Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G 5G vs. Google Pixel 8
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | The Moto G 5G is larger and bulkier, less pocketable than the Pixel 8. Pixel 8 is more ergonomic and comfortable to hold and use with one hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 187g | The Pixel 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 8 offers more scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. Motorola's protection is unknown so may be less durable. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.2" | The Moto G 5G has a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and easier multitasking, while the Pixel 8 offers more compact size, which some may prefer. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 393 PPI | 428 PPI | The Pixel 8 has slightly sharper images on the screen than the Moto G 5G. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Pixel 8 provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the Moto G 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Pixel 8 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The Pixel 8 is significantly more visible in direct sunlight, whereas the Moto G 5G's brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | The Pixel 8's chipset is much more powerful, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance, especially in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 876,512 | The Pixel 8 has significantly higher benchmark score, indicating much better performance across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | The Pixel 8's GPU is more powerful, providing smoother graphics for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | The Pixel 8 has more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and smoother running of multiple apps at once. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31" sensor, Samsung GNV, 1.20 µm pixels | The Pixel 8's larger sensor and pixel size, along with better image processing, should lead to better image quality, particularly in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixels | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22 µm pixels | Moto G 5G has a higher resolution, but Pixel 8's larger pixel size and image processing may result in better quality overall. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" sensor, Sony IMX386 Exmor RS, 0.80 µm pixels (Wide Angle + Macro) | The Pixel 8 has a wide angle lens in addition to its macro functionality, making it more versatile for different kinds of photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixels | None (integrated with Wide Angle) | Moto G 5G has a dedicated macro lens, but Pixel 8 offers it combined with its wide angle lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | The Pixel 8 offers higher quality video with OIS and HDR capabilities, giving superior stabilization, color and clarity. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 148, Photo: 152, Video: 148 | The Pixel 8's high DXOMark scores indicate excellent overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Pixel 8 offers additional features like noise reduction, OIS, pro video mode, manual focus and better video features. |
Battery
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | The Moto G 5G has slightly more battery capacity, however, the Google Pixel 8 has a more efficient processor which may lead to similar or longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 27W fast charging | The Pixel 8 charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is a more modern technology. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Pixel 8 can charge other devices wirelessly, adding convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery may provide slightly longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens, though with a lower resolution compared to the Pixel's integration of Macro with its wide angle.
- Lower price: Usually a more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize large-screen viewing and potentially longer battery life on a budget, but this comes with tradeoffs in other areas.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED technology, higher brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a premium viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Tensor G3 chip delivers significantly faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Better Camera System: The Pixel 8 boasts a more capable camera with a larger sensor, OIS, and advanced features.
- Superior Build Quality: Offers Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- eSIM support: Useful for digital carrier switching.
- More RAM: Higher RAM for better multitasking.
- Better Audio Features: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- More software updates: Newer Android and more updates.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize a premium experience, excellent camera capabilities, and strong performance across the board.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G trades overall performance, display quality, camera capabilities for a lower price and larger display.
- The Pixel 8 trades a slightly smaller display for a significantly better overall user experience, better camera, and faster performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a functional smartphone with a larger screen without breaking the bank.
- Casual media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and want a larger screen.
- Users who prefer slightly longer battery: While battery life depends on usage, this phone's larger capacity means that it may last longer on a charge.
Use Cases:
- Streaming movies and videos on a larger screen.
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users who want a macro camera.
Google Pixel 8 Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a top-tier camera with advanced features and image processing.
- Power users: Those who need fast performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who value premium display quality: Those who want vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Users who want software updates: Longer software support.
- Those wanting wireless charging: With reverse charging.
Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Playing graphic-intensive games and other resource-heavy apps.
- Professional use cases that benefit from fast performance and excellent display quality.
- Users who want a more premium experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Motorola Moto G 5G provides decent value for users who prioritize a large display and a budget-friendly option.
- The Google Pixel 8 provides much higher value for users who want a premium experience, performance, and camera capabilities, but at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If price is the main concern, then the Moto G 5G is the more budget-friendly option.
- What is your primary use case? If you primarily consume media, the larger screen of the Moto G 5G might be more appealing, while photography enthusiasts would be better suited to the Pixel 8.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you need speed and a vibrant display, the Pixel 8 is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious User: If you need a larger screen and prioritize basic phone functionalities over everything else, the Moto G 5G could fit your needs, as long as you are aware of the limitations in performance, display and camera quality.
- Scenario 2: Photo Enthusiast: If you want a top-tier camera with advanced features, the Google Pixel 8 is the best option by far, and its performance, display quality, and additional features justify the cost for photo enthusiasts.
- Scenario 3: Performance Seeker: If you need a phone for gaming or running other performance-heavy tasks and want a premium experience, the Google Pixel 8 should be your choice due to its powerful processor, better screen, and more RAM.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 8.
Here's why:
While the Motorola Moto G 5G has the appeal of a larger screen and slightly bigger battery, the Pixel 8 offers a vastly superior user experience across nearly every important category. The most significant advantages for me are:
- Display Quality: The OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 8 provides a noticeably smoother, more vibrant, and enjoyable experience for everyday use, from browsing to watching videos. The vastly improved outdoor brightness makes the Pixel 8 significantly more usable in bright environments.
- Performance: The Google Tensor G3 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 750G. This makes everything from launching apps to multitasking much faster and more fluid. I personally want my phone to feel snappy and responsive.
- Camera Quality: I value a good camera for capturing photos and videos in various scenarios, and the Pixel 8's camera system with its larger sensor, excellent image processing, OIS, and additional features, would provide much better results than the Moto G 5G.
- Overall Experience: The combination of better build quality, a more modern OS, improved connectivity options, and features like reverse charging all contribute to a more premium and convenient daily experience. I want a smartphone to be a pleasant tool, and the Pixel 8 provides that.
While the Moto G 5G might be suitable for those on a tight budget or those who prioritize a larger screen above all else, for my use case, the Google Pixel 8 delivers a far more superior experience.
