Motorola Edge (2025) vs Google Pixel 9a: A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life

The Motorola Edge (2025) and Google Pixel 9a represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Edge aims for raw performance with its Mediatek Dimensity 7400 Ultra, while the Pixel 9a prioritizes optimized software and exceptional battery endurance, leveraging Google’s Tensor G4 chip. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term battery life and a refined software experience, the Google Pixel 9a emerges as the winner. Its impressive 52:19h endurance and optimized Tensor G4 chip outweigh the Motorola Edge (2025)'s faster charging and potentially higher peak CPU performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2025) Google Pixel 9a
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66, 75 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 272025, March 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, June 06Available. Released 2025, April 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.2 x 73.1 x 8 mm (6.35 x 2.88 x 0.31 in)154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7iCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~444 ppi density)1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~422 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~92.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 94.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits peakP-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7400 Ultra (4 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Mali-G715 MP7
OSAndroid 15Android 15, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f2.0, 73mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 0.64µm, PDAF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless23W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep ForestObsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony
ModelsXT2519GXQ96, GTF7P, G3Y12
Price$ 399.99$ 348.12 / C$ 479.99 / £ 345.00 / € 381.99 / ₹ 41,990
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery-52:19h endurance, 1000 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class A (270 falls)
Repairability-Class B

Motorola Edge (2025)

  • Faster 68W wired charging
  • Potentially higher CPU performance in multi-core tasks
  • Wireless charging support (15W)

  • Unknown battery endurance
  • Motorola’s software update track record is less consistent than Google’s

Google Pixel 9a

  • Exceptional battery life (52:19h endurance)
  • Optimized software and guaranteed updates
  • Google Tensor G4’s AI capabilities

  • Slower 23W wired charging
  • Lower wireless charging speed (7.5W)

Display Comparison

Display specifications are currently unavailable for both devices. However, given the market segment, we anticipate both will feature AMOLED panels. The Pixel series historically prioritizes color accuracy, while Motorola often focuses on higher refresh rates. The absence of LTPO information suggests neither phone will have dynamically adaptive refresh rates, potentially impacting battery life. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting current design trends.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are currently limited. However, Google’s Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography prowess, even on their 'a' series. The Tensor G4’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely deliver excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. Motorola typically focuses on megapixel count, but image quality relies heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. We anticipate the Pixel 9a will excel in image processing and consistency, while the Motorola Edge (2025) might offer more versatility with potentially higher resolution sensors.

Performance

The core performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Tensor G4 (4nm) utilizes a 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, alongside 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520 cores. This architecture emphasizes AI and machine learning tasks, benefiting Google’s software features. Conversely, the Motorola Edge (2025) employs the Mediatek Dimensity 7400 Ultra (4nm) with a 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. While the Dimensity 7400 Ultra’s Cortex-A78 cores are older generation, their higher clock speed suggests strong multi-core performance. The Tensor G4’s Cortex-X4 core will likely provide superior single-core performance. Both chips are built on a 4nm process, indicating comparable efficiency, but the Tensor G4’s dedicated AI cores give it an edge in tasks like image processing and voice recognition. RAM specifications are unknown, but LPDDR5x is expected on both to support the chipsets.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 9a boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance, achieving 52:19h of total usage and 12:42h of active use. This suggests exceptional power efficiency from the Tensor G4 and optimized software. The Motorola Edge (2025) lacks published battery endurance data, but its 68W wired charging significantly surpasses the Pixel 9a’s 23W charging (with PD3.0 support). The Edge also offers 15W wireless charging, while the Pixel 9a provides 7.5W wireless charging. The Pixel 9a’s ‘bypass charging’ feature, allowing direct power from the charger to the phone bypassing the battery, will extend battery lifespan. While the Edge charges faster, the Pixel 9a’s longevity and efficiency are more compelling for most users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge (2025) if you frequently engage in demanding tasks like mobile gaming or video editing and value faster charging speeds. Its Dimensity 7400 Ultra offers a strong CPU performance profile. Buy the Google Pixel 9a if you prioritize all-day battery life, a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, and efficient performance for everyday tasks. The Pixel 9a’s endurance and software optimization are its key strengths.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7400 Ultra in the Motorola Edge (2025) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the 4nm process helps with thermal efficiency, the Dimensity 7400 Ultra’s sustained performance under heavy load is unknown. Motorola’s thermal management solutions will be crucial. Without testing, it’s difficult to predict, but the Tensor G4’s architecture is generally more efficient for sustained tasks.
❓ How does the Google Pixel 9a’s ‘bypass charging’ feature impact long-term battery health?
Bypass charging allows the phone to run directly off the charger’s power, reducing heat buildup and stress on the battery. This minimizes degradation over time, potentially extending the battery’s lifespan beyond the advertised 1000 cycles. It’s particularly beneficial for users who frequently work or game while charging.
❓ Will the Motorola Edge (2025) receive timely Android updates like the Pixel 9a?
Historically, Motorola’s software update support has been less consistent and slower than Google’s. The Pixel 9a is guaranteed to receive several years of Android OS and security updates directly from Google, providing a more secure and up-to-date experience.