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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Motorola razr (2023)
The Google Pixel 8a is the smarter buy for most people, especially with its unbeatable 7-year software support. In my testing, this means your phone stays fresh and secure much longer than the Motorola razr (2023), which only gets 3 years of updates. You’ll appreciate the Pixel’s stunning 6.1" 120Hz Actua OLED display that peaks at 2,000 nits - perfect for outdoor use. Meanwhile, the razr’s 6.9" 144Hz pOLED screen is impressive but falls short in long-term software reliability, which matters when you're investing in a mid-range phone like these in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.9"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 144 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 4200 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 razr (2023)
★4.3
(513)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 644
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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 razr (2023)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Motorola razr (2023)
Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Motorola razr (2023)
Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60HzWinner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Motorola razr (2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Motorola razr (2023)
8GB LPDDR4X
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Motorola razr (2023)
128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Motorola razr (2023)
64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Motorola razr (2023)
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
Motorola razr (2023)
4,200mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Motorola razr (2023)
5W Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Motorola razr (2023)
6.65 oz (188.6 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Motorola razr (2023)
Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Motorola razr (2023)
5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs Motorola razr (2023)
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Motorola razr (2023)
★4.3(513)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Motorola razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.3(513)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 644 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision |
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 | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP) |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 4,200mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 5W Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
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 coating - Splash Resistant only) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.65 oz (188.6 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 | Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only) |
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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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Motorola razr (2023)
Rating:★4.3(513)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 644
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5"
Screen Type:Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz
Resolution:Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak)
Main Camera:64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP)
Battery:4,200mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box)
Wireless Charging:5W Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent coating - Splash Resistant only)
Dimensions:Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in
Weight:6.65 oz (188.6 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only)
✓ Pros:
- • Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US
- • Battery life (4,200mAh) exceeds that of the premium Razr+ and Galaxy Z Flip5
- • Premium vegan leather design feels grippy and durable
- • Main screen is excellent: 144Hz LTPO with invisible crease mechanics
- • Includes wireless charging (albeit slow 5W)
✗ Cons:
- • External display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike Razr+)
- • Charger is NOT included in the box (unlike previous Moto G phones)
- • Performance (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1) is mid-range, not flagship level
- • IP52 rating is weak compared to Samsung's IPX8 (submersion protection)
- • USB 2.0 port means slow data transfer and no wired video output
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 7-year software support crushes the razr's 3 years. That said, grab the Motorola razr (2023) if you want a stylish foldable design - it's the most affordable option in the US.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want long-term software updates, enjoy taking photos with a capable 64MP camera, or prefer a brighter display for outdoor use.
Choose the Motorola razr (2023) if: you want a unique foldable design, need a large screen for multitasking, or prefer a more affordable option with a premium feel. (6.9" display, 144 Hz refresh)
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 razr (2023) is better if you prioritize most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the us. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
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