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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking a more budget-friendly option with a solid camera and Android experience, the Google Pixel 6a is a good choice. However, if you prefer larger screens and longer battery life, and are willing to pay a bit more, the Motorola Edge (2021) could be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the Motorola has a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals, which could be important if you enjoy gaming or streaming video content. Both phones offer quality cameras, but the Google Pixel 6a is recognized for its photo quality, which typically excels in detail and color accuracy. On the other hand, if fast charging is a priority, the Motorola Edge (2021) offers faster charging capabilities. Both phones are made of plastic, have similar storage capacity, and run on Android, but the overall camera experience may be better with the Pixel 6a while the Edge (2021) offers a bit more screen real estate and battery life. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Google Pixel 6a
- Good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Motorola Edge (2021)
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.6
5.2
The Google Pixel 6a has good overall camera quality, while the Motorola Edge (2021) has poor overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 6a captures better selfies owing to a higher selfie camera quality, complemented by its superior photos software experience that enhances image processing. In contrast, the Motorola Edge (2021) falls behind in selfie camera performance and offers a less refined camera software experience, impacting its overall image output negatively.
Photo Quality
7.4
5.3
The Google Pixel 6a takes good photos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor photos.
The Google Pixel 6a delivers a superior photography experience with its high-quality photo software, better dynamic range, and low light performance; it also offers a fair camera versatility and good selfie quality. Conversely, the Motorola Edge (2021) falls short with a lower photo software experience, poor dynamic range, and low light photos, along with poor camera versatility and selfie quality.
Video Quality
7.2
4.7
The Google Pixel 6a takes good videos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor videos.
The Google Pixel 6a takes good videos because it has very good video stabilization, dynamic range, low-light performance, and mic quality, along with video software that is highly rated. On the other hand, the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poorer videos due to lacking in these video aspects such as stabilization, dynamic range, low light performance, and also has merely fair mic quality.
Battery
7.6 Hours
8.7 Hours
The Google Pixel 6a has 7.6 hours of battery life. The Motorola Edge (2021) has 8.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 6a has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Motorola Edge (2021) is 6.8 inches.
Cost
$400
$600
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Google Pixel 6a has a price of $400 and the Motorola Edge (2021) costs $600.
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How the Google Pixel 6a and the Motorola Edge (2021) compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 6a | Motorola Edge (2021) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$400 | $600 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Motorola | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 21, 2022 | September 2, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2460 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | Yes | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 429 | 395 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | LCD | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Tensor | SD778G | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12.2 megapixels + OIS | 108 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.6 Hours | 8.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4410 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | No | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 0 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.99" x 2.83" | 6.65" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.28 oz | 7.05 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | No | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes (Except Verizon Models) | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Chalk, Sage, Charcoal | Nebula Blue | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | Yes | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 6a
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Ars Technica
Ron Amadeo | July 2022
"it's very hard to find fault with the Pixel 6a. It has a processor that, in the US at least, blows away other Android phones in this price range. The design is great, the camera is fine, and the price is right. What's not to like?"
Motorola Edge (2021)
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Philip Michaels | October 2021
"If you've overlooked Motorola's higher-end phones in the past, the Motorola Edge 5G UW does a very good job at trying to regain your attention. Improvements to the main camera impress. I'm also impressed by how quickly the phone recharges. It's the affordability that ultimately wins the day for the Motorola Edge. this phone offers enough premium features to put it at the forefront of midrange options."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel 6a or the Motorola Edge (2021)
About Google
Google can be considered a relatively new player in the smartphone industry, joining as late as 2016 with their phone, the Google Pixel. Since then, the Pixel lineup has undergone many changes, but it has always been characterized by a focus on photography and clean software, by providing a pure Android experience. By virtue of Google being the creator of the Android operating system, Pixels are known for receiving timely software updates and for being supported with updates for a long time. Additionally, over the past few generations of devices, Google started designing their own processors. This allowed for the implementation of unique software features that are not present in any other phone, such as automatic call screening and unique voice transcribing capabilities.
About Motorola
Motorola, a well-known name in the smartphone world, has a long-standing legacy in the industry, with a history dating back to the early days of mobile phones. The brand is mostly known for striking a balance between affordability and functionality, as well as providing a clean and straightforward interface with their software skin on top of Android. While they have traditionally been prominent in the budget and midrange categories, Motorola has also occasionally ventured into the high-end category for smartphones.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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