Google Pixel 8a vs. Motorola Moto G45: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G3 chipset provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience, coupled with class-leading camera capabilities. While the Moto G45 offers respectable performance for the price, the Pixel 8a’s software and overall refinement justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G45 | Google Pixel 8a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International) |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 21 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 28 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 74.6 x 8 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) | 64 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD, QC | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Brilliant Blue, Brilliant Green, Viva Magenta | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | - | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | ₹ 10,890 | $ 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 G45
- Superior camera performance with Google’s computational photography
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Tensor G3 chip
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Wireless charging and bypass charging for battery health
- Higher price point compared to the Moto G45
- May not offer expandable storage
Google Pixel 8a
- More affordable price
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset
- May offer expandable storage via microSD card
- Clean Android experience with minimal bloatware
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Pixel 8a
- Inferior camera quality, especially in low light
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, compared to an unlisted value for the Moto G45. This brightness advantage translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 8a’s higher peak brightness and Google’s color calibration expertise will deliver a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Moto G45’s display specs are currently limited, making a detailed comparison of color gamut coverage and refresh rate impossible, but it’s reasonable to expect a more basic panel given the price difference.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are unavailable for the Moto G45, the Pixel 8a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms, powered by the Tensor G3’s image signal processor. This results in superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions and dynamic range. The Pixel 8a’s image processing excels at detail preservation and noise reduction. The Moto G45 likely relies on more traditional image processing techniques, which may struggle to match the Pixel 8a’s results. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on many budget phones, the Pixel 8a’s main sensor and processing capabilities will deliver consistently better photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4nm), a nona-core processor featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core, while the Motorola Moto G45 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm). The Tensor G3’s 4nm process and more powerful core configuration provide a substantial performance advantage, particularly in AI-driven tasks and demanding applications. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, while efficient, is geared towards everyday tasks and light gaming. The Pixel 8a’s CPU architecture (Cortex-X3, A715, A510) is a generation ahead of the Moto G45’s (A78, A55), further widening the performance gap. RAM speeds are also likely to favor the Pixel 8a, potentially utilizing LPDDR5x for faster data transfer.
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving a measured 40:06h endurance rating and 11:25h of active use. While the Moto G45’s battery capacity is unlisted, both phones offer 18W wired charging with PD support. However, the Pixel 8a also includes 7.5W wireless charging and 'bypass charging' which minimizes battery degradation during overnight charging. The Pixel 8a’s superior endurance rating suggests more efficient power management, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the Moto G45. The 1000 cycle battery life claim for the Pixel 8a also indicates long-term battery health.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G45 if you prioritize affordability and a long-lasting battery without demanding peak performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value a premium camera experience, smooth performance for demanding apps, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means spending a bit more.