Moto G50 vs. Pixel 5a 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the superior choice. Its significantly brighter display, more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset, and Google’s renowned camera processing deliver a noticeably smoother and more enjoyable experience. However, the Moto G50’s exceptional battery endurance makes it a strong contender for users prioritizing longevity above all else.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola Moto G50 | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 25 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 26 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 74.9 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Water-repellent design | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer (market dependant) | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Steel Gray, Aqua Green | Mostly Black |
| Models | XT2137-1, XT2137-2 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 190 EUR | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 133h | Endurance rating 122h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1819:1 (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -28.0 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 286916 (v9) GeekBench: 1620 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Moto G50
- Exceptional battery life (133h endurance)
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Dimmer, lower-quality display
- Less powerful processor
- Inferior camera performance
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Brighter, higher-quality display
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
- Excellent camera with Google’s image processing
- Faster charging with PD2.0
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Higher price
Display Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a substantially brighter display, reaching 861 nits compared to the Moto G50’s 362 nits. This difference is immediately noticeable in outdoor visibility, making the Pixel 5a far more usable in direct sunlight. While the Moto G50’s contrast ratio of 1819:1 is respectable, the Pixel 5a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (typical of OLED panels) delivers deeper blacks and more vivid colors. The Pixel 5a’s panel technology is not specified, but it is likely OLED, offering superior viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the Moto G50’s LCD.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the Pixel 5a 5G benefits from Google’s exceptional computational photography. While sensor sizes and apertures aren’t specified, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Moto G50 likely relies more heavily on hardware, and while capable, won’t match the Pixel’s software prowess. The absence of details on the Moto G50’s camera suggests it’s not a primary selling point, while the Pixel 5a 5G’s camera is a key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Moto G50 utilizes the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm), while the Pixel 5a 5G features the SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7nm). The 7nm process node of the 765G is more efficient, and its CPU configuration – a 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core alongside a 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold core and six 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores – provides a significant performance advantage over the Moto G50’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 and 1.8 GHz Kryo 460 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Pixel 5a 5G. The Snapdragon 765G also offers a more capable GPU for gaming.
Battery Life
The Moto G50 shines in battery endurance, achieving a measured 133 hours, compared to the Pixel 5a 5G’s 122 hours. This 11-hour advantage is significant for users who prioritize longevity. However, the Pixel 5a 5G compensates with faster 18W charging with PD2.0 support, while the Moto G50 is limited to 15W. This means the Pixel 5a 5G can regain a substantial charge more quickly, mitigating the slightly shorter overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G50 if you absolutely need the longest possible battery life and are willing to compromise on display quality and processing power. It’s ideal for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you value a vibrant display, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and a consistently excellent camera experience, even if it means slightly shorter battery life.