Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and thicker, may feel less ergonomic in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 210g | Negligible weight difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size for both phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 6 Pro has a much sharper and clearer display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 512 | Pixel 6 Pro has visibly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Pixel 6 Pro offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 6 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness information is missing for both phones. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 6 Pro offers superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G | Google Tensor | Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 721,000 | Pixel 6 Pro loads apps quicker, handles multitasking more effectively and smoother gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Pixel 6 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Pixel 6 Pro charges much faster. |
| Features | 10W rapid charger in-box | 23W Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | Pixel 6 Pro has more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" sensor, 1.20µm pixels | Pixel 6 Pro should offer better low light performance and image quality due to larger sensor and pixel size, even though the aperture is smaller. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.93" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | Pixel 6 Pro has a slightly larger pixel size, leading to potentially better low-light performance, although it has lower megapixel count. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" sensor, 0.80µm pixels | Pixel 6 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, better photos at a distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9" sensor, 1.25µm pixels | Pixel 6 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle camera and larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixels | None | Motorola offers a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with OIS & EIS | Pixel 6 Pro offers smoother video recording with OIS, supports 4K@60 fps and advanced slow-motion options. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 134 (Photo:138, Video: 133), Selfie: 138 (Photo:135, Video: 143) | Pixel 6 Pro has higher DXOMark scores. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual 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, Google Lens | Pixel 6 Pro has more advanced camera features, such as OIS, optical zoom, and Google Lens integration. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 6 Pro has a newer OS and guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Pixel 6 Pro has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, and supports Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Pixel 6 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, with more audio codecs like LDAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 6 Pro has more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 6 Pro offers dual SIM support for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB / 128 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Pixel 6 Pro offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 6 Pro has more RAM, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Stereo speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel 6 Pro provides immersive audio experience and better voice clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 6 Pro has additional sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature missing on the Pixel 6 Pro.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically priced more affordably, making it a budget-friendly option.
- In-box charger: Includes a rapid charger in the box.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a significantly better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Google Tensor chipset provides a vastly superior performance, quicker app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Cameras: Higher quality main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, and higher video quality with OIS.
- Faster Charging & Wireless: Faster wired charging and additional 23W Wireless Charging and reverse charging.
- Latest Software: Android 12 (upgradable to 14) provides access to latest features and security updates.
- Dual SIM Support: Offers Dual SIM support for managing multiple lines.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and 3 microphones providing better audio and voice clarity.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with higher storage options, and significantly more RAM which results in better multitasking performance.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Trades performance, display quality, and camera features for a lower price.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Higher price point; lacks dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users looking for a 5G phone at a lower price point.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic tasks.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a dedicated macro camera lens.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and casual web surfing.
- Making and receiving calls and messages.
- Basic mobile photography.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, along with advanced camera features.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Users who enjoy a premium visual experience for media consumption.
- Users needing the latest software: Users that need the newest software with guaranteed updates.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption (movies, TV, games).
- Demanding productivity tasks and multitasking.
Price-to-Value:
- The Motorola One 5G Ace offers good value for its price segment if you're on a strict budget.
- The Google Pixel 6 Pro offers a premium experience and better value considering the higher performance, display, and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you need the most budget-friendly phone, the Motorola One 5G Ace may fit the bill.
- How important are the display and performance for you? If you want the best possible display and smooth experience for demanding apps and games, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is the better option.
- How much do you value camera quality and features? If you prioritize photography, especially zoom and low-light performance, the Pixel 6 Pro is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Strict Budget & Basic Use: If you just need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Motorola One 5G Ace is the more practical choice due to its price.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Media Consumption: If you plan to play mobile games and watch videos, the Google Pixel 6 Pro offers a much better experience thanks to its powerful processor and superior display.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: If mobile photography is a priority, the Google Pixel 6 Pro's camera system (higher quality sensors, OIS, telephoto lens) makes it the clear choice.
- Scenario 4: Latest Software & Long-Term Use: If you want the latest OS, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is the better choice due to it being on Android 12 (upgradable to 14).
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Google Pixel 6 Pro. While the Motorola One 5G Ace is a more budget-friendly option, the Pixel 6 Pro's superior display, vastly improved performance, much better cameras (with OIS and telephoto lens), faster charging, and longer software support outweigh its higher price tag. As someone who values a smooth user experience, enjoys photography, and likes to keep their phone for a few years with the latest software, the Pixel 6 Pro is the better option for me. The lack of a macro lens on the Pixel 6 Pro isn't a dealbreaker, since I prioritize the main camera quality and other more advanced features such as optical zoom. The overall user experience and versatility of the Google Pixel 6 Pro justify the extra cost, making it a better long-term investment.
