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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Google Pixel 8 is the flagship option, delivering an exceptional 6.2" FHD+ display at 120Hz, compared to the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) with its 6.5" HD+ display. You'll appreciate the Pixel's peak brightness of 2,000 nits, perfect for outdoor use, while the Moto G Play's 720p resolution falls short for media consumption in 2026. Key specs: Display: 6.2" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
📱 Display: 6.2" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4575 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8 vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8 | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.2" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 4,575mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.60 oz (187 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8 is the better buy for most people - its stunning 120Hz display crushes the Motorola Moto G Play's 90Hz setup.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you want a flagship experience with a vibrant 120Hz display, need 5G connectivity, or value long-term software support.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a larger battery for extended use, prefer a more affordable option, or want decent performance for everyday tasks. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8 excels if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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