Motorola Edge 50 vs Google Pixel 8a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and rapid charging, the Motorola Edge 50 emerges as the winner. Its significantly longer 45:48h endurance and 68W charging outweigh the Pixel 8a’s software advantages and slightly brighter display.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Edge 50 | 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 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 | 2024, August 01 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 08 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer (eco leather or eco suede) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 72.4 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 2.85 x 0.31 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~92.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE (4 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 5 major Android upgrades | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Triple | 50 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 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 68W wired 15W wireless | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Koala Gray, Jungle Green, Peach Fuzz | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | XT2407-1 | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | $ 299.99 / ₹ 21,437 | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 45:48h endurance, 1200 cycles | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | Class B | Class B |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | Class B | Class B |
Motorola Edge 50
- Exceptional battery endurance (45:48h)
- Ultra-fast 68W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging support
- Chipset may not match Pixel 8a in AI tasks
- Camera performance likely relies more on hardware
Google Pixel 8a
- Google Tensor G3 for AI and image processing
- Excellent computational photography
- Guaranteed software updates
- Shorter battery endurance (40:06h)
- Slower 18W wired charging
Display Comparison
Both the Motorola Edge 50 and Google Pixel 8a feature 4nm chipsets, but their displays differ noticeably. The Pixel 8a boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 1508 nits compared to the Edge 50’s 1416 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic in most real-world scenarios. While both likely use OLED panels, the specifics (like refresh rate and PWM dimming) aren't provided, making a detailed comparison of smoothness and eye strain difficult. The Pixel 8a’s smaller size (assumed, based on Pixel ‘a’ series history) may appeal to users preferring a more compact device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs (sensor size, aperture, OIS), a direct comparison is limited. However, the Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms, consistently delivering excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Edge 50 will likely rely more on hardware capabilities, and while it may produce good results, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 8a’s software-driven image processing. The absence of information regarding OIS on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance and video stabilization.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, with its nona-core configuration including a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, is designed for AI and machine learning tasks, offering advantages in areas like image processing and voice recognition. The Motorola Edge 50 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE, an octa-core chip with a Cortex-A710 prime core at 2.5 GHz. While the Tensor G3 has a theoretical clock speed advantage, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE is known for its efficiency and strong GPU performance. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 will likely excel in tasks leveraging Google’s AI, while the Edge 50 may offer a smoother experience in graphically demanding games. Both utilize a 4nm process, suggesting comparable thermal efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key differentiator. The Motorola Edge 50 achieves an impressive 45:48h endurance rating with 1200 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. In contrast, the Pixel 8a offers 40:06h endurance with 1000 cycles. Active use testing further highlights this difference, with the Edge 50 lasting 9:56h versus the Pixel 8a’s 11:25h. While the Pixel 8a has a longer active use score, the Edge 50’s overall endurance is superior. Charging speeds also favor the Edge 50, with 68W wired charging significantly faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W, and 15W wireless charging versus 7.5W. The Pixel 8a does offer bypass charging, allowing use while plugged in, a feature absent on the Edge 50.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Edge 50 if you need exceptional battery life, fast wired and wireless charging, and a smooth, responsive experience for everyday tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize Google’s AI-powered features, computational photography, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.