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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMotorola Moto G Play (2024) vs Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a takes the lead in this showdown, primarily due to its impressive 64MP camera that excels for photography compared to the Motorola Moto G Play (2024)'s 50MP. If you're serious about capturing stunning images, the Pixel 7a is worth every penny. When it comes to screen quality, the Pixel’s 1080p resolution offers a sharper experience than the Moto G Play's 720p display, which might feel limiting for daily use in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.1"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4385 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.53 oz vs 6.84 oz
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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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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Storage
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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: Motorola Moto G Play (2024) vs Google Pixel 7a
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(848)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Adreno 610 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 1600 x 720 (HD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.53 oz (185 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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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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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the Moto G Play's 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you need a budget-friendly phone for basic tasks, you value a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, or you prefer stereo speakers for media consumption.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you want the best smartphone camera for photography, you appreciate a sharper 1080p display, or you need 5G connectivity for faster downloads.
Conclusion
Motorola Moto G Play (2024) and Google Pixel 7a are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Motorola Moto G Play (2024) excels if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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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