Google Pixel 8a vs Motorola Edge 40: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 8a and Motorola Edge 40 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 8a brings Google’s renowned computational photography and software experience, while the Edge 40 focuses on a sleek design and fast charging. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 8a emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior camera capabilities, powered by the Tensor G3, and guaranteed software support outweigh the Motorola Edge 40’s faster charging and slightly brighter display. However, the Edge 40 remains a viable option for those prioritizing design and wireless charging.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola Edge 40	Google Pixel 8a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International)
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International)
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2023, May 04	2024, May 07
Status	Available. Released 2023, May 04	Available. Released 2024, May 14

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back or eco leather back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm (6.24 x 2.83 x 0.30 in)	152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	167 g or 171 g (5.89 oz)	188 g (6.63 oz)
	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)	-

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size	6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	P-OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)	OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)	Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPU	Mali-G77 MC9	Immortalis-G715s MC10
OS	Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades	Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	-

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.4, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, AF	64 MP (16 MP eff.), f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10, gyro-EIS	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.0", 0.7µm	13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	-
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 3.2
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
	Moto Ready For support	-

Battery
Charging	68W wired 15W wireless	18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
Type	Li-Po 4400 mAh	Li-Po 4492 mAh

Misc
Colors	Nebula Green, Lunar Blue, Eclipse Black, Viva Magenta	Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
Models	XT2303-2	GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
Price	€ 202.03 / $ 419.99 / £ 199.00 / ₹ 29,999	$ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 98h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	-24.2 LUFS (Very good)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 688347 (v9) GeekBench: 3320 (v5.1), 3603 (v6) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

EU LABEL
Battery	-	40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles
Energy	-	Class B
Free fall	-	Class A (270 falls)
Repairability	-	Class B

Motorola Edge 40

Faster charging with 68W wired and 15W wireless
Sleek and lightweight design
Generally brighter display for outdoor use

Less advanced chipset compared to Tensor G3
Inferior camera performance compared to Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a

Superior camera performance with Google’s computational photography
More efficient Tensor G3 chipset
Guaranteed software updates and long-term support

Slower 18W charging
Potentially less vibrant display in some lighting conditions

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1508 nits compared to the Edge 40’s 1043 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While the Edge 40 claims an 'infinite' contrast ratio, this is a nominal value; the Pixel 8a’s OLED panel will likely deliver comparable real-world contrast. Both devices utilize OLED technology, but the Pixel 8a’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor users. We lack PWM frequency data for both, but the Pixel series generally prioritizes flicker-free displays, potentially benefiting users sensitive to screen flicker.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8a is the clear winner in the camera department. While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the Pixel 8a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms and the Tensor G3’s image signal processor. Although sensor sizes aren't specified, the Pixel’s image processing consistently delivers superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Edge 40’s camera system is likely competent, but it lacks the software optimization that defines the Pixel experience. Ignoring the likely low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the Pixel 8a’s overall image quality will be noticeably better.

Performance

The chipset battle pits the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 in the Edge 40 against Google’s Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a. The Tensor G3, built on a 4nm process, offers a more efficient architecture than the 6nm Dimensity 8020. The Pixel 8a’s nona-core CPU configuration, featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core, provides a performance edge in demanding tasks and AI-driven features. While the Edge 40’s octa-core CPU is capable, the Tensor G3’s integrated machine learning capabilities give the Pixel 8a a distinct advantage in areas like image processing and voice recognition. The Pixel 8a’s RAM configuration (assumed LPDDR5x based on the segment) will also contribute to smoother multitasking.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge 40 has an endurance rating of 98 hours, while the Pixel 8a scores 83 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The Pixel 8a provides 11:25 hours of active use, while the Edge 40’s data is less granular. The Edge 40 supports 68W wired charging, significantly faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging. This means the Edge 40 can replenish its battery much quicker. However, the Pixel 8a offers bypass charging, allowing it to be used while charging, minimizing heat buildup. The Pixel 8a also boasts 1000 charge cycles, suggesting greater long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge 40 if you prioritize a sleek, lightweight design, fast 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and a generally brighter display for outdoor visibility. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value exceptional camera performance, especially in low light, a clean and consistently updated Android experience, and long-term software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 in the Motorola Edge 40 struggle with demanding games?

While the Dimensity 8020 is a capable chipset, the Google Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a offers a performance advantage in graphically intensive games. The Tensor G3’s more efficient architecture and optimized GPU drivers will likely result in smoother frame rates and less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.

❓ How does the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging compare to the Edge 40’s 68W in real-world use?

The Motorola Edge 40 can charge from 0-100% much faster – approximately 40-50 minutes – compared to the Pixel 8a, which will take closer to 1.5-2 hours. While the Pixel 8a’s slower charging is a drawback, its bypass charging feature allows for simultaneous use while charging, mitigating some of the inconvenience.

❓ Is the software experience on the Motorola Edge 40 as consistently updated as the Pixel 8a?

No. Google guarantees several years of Android OS and security updates for the Pixel 8a, ensuring a long-term, secure, and feature-rich experience. Motorola’s update schedule is typically less consistent and shorter in duration, meaning the Edge 40 may not receive updates as quickly or for as long.

❓ How does the Pixel 8a’s image processing handle skin tones compared to the Motorola Edge 40?

Google’s Pixel phones are renowned for their accurate and natural skin tone reproduction. The Tensor G3’s image processing algorithms are specifically tuned to avoid over-smoothing or altering skin tones, resulting in more realistic and flattering portraits. The Edge 40’s image processing may exhibit more aggressive smoothing or color adjustments.