Motorola Moto G (2023) vs Google Pixel 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 25, 2023 September 9, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 103.32 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.44 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 189 g 199 g
Height 164 mm 152.8 mm
Width 75 mm 72 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Ink Blue
  • Obsidian
  • Hazel
  • Porcelain
  • Rose Quartz

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.3 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1280 x 2856
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.9 % 86.9 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 495 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 118.42 mAh/in²
Battery Density 48.39 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G715 MC7

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G (2023)Google Pixel 9 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)164 x 75 x 8.4152.8 x 72 x 8.5Pixel 9 Pro is noticeably more compact and potentially easier to handle one-handed.
Weight (g)189199Negligible weight difference in real-world usage.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without this information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCD, 120HzLTPO OLED, 120HzPixel 9 Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency due to LTPO technology. Moto G has a standard LCD.
Display Size (inches)6.56.3Moto G has slightly larger screen real estate, but Pixel 9 Pro has a higher resolution packed into a smaller size.
Resolution (pixels)720 x 16001280 x 2856Pixel 9 Pro offers significantly sharper visuals due to much higher pixel density.
PPI270495Text and images will appear much crisper on the Pixel 9 Pro.
Peak BrightnessNot specified3000 nitsPixel 9 Pro offers exceptional outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. Moto G's brightness is unknown.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480+ 5GGoogle Tensor G4Tensor G4 provides significantly faster processing power, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications and games.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)Pixel 9 Pro boasts a more powerful and modern CPU architecture, resulting in a significantly faster and more responsive user experience.
RAM4GB16GBPixel 9 Pro offers vastly superior multitasking capabilities; apps will stay open in the background longer, and performance will be smoother with less reloading.
Storage128GB256GB, 512GB, 1TBPixel 9 Pro offers significantly more storage options for users with large media libraries or who install many apps.
Camera
Rear Camera48MP Main, 2MP Macro50MP Main, 48MP Wide, 48MP TelephotoPixel 9 Pro boasts a triple camera system with versatile lens options, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom, significantly outperforming the Moto G's basic dual camera setup.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@30fpsPixel 9 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities with much higher resolution and frame rate options.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50004700While Moto G has a larger battery capacity, the Pixel 9 Pro's more efficient processor and LTPO display could result in comparable or even better battery life. Real-world usage will vary.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:

  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity might translate to longer usage time, but this depends heavily on usage patterns.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Faster Performance: Tensor G4 chip and 16GB RAM deliver a vastly smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Superior Display: LTPO OLED with higher resolution and brightness offers a drastically better visual experience.
  • More Versatile Camera System: Triple camera setup with telephoto lens provides superior image quality and flexibility.
  • More Premium Features: NFC, newer Bluetooth version, faster USB standard, and under-display fingerprint sensor.

Trade-offs:

  • Price: The Pixel 9 Pro's advanced features come at a significantly higher price point.
  • Battery Life: While the Moto G has a larger battery, the Pixel 9 Pro's efficiency could result in comparable real-world battery life. This is a potential trade-off that needs real-world testing to confirm.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G (2023): Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic communication, web browsing, and light media consumption. Good for users who heavily value battery life above all else.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Ideal for power users, photographers, videographers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system. Suitable for users who value a premium user experience and are willing to pay for it.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G is a budget-friendly option, while the Pixel 9 Pro is a premium flagship device.
  2. What are your primary smartphone uses? Basic tasks vs. demanding applications, gaming, photography, etc.
  3. How important are display quality and performance to you? The Pixel 9 Pro significantly outperforms the Moto G in these areas.

My Choice: Google Pixel 9 Pro

While the Moto G (2023) offers a larger battery and significantly lower price, the Pixel 9 Pro's comprehensive advantages in performance, display, camera, and features make it the clear winner for me. I prioritize a smooth user experience, a vibrant display, and a capable camera, and I am willing to pay a premium for those features. The jump from 4GB to 16GB of RAM alone is a massive difference in day-to-day usability. Furthermore, the Pixel 9 Pro's superior camera system and advanced features like NFC solidify its position as the better overall device for my needs. The potential trade-off in battery life is acceptable considering the Pixel 9 Pro's LTPO display and efficient processor might mitigate the difference in capacity.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.