Google Pixel 5a vs Motorola Razr (2023)
The Verdict
Google Pixel 5a offers exceptional value with a proven camera system, reliable performance, and solid build quality at $449. Motorola Razr 2023 commands premium pricing for its innovative foldable design, superior 144Hz display, and more powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. Camera performance favors Pixel 5a's computational photography and OIS-stabilized ultrawide. Razr 2023 counters with a 64MP main sensor and faster charging at 30W. Battery capacity concerns plague Razr 2023 with only 3800mAh versus Pixel 5a's 4680mAh, despite the foldable's wireless charging option. Display technology differs substantially: Pixel 5a's 60Hz OLED provides consistency, while Razr 2023's 144Hz pOLED delivers premium visual fluidity. Software maturity and camera expertise favor Pixel 5a for everyday users. Razr 2023 justifies premium pricing only for those valuing foldable innovation and high refresh rates over practical battery life. Budget-conscious buyers should choose Pixel 5a; early adopters may prefer Razr 2023.
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 Razr (2023) if…
- →Most affordable clamshell foldable at $699 launch price
- →Stylish vegan leather finish and compact folded design
- →144Hz pOLED main display is smooth and vibrant
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 Razr (2023)
Pros
- Most affordable clamshell foldable at $699 launch price
- Stylish vegan leather finish and compact folded design
- 144Hz pOLED main display is smooth and vibrant
- 64 MP main camera produces good daylight photos
- Compact folded form factor fits easily in any pocket
Cons
- Very small 1.5-inch cover screen limits quick interactions
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mid-range chip limits performance
- 3800 mAh battery barely gets through a full day
- IP52 water resistance is minimal for a $699 phone
- Only 5W wireless charging is essentially unusable
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5a | Motorola Razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 183 g | 188.6 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, polycarbonate coating | Aluminum frame, vegan leather or glass back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP52 |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm | 170.8 x 73.9 x 7.2 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 64 MP, f/1.7, PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 32 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4680 mAh | 3800 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired (TurboPower) |
| Wireless charging | No | 5W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.34 inches | 6.9 inches (main), 1.5 inches (cover) |
| Type | OLED | pOLED, 144Hz main / OLED cover |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2640 x 1080 (main) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1400 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 3x2.36 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 644 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Motorola products. View full details for the Google Pixel 5a or the Motorola Razr (2023).
