Moto G (2025) vs Google Pixel 8a: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing software experience and camera quality, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G3 chip and exceptional battery endurance outweigh the Moto G (2025)'s lower price point. However, the Moto G (2025) presents a compelling option for those on a strict budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G (2025) | 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/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 | 2025, January 14 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 30 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.1 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.58 x 3.00 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.2 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 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.61µm, PDAF, OIS 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, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm | 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 (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | 30W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Forest Gray, Sapphire Blue | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | XT2513V, T2513-1 | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | $ 149.99 | $ 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 (2025)
- More affordable price point
- Faster wired charging (30W)
- Potentially longer battery lifespan due to simpler camera system
- Less powerful processor
- Inferior camera performance
- Likely lower display quality
Google Pixel 8a
- Superior performance with Tensor G3
- Exceptional battery life and endurance
- Excellent camera quality and software features
- Slower wired charging (18W)
- Higher price tag
- May experience some thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1508 nits, making it far more usable in direct sunlight compared to the Moto G (2025), which lacks specified brightness data. While the Moto G (2025) likely utilizes an LCD panel to keep costs down, the Pixel 8a’s OLED technology delivers superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates, a common omission in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
While detailed camera specs are missing for the Moto G (2025), the Pixel 8a’s strength lies in Google’s computational photography. The Pixel 8a leverages Google’s image processing algorithms to deliver consistently excellent photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS or sensor size on the Moto G (2025) suggests a more basic camera experience. The Pixel 8a’s focus on software optimization will likely result in superior image quality and features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pixel 8a’s Google Tensor G3, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a nona-core configuration with a high-performance Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This contrasts with the Moto G (2025)'s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm), an octa-core chip with a peak clock speed of 2.4 GHz. The Tensor G3’s more advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to superior processing power and improved thermal efficiency, crucial for sustained performance in demanding applications. The Pixel 8a will likely handle multitasking and graphically intensive games with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 8a demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 40:06h endurance rating and 11:25h of active use. This is supported by its 1000 cycle battery life, indicating long-term reliability. The Moto G (2025) offers 30W wired charging, potentially providing faster initial charging speeds than the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0. However, the Pixel 8a’s superior battery capacity and efficiency will likely result in longer overall usage between charges, and the addition of 7.5W wireless charging and bypass charging adds convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G (2025) if you need a functional, reliable smartphone with decent performance for basic tasks and prioritize minimizing upfront cost. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prefer a smoother, more refined user experience, superior camera capabilities, and longer-lasting battery life, even if it means spending a bit more.