Google Pixel 7a vs. Motorola One 5G UW: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides significantly better performance and future-proofing, and its camera system is in a different league. While the Motorola One 5G UW offers a compelling value proposition, the Pixel 7a’s overall experience justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Motorola One 5G UW | 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66 | 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 | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 mmWave | 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | 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 | 2020, October 16. Released 2020, October 16 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.9 x 73.9 x 8.9 mm (6.61 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 209.8 g (7.41 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| Water-repellent coating | 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 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10 | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 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 | Dual-LED flash, ring flash (macro camera), panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.0µm 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1.12µm | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO | 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, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Oxford Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 470 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) | - |
Motorola One 5G UW
- Superior performance with Google Tensor G2
- Exceptional camera quality and features
- Faster charging and wireless charging support
- Higher price point
- May not offer expandable storage
Google Pixel 7a
- More affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset
- Significantly weaker performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Motorola One 5G UW (typical of its price bracket). While the Motorola’s display specs aren’t available, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for the Motorola) also contributes to a smoother scrolling experience. The Pixel 7a likely benefits from OLED technology, offering superior contrast and color accuracy compared to the Motorola’s likely LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. 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 low-light photography and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The Motorola One 5G UW likely relies more on hardware limitations, and its image processing won’t match the Pixel’s sophistication. Ignoring the likely inclusion of a low-resolution macro lens on the Motorola, the Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, offering better stabilization and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Motorola One 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765 (7nm). The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a significant performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks and AI processing. The Snapdragon 765, while capable, is geared towards efficient 5G connectivity rather than raw power. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding applications like video editing or gaming. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5X RAM further enhances its performance advantage.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its powerful processor. The Motorola One 5G UW’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less demanding chipset could potentially offer comparable battery life. However, the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support is faster and more versatile than the Motorola’s 15W wired charging. The Pixel 7a also adds 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Motorola.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola One 5G UW if you prioritize affordability and basic 5G connectivity above all else, and don't require advanced camera features or demanding performance. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a premium camera experience, smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and Google’s software features and long-term support.