Motorola Moto G23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 24, 2023 September 9, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.66 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.53 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 184.3 g 199 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
  • 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 83.9 % 86.9 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 495 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 400 nits 3000 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 9 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2152.8 x 72 x 8.5Pixel 9 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more pocketable.
Weight (g)184.3199Moto G23 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without material information.
Display
Display TypeIPS LCDLTPO OLEDPixel 9 Pro's OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency due to LTPO.
Display Size (inches)6.56.3Negligible size difference; both offer large screens for media consumption.
Resolution720 x 16001280 x 2856Pixel 9 Pro boasts significantly sharper visuals due to much higher resolution.
Refresh Rate (Hz)90120Pixel 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the higher refresh rate.
Peak Brightness (nits)400 (peak)3000 (peak)Pixel 9 Pro will be significantly more readable in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12nm)Google Tensor G4 (4nm)Tensor G4, built on a smaller process node, will offer significantly better performance and power efficiency.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz A75 & 6x1.8 GHz A55)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz X4 & 3x2.6 GHz A720 & 4x1.92 GHz A520)Pixel 9 Pro has a more powerful and modern CPU architecture, resulting in faster processing speeds.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G715 MC7Pixel 9 Pro will handle demanding games and graphics tasks much better.
RAM4GB16GBSignificantly more RAM in the Pixel 9 Pro allows for much better multitasking and app switching without performance slowdowns.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Similar megapixel count, but sensor details and image processing will likely differ significantly.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@30fpsPixel 9 Pro offers significantly higher resolution video recording capabilities.
Camera FeaturesTriple CameraTriple Camera with OIS, Laser AFPixel 9 Pro has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Laser Autofocus for sharper images and videos, especially in low light.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50004700Moto G23 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life depends on many factors including software optimization and display efficiency.
Fast Charging30W27WMoto G23 has slightly faster wired charging. Pixel 9 Pro may have faster wireless charging (specs incomplete).

2. Key Differences Analysis

Moto G23 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Positioned in the "medium price" range, offering a more budget-friendly option.
  • Lighter Weight: Noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
  • Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, though real-world usage will vary.

Pixel 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Higher Performance: Superior processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Much Better Display: Sharper, brighter OLED display with a higher refresh rate for a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: OIS, laser autofocus, and higher resolution video recording capabilities result in superior image and video quality.
  • More RAM: Enables seamless multitasking and smoother overall performance.
  • Longer Software Support: Pixel phones typically receive longer OS and security updates.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Moto G23: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, long battery life, and a lightweight design. Suitable for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media usage.

Pixel 9 Pro: Users who demand top-tier performance, a premium display, and an excellent camera system. Ideal for power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who value a smooth and responsive user experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G23 is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? For basic tasks, the Moto G23 might suffice. For demanding tasks and gaming, the Pixel 9 Pro is a better choice.
  3. How important are display quality and camera performance? The Pixel 9 Pro significantly outperforms the Moto G23 in these areas.

My Choice: Google Pixel 9 Pro

While the Motorola Moto G23 offers good value for its price, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the clear winner for me. Its superior performance, stunning display, advanced camera system, and the promise of longer software updates make it a much more compelling device. The higher price is justified by the significant jump in quality and features. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and a capable camera, and the Pixel 9 Pro excels in all these areas. The lighter weight of the Moto G23 is tempting, but the overall package offered by the Pixel 9 Pro is far more attractive in the long run.

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.