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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Google Pixel 8a is the premium mid-range option here, and it shines with its stellar 120Hz display and 7 years of software updates. In real-world use, its peak brightness of 2,000 nits makes it a joy to use outdoors,. The Moto G Play's HD+ resolution (1600 x 720) falls short compared to the Pixel's FHD+ (1080 x 2400), which means less detail in your favorite shows and games.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm 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 8a
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 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 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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 8a vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Arm 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 | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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 | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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 8a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the Moto G Play's 50MP sensor.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you prioritize photography with a 64MP camera, want a vibrant 120Hz display for gaming, or need long-term software support with 7 years of updates.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a budget-friendly option that lasts over 34 hours on a single charge, enjoy listening to music with great stereo speakers, or need expandable storage with microSD support.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. 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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