Moto G100 vs. Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power and Camera Prowess
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. While the Moto G100 boasts a more powerful CPU core configuration, the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip delivers superior real-world performance and unmatched image processing capabilities, making it the more compelling overall package.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G100 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 | SA/NSA | 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, LTE, 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 | 2025, October 14 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 20 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.5 x 8.6 mm (6.54 x 3.01 x 0.34 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 | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| 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 (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1050 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9 (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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, Laser AF 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) TOF 3D | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 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 | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.7µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 |
| Ready For support | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | XT2533-4 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 100h | Endurance rating 94h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1427:1 (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -29.4 LUFS (Average) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 556137 (v8) GeekBench: 2860 (v5.1) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Motorola Moto G100
- Longer battery endurance rating (100h)
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Potentially better sustained CPU performance due to core configuration
- Less efficient chipset (4nm vs 5nm)
- Likely inferior camera image processing
- Software updates may be less frequent
Google Pixel 6a
- Superior camera performance and image processing
- More efficient Google Tensor chip (5nm)
- Guaranteed software updates and features
- Slower 18W charging
- Slightly lower battery endurance rating (94h)
- Less raw CPU power in certain benchmarks
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to the Moto G100’s nominal 1427:1 contrast ratio which doesn’t specify peak brightness. While the G100’s contrast ratio suggests deep blacks, the Pixel 6a’s higher brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors. The Pixel 6a’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggests an OLED panel, offering per-pixel illumination, while the G100’s panel type isn’t specified, likely being IPS LCD. This difference impacts color vibrancy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s strength lies in its computational photography, powered by the Tensor chip. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, Google’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver exceptional dynamic range and detail. The Moto G100’s camera system is likely more reliant on hardware, potentially struggling in low-light conditions where the Pixel 6a excels. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization provides a significant advantage, even with potentially similar hardware.
Performance
The Google Tensor chip, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a more efficient architecture than the Motorola Moto G100’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm). While the G100’s CPU features faster Cortex-A78 cores (2.40 GHz vs 2.80 GHz on the Pixel), the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip incorporates Cortex-X1 cores, designed for peak performance. The Tensor’s integrated machine learning capabilities also provide advantages in tasks like voice recognition and image processing. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 focuses on sustained performance, while Tensor prioritizes intelligent features.
Battery Life
The Moto G100 claims an endurance rating of 100 hours, exceeding the Pixel 6a’s 94 hours. However, this doesn’t account for charging speed. The G100 supports 30W wired charging, while the Pixel 6a is limited to 18W with PD3.0. This means the G100 can replenish its battery faster, but the Pixel 6a’s efficient Tensor chip and software optimization contribute to comparable real-world battery life despite the smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G100 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing or extended gaming sessions, and value a longer endurance rating of 100 hours. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize exceptional camera performance, a clean and consistently updated software experience, and a more compact form factor, even if it means slightly less raw processing power.