A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If camera quality is a priority for you, the Google Pixel 7a is a better choice as it offers higher photo and video quality, as well as additional camera features like RAW output and HDR video. However, if you want a larger screen and a phone with a higher refresh rate which can potentially deliver a smoother visual experience, particularly for gaming and scrolling, the Motorola Edge (2021) has a bigger display and a higher refresh rate. The Pixel 7a provides slightly longer battery life and is a newer model, which may translate to longer software support, while the Motorola Edge is known for its ready-for-desktop mode offering enhanced productivity. Both phones come with the same amount of storage and RAM, and neither has wireless charging or an expandable storage option. The operating system for both is Android. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Google Pixel 7a
- Very good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Motorola Edge (2021)
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
5.2
The Google Pixel 7a has very good overall camera quality, while the Motorola Edge (2021) has poor overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 7a outshines the Motorola Edge (2021) in camera performance primarily due to a superior selfie camera, along with better photo software, dynamic range, low light capabilities, and camera versatility. These advantages are reflected in both photo and video quality, where the Pixel 7a also leads with enhanced stabilization and microphone quality, essential factors for recording.
Photo Quality
8.0
5.3
The Google Pixel 7a takes very good photos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor photos.
The Google Pixel 7a delivers superior photo quality partially because it has a much better software experience, which enhances photo processing, and offers good dynamic range and low light performance. In contrast, the Motorola Edge (2021) has a fair software experience for photos with poor dynamic range and low light performance, resulting in poorer photo quality overall.
Video Quality
7.3
4.7
The Google Pixel 7a takes good videos, while the Motorola Edge (2021) takes poor videos.
The Google Pixel 7a delivers better video quality than the Motorola Edge (2021) due to a superior combination of software and hardware attributes including video resolution and frame rate, stabilization, dynamic range, and low light performance. Additionally, the Google Pixel 7a provides a better audio recording experience with a higher microphone quality compared to the Motorola Edge (2021), which trails behind in all these aspects.
Battery
6.9 Hours
8.7 Hours
The Google Pixel 7a has 6.9 hours of battery life. The Motorola Edge (2021) has 8.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 7a has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Motorola Edge (2021) is 6.8 inches.
Cost
$499
$165
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Google Pixel 7a has a price of $499 and the Motorola Edge (2021) costs $165.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Phone
Find your new phone
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Google Pixel 7a and the Motorola Edge (2021) compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 7a | Motorola Edge (2021) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$499 | $165 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Motorola | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 10, 2023 | September 2, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2460 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | Yes | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 429 | 395 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | LCD | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | TensorG2 | SD778G | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 8.1/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64 megapixels + OIS | 108 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.9 Hours | 8.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4385 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 7.5 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.98" x 2.87" | 6.65" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.84 oz | 7.05 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | No | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes (Except Verizon Models) | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Sea, Snow, Coral, Charcoal | Nebula Blue | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | Yes | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 7a
See more
Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Allison Johnson | May 2023
"The Pixel 7a is the best midrange Android phone — period. The camera doesn’t always nail it, but it’s impressively capable for this class. And even though it’s pricier than last year’s model, it comes with some serious upgrades not often seen in this class, like wireless charging."
Motorola Edge (2021)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Philip Michaels | October 2021
"If you've overlooked Motorola's higher-end phones in the past, the Motorola Edge 5G UW does a very good job at trying to regain your attention. Improvements to the main camera impress. I'm also impressed by how quickly the phone recharges. It's the affordability that ultimately wins the day for the Motorola Edge. this phone offers enough premium features to put it at the forefront of midrange options."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel 7a or the Motorola Edge (2021)
About Google
Google can be considered a relatively new player in the smartphone industry, joining as late as 2016 with their phone, the Google Pixel. Since then, the Pixel lineup has undergone many changes, but it has always been characterized by a focus on photography and clean software, by providing a pure Android experience. By virtue of Google being the creator of the Android operating system, Pixels are known for receiving timely software updates and for being supported with updates for a long time. Additionally, over the past few generations of devices, Google started designing their own processors. This allowed for the implementation of unique software features that are not present in any other phone, such as automatic call screening and unique voice transcribing capabilities.
About Motorola
Motorola, a well-known name in the smartphone world, has a long-standing legacy in the industry, with a history dating back to the early days of mobile phones. The brand is mostly known for striking a balance between affordability and functionality, as well as providing a clean and straightforward interface with their software skin on top of Android. While they have traditionally been prominent in the budget and midrange categories, Motorola has also occasionally ventured into the high-end category for smartphones.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Phone guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Google Pixel 7a vs. OnePlus 9 Pro
VS
Compare Google Pixel 7a vs. OnePlus 12R
VS
Compare Google Pixel 7a vs. Sony Xperia 5 III
VS
Compare Motorola Edge (2021) vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus (2022)
VS
Compare Motorola Edge (2021) vs. OnePlus Nord N200
VS
Compare Motorola Edge (2021) vs. Samsung Galaxy S10e
VS
FAQs
FAQs about phones
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
152,700
Recommendations made
86,530
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
Featured in
