Moto G100 vs Pixel 6a: Which Android Phone Wins in 2024?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the better choice. While the Moto G100 boasts a brighter display and faster charging, the Pixel 6a’s superior image processing, efficient Tensor chip, and guaranteed software updates provide a more refined and future-proof experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G100 (2021) | 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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 | 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 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 | 2021, March 25 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 74 x 9.7 mm (6.63 x 2.91 x 0.38 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10, 560 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 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 | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, ring flash (macro mode), panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm, PDAF TOF 3D Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 6K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm 8 MP, f/2.4, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 20W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Iridescent Sky, Iridescent Ocean, Slate Grey | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | XT2125, XT2125-4 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 210 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Motorola Moto G100 (2021)
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Potentially better raw CPU performance
- Less efficient Snapdragon 870 chip
- Software update support is limited
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some
Google Pixel 6a
- Superior image processing and camera quality
- More efficient Google Tensor chip
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Lower peak display brightness
- Less raw CPU power compared to Snapdragon 870
Display Comparison
The Moto G100’s display achieves a measured peak brightness of 613 nits, significantly outshining the Pixel 6a’s 876 nits. However, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio, while a nominal specification, suggests superior black levels and a more vibrant image. The G100’s 1427:1 contrast ratio is respectable, but doesn’t match the Pixel’s likely OLED performance. Both phones lack high refresh rate displays, a notable omission in this price bracket. The G100’s larger screen size will appeal to media consumers, but the Pixel 6a’s color accuracy, typical of Google’s displays, is likely superior.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits immensely from Google’s computational photography prowess. While specific sensor details are not provided, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver exceptional dynamic range and detail. The Moto G100’s camera, while capable, relies more on hardware specifications than software optimization. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software means it will likely outperform the G100 in low-light conditions and complex scenes. The G100’s camera is likely to offer more versatility with multiple lenses, but the Pixel 6a’s single lens setup, coupled with Google’s software, is often sufficient for most users.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G100 leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm), a powerful chip featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz. The Pixel 6a, conversely, utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm). While the Snapdragon 870 excels in raw CPU performance, the Tensor chip’s strength lies in its AI and machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor chip provides better thermal efficiency than the 7nm Snapdragon 870, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip is optimized for Google’s software, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
Both phones offer comparable battery endurance, with the Moto G100 achieving a 100-hour rating and the Pixel 6a scoring 94 hours. However, the G100’s 20W wired charging is faster than the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging, supporting PD3.0. This means the G100 can replenish its battery more quickly. Despite the slightly lower endurance rating, the Pixel 6a’s more efficient Tensor chip contributes to better real-world battery life, especially during moderate usage. The G100’s larger battery capacity is offset by the less efficient Snapdragon 870.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G100 (2021) if you prioritize a larger, brighter display for media consumption and need the fastest possible wired charging. It’s also a good option for users who frequently use multiple SIM cards. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value computational photography, a clean software experience with timely updates, and a more power-efficient processor for all-day battery life.