# Can a Sub-$500 Moto Present a Sufficient Argument Against the Pixel 9?
In the smartphone realm, the rivalry between high-end and budget models often centers on the features you are willing to forgo to enjoy a lower price. Here, we are evaluating the **Google Pixel 9**, a flagship device costing approximately $799, against the **Motorola Edge 2024**, an under-$500 smartphone that claims to deliver premium features at a significantly reduced price. The pivotal question is: Can the Motorola Edge 2024 present a strong enough argument to rival the Pixel 9?
## Design and Display: Two Distinct Approaches
### Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 adheres to Google’s hallmark of elegant, minimalist design. It showcases a **metal and glass** construction with a fresh, more rounded look that feels more compact in hand despite housing a 6.3-inch display. Thanks to the **Gorilla Glass Victus 2** protection and **IP68 water resistance**, it boasts durability, although the glass back might necessitate a case for safeguarding against drops. Offered in various colors, the Pixel 9 conveys a premium vibe, yet it is on the heavier side at **198g**.
The Pixel 9’s **6.3-inch AMOLED display** stands out with a **120Hz refresh rate**, **HDR support**, and a maximum brightness of **2,700 nits**. Nevertheless, it employs **240Hz PWM dimming**, which might be an issue for users prone to screen flicker sensitivity.
### Motorola Edge 2024
Conversely, the Motorola Edge 2024 adopts a distinct strategy with its **vegan leather back**, which not only lends a unique feel but also enhances grip and durability without needing a case. It’s impressively slim at **8.1mm** and weighs a mere **174g**, making it one of the lightest phones in its category. However, it is available in just one color option, which could deter those seeking a broader selection.
The Edge 2024 sports a **6.6-inch pOLED display** featuring a **144Hz refresh rate** and a **1,300 nits peak brightness**. While it does not reach the brightness of the Pixel 9, it incorporates **720Hz PWM dimming** for a more comfortable viewing experience, particularly for those sensitive to screen flicker.
### Verdict: Design and Display
Both devices offer unique advantages. The Pixel 9 provides a more upscale construction and superior brightness, but the Motorola Edge 2024 excels in ergonomics and display comfort, particularly for users sensitive to flicker. If a lightweight, slim design with a visually friendly display is your priority, the Edge 2024 takes the lead.
## Hardware and Performance: Power vs. Cost
### Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is driven by Google’s **Tensor G4** chipset, coupled with **12GB of RAM** and storage choices of **128GB** or **256GB**. This setup guarantees flagship-level performance, whether you are gaming, multitasking, or utilizing AI-driven features. Additionally, the Pixel 9 supports **Wi-Fi 7**, **5G (mmWave and Sub-6)**, and **Bluetooth 5.3**, ensuring it remains up-to-date regarding connectivity.
### Motorola Edge 2024
On the other hand, the Motorola Edge 2024 is powered by the **Snapdragon 7s Gen 2**, a mid-range chipset that suffices for routine tasks but struggles with demanding applications like gaming. It comes with **8GB of RAM** and **256GB of storage**, but it lacks expandable storage options, similar to the Pixel 9. Its connectivity features include **Wi-Fi 6E**, **5G (Sub-6)**, and **Bluetooth 5.2**, which fall a bit short compared to the more advanced specifications of the Pixel 9.
### Verdict: Hardware and Performance
There’s a clear winner—the Pixel 9 significantly outstrips the Motorola Edge 2024 in raw performance. Nevertheless, the Edge 2024 still presents adequate performance for its cost, making it a good pick for users who don’t require cutting-edge hardware.
## Camera: Google’s Highlight
### Google Pixel 9
The Pixel series by Google is renowned for its outstanding cameras, and the Pixel 9 upholds this reputation. It features a **50MP main camera** alongside a **48MP ultrawide camera**, both benefiting from Google’s sophisticated AI and machine learning techniques. The **10.5MP front camera** also has autofocus, ensuring clear selfies.
### Motorola Edge 2024
The Motorola Edge 2024 includes a **50MP main camera** and a **13MP ultrawide camera**, in addition to a **32MP front camera**. While these specifications seem impressive on paper, the image quality from the Edge 2024 does not quite reach the levels of the Pixel 9. Photos
