Google Pixel 9a vs Motorola Signature
Our Verdict: The Motorola Signature has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, plus a 50MP selfie camera against 13MP, and the Motorola Signature has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 449 PPI. The Motorola Signature offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the Google Pixel 9a. The Motorola Signature is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the Google Pixel 9a is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The Google Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £411 over a typical contract, £410 less than the Motorola Signature.
13 reviews 4.1
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Google Pixel 9a
|
Motorola Signature
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.1 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.8" |
| Display | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1264 x 2780 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 449 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Qualcomm SM8845 Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 512GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 |
| 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/6/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm | 162.1 x 76.4 x 7 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68/IP69 dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.2m for 30 min |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£19.99/mo
£319.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £289.99 | £897.00 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Signature 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 Signature?
The Motorola Signature has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Motorola Signature has the sharper display at 449 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Motorola Signature has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Signature?
The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Motorola Signature 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 Signature?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Signature?
The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Motorola Signature comes in 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Signature use?
The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Motorola Signature uses the Qualcomm SM8845 Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Signature?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (186 grams vs 186 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Motorola Signature is slimmer at 7mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Motorola Signature?
The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Motorola Signature is rated IP68/IP69 dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.2m for 30 min.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Motorola Signature run?
The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Motorola Signature runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.