Google Pixel 7a vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price difference. However, the Moto G Stylus 5G remains a compelling option for those prioritizing stylus functionality and a lower upfront cost.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Google Pixel 7a |
| 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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 09 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 14 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.67 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 217.5 g (7.69 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| Stylus Water-repellent design | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, 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, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Emerald | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | XT2131, XT2131DL, XT2131-1, XT2131-3, XT2131-4 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | € 189.97 / $ 74.98 / £ 179.95 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
- Superior camera performance with Google’s image processing
- Significantly faster processor for smooth multitasking and gaming
- Faster charging and wireless charging support
- Higher price point
- Smaller screen size compared to the Moto G Stylus 5G
Google Pixel 7a
- Integrated stylus for note-taking and creative tasks
- More affordable price
- Potentially longer battery life for basic usage
- Significantly slower processor
- Inferior camera performance
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Moto G Stylus 5G (typical of its price bracket). This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and Google’s color calibration expertise will deliver a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Moto G Stylus 5G’s larger screen size may appeal to some, but the Pixel 7a’s superior panel quality is a clear advantage.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality far beyond what the hardware alone suggests. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The Moto G Stylus 5G likely relies more on hardware specifications, and while capable, won’t match the Pixel 7a’s image processing capabilities. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both, the Pixel 7a’s overall camera experience is a clear winner.
Performance
The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster CPU configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores, delivering significantly faster processing speeds than the Motorola’s Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). The Tensor G2’s architecture is optimized for machine learning tasks, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The Snapdragon 480 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5 RAM further contributes to its smoother performance.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its powerful processor. The Moto G Stylus 5G likely has a larger battery capacity to compensate for its less efficient chipset, but the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support offers faster charging speeds compared to the Moto G Stylus 5G’s slow 10W charging. The Pixel 7a also adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Motorola.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if you frequently take handwritten notes, sketch, or need a phone with extended battery life for basic tasks and value the integrated stylus above all else. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance for demanding apps, and a more refined software experience with guaranteed updates.