Phone manufacturers are increasingly focused on creating slimmer devices, and Motorola has entered the arena with its newly launched X70 Air in China. This move places Motorola alongside industry leaders like Samsung (with the S25 Edge) and Apple (with the iPhone Air) in the growing trend of ultra-thin smartphones.
Key Specifications and Design
The X70 Air stands out with its exceptionally slim profile, measuring just 5.99mm thick and weighing approximately 159 grams. For context, the iPhone Air is slightly thinner at 5.6mm, weighing 165 grams, while the Samsung S25 Edge measures 5.8mm thick and weighs 163 grams. The phone’s design also includes a matte finish and is available in three colors: gadget gray, lily pad green, and bronze green.
Beyond aesthetics, Motorola hasn’t sacrificed durability for slimness. The X70 Air boasts robust dust and water resistance, earning both IP68 and IP69 ratings – a level of protection typically found in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Apple iPhone 16 series, and Google Pixel 10 series. “IP” refers to “ingress protection,” indicating how effectively the phone’s design prevents the entry of dust and water. The first number represents dust protection, and the second indicates water resistance.
Performance and Features
The X70 Air offers compelling specifications, including:
- Battery: A substantial 4,800mAh battery, significantly larger than those found in the Samsung S25 Edge (3,900mAh) and iPhone Air (3,149mAh). It supports 68-watt fast wired charging, outpacing the approximately 25-watt charging capabilities of the Samsung and iPhone models.
- Storage & Processor: Powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, the phone offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.
- Display: A vibrant 6.7-inch pOLED display boasting a 1,220×2,712-pixel resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits.
- Camera: A versatile camera system featuring a 50MP front-facing camera and a dual 50MP setup on the rear.
- Operating System: Runs on Android 16, complete with a built-in AI agent and an updated Smart Connect for seamless cross-device integration.
The Rise of the Ultra-Thin Phone
The focus on creating thinner smartphones is driven by a desire for enhanced portability and a more comfortable user experience. As CNET senior writer Abrar Al-Heeti notes, the trend evolved from skepticism to appreciation after experiencing the Oppo Find N5, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, and iPhone Air. “It’s refreshing to use something that feels innovative, and I’m surprised at how much more comfortable it is to use a lightweight phone,” Al-Heeti explained. While she typically prioritizes larger batteries and better cameras, the unique feel of an ultra-thin phone has won her over, making her willing to compromise on some features for a sleeker design.
Despite the growing popularity of the trend, its long-term viability remains uncertain. Al-Heeti highlights potential trade-offs such as reduced battery life and less advanced camera systems that may not appeal to all consumers. The challenge for phone manufacturers lies in minimizing these compromises to make ultra-thin phones more appealing to a broader audience.
The emergence of the Motorola X70 Air demonstrates the continued momentum behind the ultra-thin phone trend, and underscores the increasing competition within the smartphone market, with manufacturers vying to offer consumers the most desirable combination of features and design. The ultimate success of this trend will depend on the industry’s ability to balance slim profiles with the performance and battery life that consumers expect.
