Motorola vs Sony: Smartphone Reliability Compared
Which smartphone brand is more reliable? Side-by-side comparison based on 198 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
Motorola has a slight repairability edge at 50.9% vs 42.4%, though both brands can typically be fixed when something goes wrong. Sony smartphones tend to last longer before needing repair (6 years vs 4.1), suggesting better build quality or more invested owners. They break in different ways. Motorola's most common issue is Battery/Power (22.6%), while Sony mostly comes in for Screen/Display (21.7%).
If durability matters most:
It depends on what you value. Motorola is easier to repair when something goes wrong. Sony tends to last longer before needing repair in the first place. If you prefer prevention, go Sony. If you prefer fixability, go Motorola.
Based on 198 real repair records from community repair events. Scroll down for the full data breakdown.
Detailed Comparison
Head-to-head reliability data for Motorola vs Sony smartphones, based on 198 community repair records. Motorola leads on fix rate (50.9% vs 42.4%).
| Metric | Motorola | Sony |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Rate | 50.9% | 42.4% |
| ValueCost per reliability point | $8.90/pt | N/A |
| Top Failure | Battery/Power (22.6%) | Screen/Display (21.7%) |
| Sample Size | 106 | 92 |
| Avg. Age at Repair | 4.1 years | 6 years |
| iFixit Score0-10 scale | 5.7/10 | N/A |
Price Comparison
Like-for-like pricing across product tiers. Prices are approximate, in CAD.
Value
Motorola
Moto G Power - 2025 | Unlocked
Below 30-day avg
No value smartphone from Sony
Budget
Motorola
Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked |
No budget smartphone from Sony
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Common Failure Types
Motorola
Sony
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Motorola or Sony more reliable for smartphones?
Based on 198 repair records, Motorola is more reliable with a 50.9% fix rate vs 42.4% for Sony.
What are the most common Motorola vs Sony smartphone failures?
Motorola's top issues are battery/power and screen/display. Sony's top issues are screen/display and battery/power.
Which smartphone brand lasts longer, Motorola or Sony?
Sony devices tend to last longer, averaging 6 years before first repair vs 4.1 years for Motorola.
Should I buy Motorola or Sony if durability matters?
If durability is your priority, Motorola 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.