Google Pixel 8a vs. Motorola Moto G (2024): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G3 chipset provides significantly more processing power and AI features, complemented by a brighter display and longer battery endurance. While the Moto G (2024) offers excellent value, the Pixel 8a’s overall experience justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G (2024) | 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, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International) |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 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, March 12 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 21 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.32 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, 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 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sage Green | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | XT2417-4, XT2417-1 | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | $ 59.03 | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Motorola Moto G (2024)
- Significantly faster performance with Tensor G3
- Superior camera quality and AI features
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Longer battery life and wireless charging
- Higher price point
- May not be as durable as the Moto G
Google Pixel 8a
- More affordable price
- Reliable and dependable performance for basic tasks
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Slower processor and limited AI capabilities
- Inferior camera performance
- Less vibrant display
- Limited battery endurance
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Moto G (2024) given its market positioning. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 8a’s superior brightness and Google’s display calibration expertise will deliver a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Moto G (2024) likely prioritizes cost savings over advanced display features like variable refresh rates (LTPO) found in higher-end Pixel models.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8a is expected to deliver a significantly superior camera experience. While specific sensor details are unavailable for the Moto G (2024), the Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms. The Tensor G3’s image signal processor (ISP) is optimized for processing images quickly and efficiently, resulting in excellent dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Pixel 8a’s software features, such as Magic Editor and Best Take, provide unique editing capabilities unavailable on the Moto G (2024). We can expect the Pixel 8a to have optical image stabilization (OIS) on its main sensor, further improving image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, built on a 4nm process, is a nona-core processor with a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, designed for AI and machine learning tasks. This contrasts sharply with the Motorola Moto G (2024)’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm), an octa-core chip with a Cortex-A78 based configuration. The Tensor G3’s architecture provides a substantial performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and excels in AI-driven features like Magic Eraser and real-time translation. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is adequate for everyday use but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The Pixel 8a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its performance capabilities.
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a demonstrates superior battery endurance with a measured 40:06h endurance rating and an active use score of 11:25h, indicating a more efficient power management system. While both phones support 18W wired charging, the Pixel 8a also offers 7.5W wireless charging and bypass charging, allowing it to function while charging. The Pixel 8a’s battery is rated for 1000 cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan. The Moto G (2024) will likely offer acceptable battery life for basic usage, but the Pixel 8a provides a more robust and versatile charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G (2024) if you prioritize affordability above all else and need a dependable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value a superior camera experience, faster performance for demanding apps, and access to Google’s AI-powered features, even if it means spending a bit more.