Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) vs. Google Pixel 8a: A Deep Dive Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) and Google Pixel 8a represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. This comparison focuses on the key differences between these two devices, particularly in battery endurance, processing power, and display quality, to determine which one best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term battery life and software experience, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice. Its impressive 11:25 active use score and 40:06h endurance rating significantly outperform the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025). However, the Motorola offers significantly faster 68W charging, a built-in stylus, and a brighter display.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) Google Pixel 8a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 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, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International)
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, April 082024, May 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, April 17Available. Released 2024, May 14
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.2 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~444 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 3000 nits (peak)OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 15, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF64 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4492 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Gibraltar sea, Surf the WebObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
ModelsXT2517-1GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
Price$ 299.99 / C$ 368.17$ 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 Stylus 5G (2025)

  • Significantly faster 68W wired charging
  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and creativity
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility (1870 nits)

  • Shorter battery life compared to Pixel 8a (10:05h active use)
  • Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 vs Tensor G3)

Google Pixel 8a

  • Exceptional battery life (11:25h active use, 40:06h endurance)
  • Powerful Google Tensor G3 processor with AI capabilities
  • Superior camera processing and image quality

  • Slower charging speeds (18W wired, 7.5W wireless)
  • Less bright display compared to Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)

Display Comparison

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 1870 nits, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 1508 nits. This difference will be most noticeable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display tech isn't specified for either, so we can't comment on refresh rates or panel type. The higher brightness of the Motorola is a clear advantage for users who frequently consume content outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, Google’s Pixel line is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging the Tensor G3’s AI capabilities to deliver exceptional image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Motorola, while likely capable, will rely more on hardware specifications. The absence of information regarding sensor size and OIS makes it difficult to assess the Motorola’s low-light performance. We can assume the Pixel 8a will offer a more refined and consistent camera experience.

Performance

The Google Pixel 8a leverages Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, a nona-core processor featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside A715 and A510 cores. This contrasts with the Motorola’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, an octa-core chip with Cortex-A78 and A55 cores peaking at 2.4 GHz. While core count isn’t everything, the Tensor G3’s architecture, particularly the Cortex-X3, suggests superior single-core performance, beneficial for demanding applications and smoother multitasking. The 4nm fabrication process is shared, suggesting similar efficiency, but the Tensor G3’s design is optimized for AI tasks.

Battery Life

Battery life is a significant differentiator. The Pixel 8a achieves an impressive 11:25h active use score and a remarkable 40:06h endurance rating, based on 1000 cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) manages a respectable 10:05h active use score, but falls short of the Pixel’s endurance. However, the Motorola compensates with significantly faster charging: 68W wired and 15W wireless, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired (PD3.0) and 7.5W wireless. The Pixel 8a also features bypass charging, allowing direct power from the charger while the battery is charging, reducing heat and potentially extending battery lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) if you need a built-in stylus for note-taking or creative tasks, value extremely fast charging speeds, and prioritize a brighter screen for outdoor visibility. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prefer a cleaner software experience, exceptional battery life, and Google’s renowned computational photography capabilities, even if it means slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a capable chip, it's positioned in the mid-range. Demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings for smooth gameplay. The Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a, with its more powerful architecture, will likely offer a better gaming experience overall.
❓ How does the bypass charging feature on the Pixel 8a impact long-term battery health?
Bypass charging allows the phone to run directly off the charger, minimizing heat buildup within the battery itself. This can significantly reduce battery degradation over time, potentially extending the lifespan of the Pixel 8a's battery compared to phones that charge directly through the battery.
❓ Is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) pressure sensitive, and what applications does it support?
While the context data doesn't specify pressure sensitivity, Motorola typically includes basic stylus functionality. It's likely suitable for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the interface, but may not offer the advanced features found in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's S Pen. It will work with most note-taking and drawing apps.