I enjoy comparing midrange smartphones. Flagships tend to offer all the same specs for roughly the same prices, but with midrange devices, there’s some variety. You must identify what’s important to you in a smartphone, because not every phone for around $500 has everything. Google and Motorola made compromises to get to an affordable price point, and it’s fun to highlight which corners were cut.
The Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 2025 are both worthy smartphones, but they cater to different buyers and should be considered accordingly. The Pixel 9a is the most complete A-series phone to date, with smooth performance and excellent battery life. Meanwhile, I love what Motorola did with the Edge 2025. I still have some questions, but there are noticeable improvements. I’ve used them both, and here’s what I think you should consider when looking to buy a Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 2025.
What I like about the Google Pixel 9a
Excellent software support and stellar cameras
It’s not flashy, but the Pixel 9a is, pound for pound, one of the best phones you can buy. It packs a ton of value into a device for $500. It’s not perfect, but for most people, the Pixel 9a will do the job. It starts with the display, a vibrant 6.3-inch screen featuring Google’s Actua technology, which is bright enough for easy outdoor viewing. I love that Google managed to maintain the compact feel of the Pixel 8a, despite a slightly larger screen on this year’s model. Google also didn’t lose any of the Pixel charm by removing the camera visor. The company’s designs are about more than just one element, and the Pixel 9a keeps that quirky Google aesthetic.
There are several areas where the Pixel 9a and Edge 2025 run close, but software isn’t one of them.
I’m through with people complaining about the Tensor G4 chipset. It shows its limitations with gaming, but it’s still going to perform better on titles like Genshin Impact than the Motorola Edge 2025. I can understand complaints from people wanting more from their Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the Pixel 9a is a $500 phone, and the Tensor G4 offers plenty of horsepower for the price. Google has alleviated the overheating that plagued previous generations, and the Tensor G4 is the company’s most power-efficient chipset to date.
Battery life on both phones is outstanding, with the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 2025 able to get me through two full days on a single charge. Google has worked hard to improve battery life on its devices, as it wasn’t that long ago that I was struggling to get 5 hours of screen time from my Pixel 7a. The combination of the efficient Tensor G4 and a larger 5,100mAh battery made the difference, and the Pixel 9a has the best battery life of any Google device I’ve used.
There are several areas where the Pixel 9a and Edge 2025 run close, but software isn’t one of them. Google is significantly better at supporting its devices and getting feature-packed, optimized updates out in a timely fashion. The Pixel 9a is slated for 7 years of full support — Motorola only matches with 2 years on the Edge 2025. Not only does Motorola limit support for the Edge 2025 to a couple of years, but I also cannot tell you when those updates will arrive. If you’re an Android enthusiast and love getting the latest and greatest features, the Pixel 9a is your only choice.
I don’t like AI on any smartphone, but Google seems to have the most coherent plan among Android manufacturers. There’s a long road ahead, but between Project Astra and Project Mariner, I believe the company is headed in the right direction with AI.
No conversation about a Pixel is complete without mentioning the cameras. The Pixel 9a might not have the more versatile camera system of its more expensive siblings, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find better performance for under $500. Night Sight works well on the Pixel 9a, as I get fantastic low-light images from its 48MP primary sensor. If you’re a shutterbug on a budget, you should choose the Pixel 9a.
What I like about the Motorola Edge 2025
Gorgeous display and outstanding battery life
Motorola appears committed to durability across its 2025 lineup, and the Edge receives the same treatment. It’s IP69 rated for improved dust and water resistance, and it’s MIL-STD-810H compliant, meaning it can withstand a few drops without flying apart. Motorola also added Gorilla Glass 7i, offering better protection than the Gorilla Glass 3 on the Pixel 9a. The Edge 2025 undoubtedly has a more premium build than the Pixel 9a, and its tapered display and aluminum frame feel excellent in the hand.
I often highlight Motorola’s excellent displays in midrange phones, but the Edge 2025 features the best yet. It’s a stunning 6.7-inch pOLED Super HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s noticeably better than last year’s panel, which was already fantastic. It’s sharp and fluid, and your eyes will thank you every time you pick up the phone. I can’t say enough good things about it, and it’s the only feature on the Edge 2025 that lives up to its initial $550 MSRP. As much as I love the Pixel 9a’s panel, the Edge 2025 bests it.
I don’t mind the Dimensity 7400 chipset in the Motorola Edge 2025. The Pixel 9a is noticeably faster, but the Edge 2025 isn’t a slug. Performance is smooth, and I didn’t encounter any significant lag or slowdowns during daily usage. If you keep your expectations in check, you’ll be fine, but if you need the extra power, the Pixel 9a is a better choice.
As I mentioned, battery life is outstanding on both devices, but I give the Motorola Edge 2025 the advantage due to its faster recharge speeds. The Pixel 9a is still plagued by under 30W wired recharging — meanwhile, the Motorola Edge 2025 features 68W TurboPower charging speeds, a significant advantage. If I need to top off quickly, the Edge 2025 does it faster.
I am pleasantly surprised by the cameras in the Motorola Edge 2025. Not necessarily the telephoto (although it’s nice to have) or the ultrawide, but the 50MP primary sensor is impressive. I was able to capture movement without issues, and the colors were vibrant. I’d still take the Pixel 9a in a contest, but the Edge 2025 produces images I enjoy, and if you’re able to get one at a discount, photography isn’t the negative for Motorola it used to be.
There’s an important point to remember
It’s unfair to judge the Pixel 9a and this year’s Edge without highlighting that these devices will, in short order, have vastly different prices. Motorola is aggressive with sales on the Edge series, and carrier discounts will get you an Edge for a few dollars a month or even free. The Pixel 9a is the better device overall, and if there’s less than a $100 gap between them, get the Pixel. However, if you’re staring at a fantastic deal on a Motorola Edge 2025, have the confidence to buy and know you’re getting an excellent smartphone.
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- SoC
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Google Tensor G4
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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128GB, 256GB
- Battery
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5,100mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Operating System
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Android 15, 7 years of updates
Google’s Pixel 9a takes everything that was great about the Pixel 8a and looks to modernize it. With an all-new Pixel 9-inspired look and no camera bump, this might be the best $500 smartphone we’ve seen yet.
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Moto Edge (2025)
- SoC
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Mediatek Dimensity 7400
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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256GB
- Battery
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5200 mAh
- Operating System
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Android 15
- Front camera
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50MP
Moto Edge (2025) is the company’s latest Android mid-ranger, packing serious specs like the MediaTek 7400 chipset, a large 5200mAh battery with 68W fast charging, and solid durability with IP68 and IP69 ratings. The Edge 2025 also includes several built-in AI features and boasts a 6.7-inch Super HD pOLED display.
