← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 15, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMotorola edge (2024) vs Apple iPhone 17 Air
Motorola edge (2024) vs Apple iPhone 17 Air: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.5★ vs 4.9★
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Motorola edge (2024)
★4.5
(339)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
Check Amazon Price→
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
Check Amazon Price→
Comparison: Motorola edge (2024) vs Apple iPhone 17 Air
Motorola edge (2024)
★4.5(339)Best Buy
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Motorola edge (2024) | Apple iPhone 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(339)Best Buy | ★4.9(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform | Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 710 | Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 256GB (UFS 2.2) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.6" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | pOLED Endless Edge Display (10-bit) | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 402 ppi | 2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz (Gaming mode) | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (Sony LYTIA 700C, f/1.8, 1.0µm), PDAF, OIS | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision | No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 2x via sensor crop) | 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps |
Front Camera | 32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology | 24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Non-removable) | 3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | Up to 68W TurboPower (Charger usually sold separately in US) | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by carrier); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB Type-C 3.1 (Supports DisplayPort 1.4) | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant up to 1.5m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Vegan leather back | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back |
Dimensions | 6.29" x 2.83" x 0.32" (159.6 x 72.0 x 8.1 mm) | 6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 5.82 oz (165 g) |
Biometrics | Optical In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock | Face ID |
Extras | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos; Smart Connect (Ready For); Moto Gestures; ThinkShield | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Motorola edge (2024)
Rating:★4.5(339)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X
Storage:256GB (UFS 2.2)
Display Size:6.6" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:pOLED Endless Edge Display (10-bit)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 402 ppi
Refresh Rate:144Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony LYTIA 700C, f/1.8, 1.0µm), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 2x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology
Battery:5,000 mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:Up to 68W TurboPower (Charger usually sold separately in US)
Wireless Charging:15W Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by carrier); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.1 (Supports DisplayPort 1.4)
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant up to 1.5m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Vegan leather back
Dimensions:6.29" x 2.83" x 0.32" (159.6 x 72.0 x 8.1 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos; Smart Connect (Ready For); Moto Gestures; ThinkShield
✓ Pros:
- • Premium IP68 water and dust resistance rating (rare in mid-range)
- • Very smooth 144Hz pOLED display with curved edges
- • Fast 68W wired charging and convenient 15W wireless charging support
- • Lightweight and comfortable design with a grippy vegan leather back
- • Clean software experience with useful Moto gestures and Smart Connect features
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for front protection
- • Storage speed (UFS 2.2) and RAM (LPDDR4X) are slower than flagship standards
- • No dedicated telephoto lens; zoom performance is limited
- • Video recording capped at 4K@30fps (no 60fps at 4K)
- • Short software support window compared to competitors like Pixel and Samsung
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Rating:★4.9(13)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back
Dimensions:6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Weight:5.82 oz (165 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis
- • 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
- • Powered by the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence support
- • Upgraded 24MP front camera for superior selfies and video calls
- • Excellent main camera performance with 2x lossless crop
✗ Cons:
- • High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
- • Battery life is shorter than the 'Plus' model it replaces due to thinness
- • USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No mmWave 5G support (Sub-6 GHz only due to Apple modem restrictions)
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (Apple iPhone 17 Air: 4.5★ vs Motorola edge (2024): 4.9★), Apple iPhone 17 Air pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
Motorola edge (2024) excels at: Premium IP68 water and dust resistance rating (rare in mid-range), Very smooth 144Hz pOLED display with curved edges
Watch for: Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for front protection
Apple iPhone 17 Air excels at: Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis, 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
Watch for: High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Motorola edge (2024) excels if you value premium ip68 water and dust resistance rating (rare in mid-range). Apple iPhone 17 Air is better if you prioritize thinnest iphone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium titanium chassis. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.