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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the premium option here, boasting a stunning 6.8" display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, compared to the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) with its 6.5" 720p display. After testing both, the Pixel's vibrant visuals and superior camera features make it a no-brainer for anyone who values quality. The Pixel also shines with a 37W charging speed, getting you back to 70% in roughly 30 minutes, whereas the Moto G Play's 15W charging is more sluggish and lacks a charger in the box.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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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 9 Pro XL
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (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 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 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 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 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 and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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?
Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you need a top-notch camera for photography, you enjoy high-quality video playback, or you want the best display for streaming. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a budget-friendly phone, you need a reliable device for basic tasks, or you prefer a lighter phone for daily use. (6.5" display, 90 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 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. 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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