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The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize camera quality, the Google Pixel 8 is a better choice as it has higher rated camera performance for both still photos and videos than the Motorola Edge (2021), though both devices have similar capacities for RAW output and HDR video. For battery life, the Motorola Edge (2021) has a slightly longer battery endurance. The Edge also offers a larger screen size, which may be preferable for media consumption, but the Pixel 8 has a higher refresh rate and peak brightness for its display, which can contribute to smoother and more vibrant visual experiences. Both phones have the Android operating system. However, if storage expansion or a 3.5mm headphone jack are important to you, neither phone supports these features. 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 8
- Very good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Motorola Edge (2021)
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
8.4
5.2
The Google Pixel 8 has very good overall camera quality, while the Motorola Edge (2021) has poor overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 8 outperforms the Motorola Edge (2021) in camera quality, partly because it has a superior selfie camera, as well as better software for processing photos. Additionally, the Pixel 8 offers a higher level of camera versatility, more effective dynamic range and low light performance, which collectively provide a more advanced photography experience compared to the Motorola Edge, which struggles in these areas.
Photo Quality
8.5
5.3
The Google Pixel 8 takes very good photos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor photos.
The Google Pixel 8 outperforms the Motorola Edge (2021) in selfie photography due to having a notably higher selfie quality, which is a very important aspect for those who take a lot of self-portraits. Furthermore, the Pixel 8's superior photos software experience and dynamic range, along with its excellence in low light performance and camera versatility, contribute to it taking excellent photos compared to the poor photo performance of the Motorola Edge (2021).
Video Quality
7.6
4.7
The Google Pixel 8 takes good videos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor videos.
The Google Pixel 8 produces superior videos compared to the Motorola Edge (2021) as it offers an excellent video software experience, greater video stabilization, a wider dynamic range, better low-light performance, and higher mic quality. While both phones have their merits, the Motorola Edge (2021) delivers a video performance that is notably poorer in these areas.
Battery
7.3 Hours
8.7 Hours
The Google Pixel 8 has 7.3 hours of battery life. The Motorola Edge (2021) has 8.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 8 has a screen size of 6.2 inches and the Motorola Edge (2021) is 6.8 inches.
Cost
$649
$600
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
$1,000
The Google Pixel 8 has a price of $649 and the Motorola Edge (2021) costs $600.
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How the Google Pixel 8 and the Motorola Edge (2021) compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 8 | Motorola Edge (2021) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$649 | $600 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Motorola | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 12, 2023 | September 2, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2460 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | Yes | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 428 | 395 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | LCD | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | TensorG3 | SD778G | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 8.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.7/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50 megapixels + OIS | 108 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.3 Hours | 8.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4575 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 18 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | Yes (5 watts) | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.93" x 2.79" | 6.65" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.60 oz | 7.05 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | No | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 7 | 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 | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes (Except Verizon Models) | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Rose, Hazel, Obsidian | Nebula Blue | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | Yes | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 8
See more
Dig into reviews and images
The Guardian
Samuel Gibbs | October 2023
"The fit, finish and feel is top notch. The phone is responsive and smooth. The battery life is decent. The main camera is excellent but the lack of an extended optical zoom is slightly disappointing, even if it has been a similar formula for Google for several years.
The 6.2in screen moves the Pixel 8 closer to the underserved market of smaller but top-end phones, of which there are only a handful to choose from. Google’s generative AI features are certainly novel, but it is the extended seven-year software support that truly sets it apart."
Motorola Edge (2021)
See more
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 8 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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