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Though both the Pixel 9 and the Motorola Edge came out this year, there’s a noticeable gap between their release dates. The Pixel 9 launched in August, while the Motorola Edge was released in. But the gap works in favor of the Pixel 9 because it has had more time to use the latest advancements in technology.
Still, you’re looking at two distinct offerings in the Android flagship space, each attending to different user preferences. Here’s a detailed review of how these two devices compare in key areas like design, performance, display, camera, battery life, and software.
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| Component | Google Pixel 9 | Motorola Edge (2024) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB (No card slot, UFS 3.1) | 256 GB (No card slot, UFS 2.2) |
| Display | 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2424 pixels, OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak) | 6.6 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, P-OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| External Display | No external display | No external display |
| Main Cameras | 50 MP (wide), 48 MP (ultrawide) | 50 MP (wide), 13 MP (ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 10.5 MP (wide), 4K video | 32 MP (wide), 1080p video |
| Battery | 4700 mAh, 27W wired, 15W wireless, 12W reverse wireless | 5000 mAh, 68W wired, 15W wireless |
| Build & Design | Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, IP68 dust/water resistant | Glass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather), IP68 dust/water resistant |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 3.2, NFC | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C 3.1 |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 / Hello UI |
| Price | $799 | $550 |
Design
The Motorola Edge 2024 is a bold phone with a 6.6-inch curved-edge display. The almost bezel-less look is one area it excels over the Pixel 9 phone. The screen feels like it extends into the sides of the device, so much that you have more display area than you’re probably used to. The phone has an aluminum frame and uses silicon polymer for the back.
Of course, silicone polymers are strong in their own way. It’s flexible, durable, and can handle both very hot and very cold temperatures without breaking down. Having used the Realme 12+ 5G with leather back, I’m more pressed to lean towards the Motorola over the Pixel 9 because of the smooth-yet-textured feel and increased resistance to grubby fingerprints.
The Edge 2024 also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The device can survive dust and being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes without damage. As for the dimensions, the size is 159.6 x 72 x 8.1 mm and it weighs 174g.
In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 retains Google’s minimalist design where the phone is built with a matte glass back and an aluminum frame. It measures at 155.3 x 73.4 x 8.7 mm and weighs 196g, so the Edge is more manageable and pocket-friendly than Google’s phone.
The Pixel 9 also has the hallmark dual-tone design, where the top portion is slightly textured, which makes it more grippy compared to the Edge 2024’s smoother surface. It may not have the same wow factor as the Edge 2024’s curved display, but it’s still a beautifully designed and functional phone.
Particularly, the camera bar stands out (literally) because of its central glossy oval shape. It would have been 100% perfect if it was as flat as the Pixel 8a’s design. The camera bar on the Edge isn’t anything fancy. It’s a square module on the top left side of the phone’s back.
Related: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Google Pixel 9 comparison
Display
The Motorola Edge 2024 goes all out with a 6.6-inch P-OLED display, 2400 x 1080 resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate. It also has HDR10+ support, which means you get vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high level of contrast in viewing content. The brightness peaks at 1300 nits, which is above the average mark for most modern phones. You really only need above 1000 nits for use under direct sunlight.
There’s also the curved edges, which may be a pro or con depending on who’s looking at it. Curved screen technology has never appealed to me because of the number of usability issues it creates. For one, you’re more prone to making accidental touches when holding the phone, and it often distorts content. Plus, it’s more fragile since the edges are exposed. Although Motorola used Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, you don’t want to take chances.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9 doesn’t match the Edge 2024 in refresh rate. It offers a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a 2424 x 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is way brighter at 2700 nits and it uses a stronger screen. With the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and the back, it can survive one meter drops on concrete and two meters on asphalt.
Performance and memory
The Pixel 9 with the Tensor G4 chipset is better than the Motorola Edge 2024 with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. The Tensor G4 has a more advanced CPU with a Cortex-X4 core that delivers greater performance in intensive tasks, and its Cortex-A720 and A520 cores provide a balance of power and efficiency.
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 doesn’t have a high-performance core like the X4 and uses older Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. Both chips use a 4 nanometer process, but the Tensor G4’s newer architecture is what makes it more effective.
In memory, the Pixel 9 has a clear advantage over the Motorola Edge 2024 because it offers two storage options, 128GB and 256GB, with 12GB of RAM for each with UFS 3.1. It provides faster read and write speeds compared to the Motorola Edge 2024, which uses UFS 2.2 and offers only 8GB of RAM. Both phones don’t allow expansion with a memory card, so you’re stuck with what you buy.
Battery
The Motorola Edge 2024 has a larger 5,000mAh battery, while the Pixel 9’s battery is 4700 mAh. It’s obvious which one would last longer, although there are charging factors to think about too. The Pixel 9 offers 27W wired charging that should get your phone to 55% in 30 minutes, and 15W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand.
Reverse wireless charging is also an option if you care about using your phone as a power bank for your Bluetooth accessories. Meanwhile, the Motorola Edge offers 68W wired charging that’s faster and 15W wireless charging. But you’ll buy the charger separately as Motorola wasn’t generous enough to include the adapter in the box. All you get is the cable. Also, the phone doesn’t have reverse wireless charging like the Pixel 9.
Camera
Pixel phones are known for their great cameras, especially now that AI mixes with the software to improve picture quality. The Pixel 9 continues that longstanding tradition with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 10.5MP selfie camera. On the other hand, the Motorola Edge 2024 has a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP front camera.
Google’s phone wins on many occasions because of HDR+, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom all working together to deliver some seriously impressive photos. Of course, the Edge shares some of these features. But remember: the Pixel 9 has the more capable Tensor G4 processor to handle them fluidly. You can even take several shots in quick succession and combine them to reduce noise, and get a final copy that’s perfect.
For videos, the Pixel 9 still outperforms with gyro-EI and HDR. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 2024’s video quality doesn’t match as it struggles with stability and colors the way the Pixel 9 manages. Speaking of, Google’s software is good with colors, especially skin tones, and can make them look natural or true to life.
Related: Galaxy S24 v Pixel 9: What’s The Difference?
Software and features
Android 14 was the latest version of the operating system until Android 15 arrived much later this year. While both the Motorola Edge 2024 and the Pixel 9 use the same software, the Motorola Edge 2024 runs Hello UI, which is basically stock Android 14 with a few extra features from Motorola you might not want.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9 offers a cleaner and more seamless experience with Google’s own set of features. Plus, it offers the promise of seven years of OS and security updates, so your Pixel phone will be getting the latest versions of Android on time. Sadly, Motorola won’t be making the same commitment as it only offers two years of OS upgrades and three years of security patches for the Edge 2024.
Which phone gives you more?
After everything, the phone you choose comes down to how much value you’re getting for the money you spend. If you’re looking for a phone that balances performance, features, and price, the Motorola Edge 2024 is a solid package at a more affordable price. It delivers good performance, a large battery, fast charging, and a decent camera system.
Perhaps, its only flaw is not having Google branding and an improved camera system. If not, the phone would’ve bested the Pixel 9 flawlessly. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 comes at a higher price, around $249 more. But it justifies the extra cost with superior software, a better camera system, and the assurance of long-term updates.