Motorola Moto G (2023) vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new Android phone can be overwhelming. The Motorola Moto G (2023) offers a budget-friendly option, while the Google Pixel 6a boasts Google's Tensor chip and renowned camera capabilities. Let's break down which phone reigns supreme.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a is the clear winner for most users. Its superior performance, exceptional camera, and brighter display outweigh the Moto G 2023's lower price. However, the Moto G offers decent value for those on a tight budget prioritizing affordability.

PHONES
Phone Names	Motorola Moto G (2023)	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	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71	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	2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 78 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	2023, May 02	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2023, May 25	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164 x 75 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 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	189 g (6.67 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 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)	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
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 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, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	15W wired	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Ink Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	XT2313	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	$ 56.55	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Motorola Moto G (2023)

Affordable price
5G connectivity
Decent battery life
Clean Android experience

Lower performance
Less bright display
Slower charging
Mediocre camera

Google Pixel 6a

Excellent camera
Smooth performance (Tensor chip)
Bright and vibrant display
Guaranteed software updates
Fast charging (PD3.0)

Higher price
Older design
No expandable storage

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a's display shines with a measured 876 nits of peak brightness, making it easily viewable outdoors. Its infinite contrast ratio provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Moto G 2023's display is adequate but lacks the same brightness and contrast, resulting in a less immersive experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a standout feature, known for its excellent image processing and consistently great photos in various conditions. The Moto G 2023's camera is serviceable but lacks the Pixel's dynamic range and detail. Google's computational photography is a major advantage.

Performance

The Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a delivers significantly faster performance than the Snapdragon 480+ in the Moto G 2023. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run better on the Pixel 6a. The Moto G is sufficient for everyday tasks but struggles with heavier workloads.

Battery Life

Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings (94h), suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Pixel 6a's more efficient Tensor chip might provide slightly better real-world performance. The Moto G's 15W charging is slower than the Pixel 6a's 18W PD3.0 charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Motorola Moto G (2023)? Users seeking a very affordable 5G phone for basic tasks like browsing and social media. Who should buy the Google Pixel 6a? Users prioritizing a smooth experience, excellent camera quality, and guaranteed software updates.