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| Motorola's latest 'Air' smartphone features a curved display and is 6.99 mm thick. |
In a move that’s sure to send ripples through the smartphone market, Motorola has officially launched the Moto X70 Air Pro in China. This device, teased recently as a premium counterpart to the slim Moto X70 Air (sold globally as the Edge 70), isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a full-blown flagship contender that borrows its brawn directly from Motorola’s recently unveiled top-of-the-line model, the Signature.
What makes this launch particularly intriguing is the surprise under the hood. While early rumors pointed to a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 5 chipset, Motorola has equipped the X70 Air Pro with the same flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor that powers its Signature smartphone. This strategic decision instantly catapults the X70 Air Pro into the realm of premium performance, blurring the lines between Motorola’s own product tiers.
A Closer Look at the Specs: No Compromises Here
Beyond the powerhouse chipset, the similarities to the Motorola Signature are striking, making the X70 Air Pro a remarkable value proposition. The device features a large, vibrant 6.78-inch OLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, capable of pumping up to 165Hz in supported applications for ultra-responsive gaming.
The battery and charging setup is equally impressive. A sizable 5,200 mAh battery promises all-day endurance, and when you do need a top-up, 90W wired charging can get you back to 100% in a flash.
Perhaps the most compelling upgrade is in the camera department. Motorola has outfitted the X70 Air Pro with a formidable quad-camera array, each sensor clocking in at 50 megapixels. The main camera utilizes the advanced Sony LYT-808 sensor—a favorite among photography enthusiasts—with a wide f/1.6 aperture and a large 1/1.28-inch size, promising excellent light capture and detail.
The Stunning Price Tag: Where the Story Gets Interesting
Here’s where the narrative takes a dramatic turn. Despite its flagship specs, the Moto X70 Air Pro carries a starting price of just CNY 3,999 (approximately $575) for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You can explore the official product details and specifications directly on the Lenovo China product page.
For those needing more space, configurations with 16GB of RAM paired with 512GB or 1TB of storage are available for CNY 4,499 (~$646) and CNY 4,999 (~$718) respectively.
This pricing strategy creates a fascinating dynamic. It significantly undercuts the global Motorola Signature (originally anticipated as the Edge 70 Ultra) by a staggering ~$600. Furthermore, it positions the X70 Air Pro as a direct, spec-heavy threat to established rivals like the iPhone Air and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (currently $799 on Amazon), challenging the notion that top-tier performance must come with a four-figure price tag.
The Bottom Line
Motorola’s launch of the Moto X70 Air Pro in China is a bold statement. By equipping it with a true flagship SoC, a pro-grade camera system, and a premium display, yet offering it at a mid-range price, Motorola has crafted what many will call a true "flagship killer." While its immediate availability is confined to China, this launch sets a powerful precedent and raises the bar for what consumers can expect from a sub-$600 smartphone. All eyes will now be on Motorola to see if this compelling package will make its way to global markets.
