Motorola Edge (2022) vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming. The Motorola Edge (2022) and Google Pixel 6a are both strong contenders in the mid-range market, offering compelling features at competitive prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a takes the crown thanks to its exceptional camera, smooth software experience, and impressive battery life. While the Edge (2022) boasts a faster charging and a slightly more premium feel, the Pixel's overall package is more polished and consistently delivers a superior user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2022) Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 30, 40, 41, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands2, 5, 30, 66 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
  SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
Announced2022, August 182022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 22Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 Water-repellent designIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUArm Mali-G610 MC3Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/1.5, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.7µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreyChalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models-GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price$ 98.84$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Motorola Edge (2022)

  • Faster Charging (30W wired, 15W wireless)
  • Larger Display (6.6 inches)
  • 144Hz Refresh Rate
  • Slightly more premium feel

  • Camera not as good as Pixel 6a
  • Software experience less polished
  • No official IP rating

Google Pixel 6a

  • Exceptional Camera
  • Clean Android Software
  • Long Battery Life (94h endurance)
  • Google Tensor Chip

  • Slower Charging (18W)
  • Smaller Display (6.1 inches)
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate

Display Comparison

The Motorola Edge (2022) features a larger 6.6-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother visual experience for gaming and scrolling. The Pixel 6a has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, making it easily viewable outdoors. While the Edge wins on refresh rate, the Pixel's brightness gives it an edge in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a standout feature. Its 12.2MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens, combined with Google's exceptional image processing, consistently produce stunning photos with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. The Edge (2022) has a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor, but its image quality doesn't match the Pixel's.

Performance

The Motorola Edge (2022) utilizes a MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset, offering solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Google Pixel 6a is powered by Google's Tensor chip, which provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, especially with Google's AI-powered features. The Tensor's CPU configuration also gives it a slight edge in multi-core performance.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life. The Pixel 6a boasts an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating exceptional longevity. The Edge (2022) has a 4400mAh battery, providing all-day usage, but doesn't quite reach the Pixel's endurance. The Edge (2022) does offer 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, while the Pixel 6a supports 18W wired charging (PD3.0).

Buying Guide

The Motorola Edge (2022) is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging, a larger display, and a more traditional smartphone design. The Google Pixel 6a is perfect for those who value a top-tier camera, clean Android software, and long-lasting battery performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Google Pixel 6a has a clear advantage with guaranteed software updates and feature drops directly from Google, ensuring a consistently updated and optimized Android experience.
❓ Is the Motorola Edge (2022) good for gaming?
The Edge (2022)'s 144Hz display and Dimensity 1050 chipset provide a decent gaming experience, but the Pixel 6a's Tensor chip offers smoother performance in demanding titles.