Google Pixel 7a vs. Motorola Moto G15: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and a vastly improved camera experience. However, the Motorola Moto G15 excels in battery endurance, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity over raw power.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G15 | Google Pixel 7a |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | - | 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 | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | 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 | 2024, December 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, February 12 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4 | 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 (~86.6% 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 Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide) | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gravity Grey, Iguana Green, Sunrise Orange, Sea Blue, Glacier Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | XT2521-3 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | € 94.90 / $ 121.95 / £ 113.83 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 57:13h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Motorola Moto G15
- Superior performance with the Google Tensor G2 chipset
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing
- Wireless charging and PD3.0 support
- Shorter battery life compared to the Moto G15
- Potentially higher price point
Google Pixel 7a
- Outstanding battery endurance (57:13h)
- Long-lasting battery health (1000 charge cycles)
- More affordable price
- Significantly slower performance
- Less capable camera system
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the Moto G15’s unspecified brightness. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Moto G15’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 7a likely benefits from OLED technology, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The absence of high refresh rate information for the Moto G15 suggests a standard 60Hz panel, while the Pixel 7a is expected to have 90Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear differentiator. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image processing. The Moto G15’s camera is likely more focused on providing basic functionality, and any 2MP macro lens included would offer limited practical benefit. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from advanced stabilization and processing features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Motorola Moto G15’s MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme (12nm). The Tensor G2’s CPU configuration – 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally more advanced than the G81’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly in demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G15 shines in battery endurance, boasting a remarkable 57:13h rating and a 1000-cycle lifespan. This suggests it can withstand significantly more charge cycles before experiencing noticeable degradation. The Pixel 7a, with a 76h endurance rating, still offers respectable battery life, but falls short of the Moto G15. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging and PD3.0 support, enabling faster charging with compatible adapters. The Moto G15’s longer lifespan and overall endurance make it the winner for users prioritizing longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G15 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use and prioritize affordability above all else. You’ll appreciate its long-term battery health with 1000 charge cycles. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a premium camera experience, smoother performance for demanding apps, and access to Google’s latest software features, even if it means more frequent charging.