Motorola Moto G23 vs Google Pixel 9 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 24, 2023 August 22, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.66 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.18 "/g
Weight 184.3 g 198 g
Height 162.7 mm 152.8 mm
Width 74.7 mm 72 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Pearl White
  • Steel Blue
  • Matte Charcoal
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Wintergreen
  • Peony

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.3 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2424
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.9 % 86.5 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 422 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1800 nits
Peak Brightness 400 nits 2700 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 118.42 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.17 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 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 G23Google Pixel 9Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2152.8 x 72 x 8.5Pixel 9 is slightly smaller and more compact.
Weight (g)184.3198Pixel 9 is noticeably heavier.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDOLEDPixel 9 offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency due to OLED technology.
Display Size (inches)6.56.3Negligible size difference.
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2424Pixel 9 has a significantly sharper display (422 ppi vs 270 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120Pixel 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate.
Peak Brightness400 nits (peak)1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)Pixel 9 will be far more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Pixel 9's Tensor G4 is significantly more powerful and efficient due to its advanced architecture and smaller manufacturing process.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)Pixel 9 offers significantly better CPU performance for demanding tasks and multitasking.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G715 MC7Pixel 9 boasts a much more powerful GPU, resulting in smoother gaming and faster graphics rendering.
RAM4GB12GBPixel 9 offers substantially more RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking and keeping more apps open in the background.
Camera
Rear Camera50MP Main, 5MP Wide, 2MP Macro50MP Main, 48MP Wide+MacroPixel 9's combined wide and macro lens offers versatility. Both have comparable main sensors, but image quality will likely differ due to processing.
Front Camera16MP10.5MPResolution difference, but practical selfie quality depends on processing.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EISPixel 9 offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and stabilization.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50004700Moto G23 has slightly larger battery capacity.
Fast Charging30W27WMoto G23 offers slightly faster wired charging, but real-world difference might be minimal.
Wireless ChargingNo15WPixel 9 supports wireless charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Slightly Faster Wired Charging: Marginally faster charging speeds.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.

Google Pixel 9 Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: Much faster and smoother overall experience due to a more powerful processor, GPU, and ample RAM.
  • Higher Quality Display: Sharper, more vibrant, and better visibility in sunlight.
  • Better Camera Features: Superior video recording capabilities, potentially better image processing.
  • Wireless Charging: Added convenience.
  • Longer Software Support: Expected to receive more OS and security updates.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G23: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, long battery life, and affordability. Ideal for:

  • Casual users: Primarily using phone for calls, texting, social media, and light web browsing.
  • Students: Needing a reliable device for communication and note-taking.
  • Elderly users: Preferring simplicity and ease of use.

Google Pixel 9: Users who value performance, a high-quality camera, and the latest software features. Ideal for:

  • Power users: Demanding tasks, multitasking, gaming.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Tech-savvy users: Wanting the latest Android features and updates.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G23 is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your primary phone usage patterns? Casual use vs. demanding tasks.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Battery life, camera quality, performance, display quality.

My Choice: Google Pixel 9

While the Motorola Moto G23 offers excellent value for its price, the Google Pixel 9 is the clear winner for me. The significantly improved performance, superior display, better camera features, and longer software support outweigh the price difference and slightly smaller battery. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, a high-quality camera, and the latest software features, making the Pixel 9 the better choice for my needs. The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome bonus. The Moto G23 is a solid budget option, but the Pixel 9 offers a substantial upgrade in overall user experience.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.