Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) vs Pixel 8a: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel 8a edges ahead with a BeastScore of 81.6/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Motorola

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
82/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Google · 2024

Pixel 8a

Pixel 8a
82/ 100
Launch price$499
Head-to-head

Pixel 8a wins 2 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
1 win
Pixel 8a
Pixel 8a
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplay
Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)Pixel 8a
Category winners

Scores out of 100. "From specs" scores compare only the specs both phones list. How we score

  • Speedfrom specsPixel 8a
    51
    79
  • Camerafrom specsPixel 8a
    32
    66
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    60
    60
  • Batteryfrom specsMotorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
    73
    50
  • Displayfrom specsTie
    88
    88
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueNot enough data
Key differences
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has the bigger battery5,200 mAh vs 4,492 mAh
  • Pixel 8a has a sharper main camera64 MP vs 50 MP
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has the bigger screen6.7" vs 6.1"
  • Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has a sharper selfie camera16 MP vs 13 MP
  • Pixel 8a has more RAM8 GB vs 4 GB
  • Pixel 8a has the faster chipGoogle Tensor G3 vs Dimensity 6300
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)
  • ✓Bigger 5,200 mAh battery (+708 mAh)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6.7" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel 8a
  • ✓64 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationMotorola Moto G Play 5G (2026)Pixel 8a
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeNot listedOLED
Screen Size6.7"6.1"
Resolution & DensityN/A 2400x1080 (429 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz
BrightnessN/A2,000 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel 8a Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorDimensity 6300 Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedMali-G715 MP7
Operating SystemAndroid 15 Android 14
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR8 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64 GB128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Pixel 8a Wins Camera
Primary Camera50 MP, 50MP Main + Depth Sensor64 MP, f/1.89, OIS, Samsung GN2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/A13 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens16 MP13 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions
DimensionsN/A152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm
WeightN/A188 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP67
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) Wins Battery
Battery Capacity5,200 mAh4,492 mAh
Wired Fast ChargingN/A18W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listed18W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardNot listedWi-Fi 6E
BluetoothNot listed5.3
USB Port & SpeedNot listedUSB-C 3.2
NFCYesYes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch PricePrice on request$499
Our verdict

Pixel 8a wins — BeastScore 81.6/100

The Pixel 8a is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP) and more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB). The Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,200 mAh vs 4,492 mAh).

Buy Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) if you want

Larger battery: 5,200 mAh vs 4,492 mAh · Larger display: 6.7" vs 6.1"

Buy Pixel 8a if you want

Higher-resolution main camera: 64 MP vs 50 MP · More RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB

Common questions

Which is better: Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) or Pixel 8a?

The Pixel 8a is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP) and more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB). The Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,200 mAh vs 4,492 mAh). BeastScore: Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) 82.0/100, Pixel 8a 81.6/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) and Pixel 8a?

Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) has a 6.7-inch display and 5200 mAh battery. Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch display and 4492 mAh battery.

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