola?
Both brands show similar longevity, with devices averaging around 3.3 years before needing repair.
Should I buy Fairphone or Motorola if durability matters?
Both Fairphone and Motorola show very similar durability metrics. Choose based on features, price, and specific model reviews rather than brand-level reliability alone.
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.