Google Pixel 5a vs Motorola Moto G 5G (2024)
The Verdict
Pixel 5a delivers superior camera performance with its computational photography prowess, OIS-stabilized 12.2MP main sensor, and exceptional low-light capabilities that justify the $250 premium. Its OLED display offers richer colors and deeper blacks compared to Moto G's 120Hz IPS LCD, though the latter provides smoother scrolling. Processing power favors Pixel with Snapdragon 765G versus 4 Gen 1, resulting in noticeably faster app performance and better gaming. Moto G 5G counters with larger 5000mAh battery, 120Hz refresh rate, and newer Android 14, plus higher MP count on paper. However, megapixels don't translate to quality here. Build quality tilts toward Pixel with aluminum frame and IP67 rating versus plastic construction and IP52 dust/water resistance. Budget-conscious buyers gain decent daily performance from Moto G, but photography enthusiasts and those prioritizing experience should choose Pixel 5a for its mature software optimization and superior imaging ecosystem.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5a if…
- →Large 4680 mAh battery for excellent endurance
- →IP67 water resistance (first a-series with it)
- →Great computational photography at $449
Buy the Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) if…
- →5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- →120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- →5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 5a
Pros
- Large 4680 mAh battery for excellent endurance
- IP67 water resistance (first a-series with it)
- Great computational photography at $449
- Headphone jack retained
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- 60Hz display
- Slow 18W charging
- No wireless charging
- Only available in the US and Japan
- Snapdragon 765G is mid-range
Motorola Moto G 5G (2024)
Pros
- 5G connectivity at an extremely affordable $199
- 120Hz display is smooth for gaming and scrolling
- 5000 mAh battery delivers outstanding two-day endurance
- Near-stock Android 14 is clean and bloat-free
- IP52 splash resistance adds basic protection
Cons
- IPS LCD display has washed-out colors compared to AMOLED
- Only 15W charging takes over two hours for a full charge
- No ultrawide camera — just main and macro
- 4 GB RAM can feel limiting with multiple apps
- Only one OS update promised
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5a | Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 183 g | 192 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, polycarbonate coating | Plastic frame and back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | — |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4680 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired (TurboPower) |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.34 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | OLED | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 550 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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