Google Pixel 6a vs. Motorola Moto G (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset provides significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price premium. However, the Moto G (2022) remains a compelling option for those prioritizing absolute affordability and basic functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Google Pixel 6a |
| 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 | LTE | 1, 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 bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 22 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 19 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Gray | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | XT2213, XT2213-3 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | $ 65.00 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Motorola Moto G (2022)
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Faster charging with PD3.0 support
- Higher price point
- May not offer expandable storage
Google Pixel 6a
- Extremely affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Clean and simple Android experience
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Moto G (2022). This makes the Pixel 6a far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and color accuracy provide a noticeably better viewing experience. The Moto G (2022)'s display specs are minimal, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography capabilities, powered by the Tensor chip. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 6a’s image processing is expected to be far superior, delivering better dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Moto G (2022) likely features a more basic camera system focused on capturing acceptable images in good lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS on the Moto G (2022) suggests a lack of image stabilization, potentially resulting in blurry photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Motorola Moto G (2022)’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.80 GHz, delivers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. The Dimensity 700 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games or intensive applications. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Pixel 6a benefits from 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support, allowing for faster charging speeds compared to the Moto G (2022)’s slow 10W charging. While both will likely last a full day on a single charge with moderate use, the Pixel 6a’s faster charging capability minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G (2022) if you need a reliable, functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a smooth software experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for a phone that will last longer and handle more demanding tasks.