Google Pixel 9a vs Motorola Edge 70

Our Verdict: The Motorola Edge 70 has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Google Pixel 9a's 48MP, plus a 50MP selfie camera against 13MP, and the Edge 5G 70 has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 444 PPI. Storage goes higher on the Edge 5G 70, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the Edge 5G 70 is the lighter phone at 159g against 186g. Get the Edge 5G 70 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the Pixel 9a covers the basics for less.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £150 less than the Edge 5G 70.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits P-OLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1220 x 2712
Pixels Per Inch
421 444
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,800 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 512GB
OS
Android 15 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 159.9 x 74 x 6 mm
Weight
186 grams 159 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£179.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£289.99 £499.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Motorola Edge 70 Motorola Edge 70
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits P-OLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1220 x 2712
Pixels Per Inch 421 444
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,800 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 512GB
OS Android 15 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 159.9 x 74 x 6 mm
Weight 186 grams 159 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£179.00 upfront
SIM-free £289.99 £499.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Motorola Edge 70
Motorola Edge 70

24 Months

512GB

Gadget Grey

200GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £179 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70?

The Motorola Edge 70 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Motorola Edge 70 has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Motorola Edge 70 has a P-OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Motorola Edge 70 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 70?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Motorola Edge 70 comes in 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 70 use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Motorola Edge 70 uses the Qualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70?

It's a trade-off: the Motorola Edge 70 is lighter but the Google Pixel 9a is more compact. It's 27g lighter at 159 grams, though the Google Pixel 9a is actually the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Motorola Edge 70 is slimmer at 6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Edge 70?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Motorola Edge 70 is rated IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Edge 70 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Motorola Edge 70 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.