I used the Motorola Edge (2026) and Pixel 10a, and I think Google should be worried

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There’s nothing I love more than a mid-range phone showdown. If we’ve learned anything over the last several years, it’s that you don’t need to spend a tremendous amount of money to get a quality device. The Motorola Edge (2026) and Google Pixel 10a are prime examples.

Motorola went back to the drawing board on the Edge for 2026, giving the device a significant design overhaul. Unfortunately, there’s a price increase to match. Google’s done the opposite with the Pixel 10a , as the design and specs have remained largely unchanged from last year, and the company has kept the price the same.

I’ve used the Motorola Edge 2026 and Pixel 10a, and there are compelling arguments for both.

Motorola completely overhauled the Edge’s look and feel this year. It no longer features an aluminum frame, which is a shame. The older Edges felt premium in the hand, and I don’t like that the phone has lost some of that. Even with a plastic frame, it’s just as durable, with MIL-STD-810H drop-test ratings and an IP69 certification. Motorola has made a point of improving durability on its mid-range phones over the last few years, and the Edge is no exception.

Motorola may have changed the build quality, but there are advantages. This year’s Edge is thin and light, measuring just 7.22mm thick and weighing a touch over 160g. It’s a difference you feel when holding the Edge and Pixel 10a side by side, and if you enjoy light, compact phones, the Edge should capture your attention.

Motorola also did away with the curved display for 2026. While I had tired of dramatic waterfall displays on flagship phones, I didn’t mind it on the Edge. However, I’m not going to complain about a flat panel, especially one of this quality. It’s a gorgeous 6.3-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and a max brightness of 5,200 nits.

It’s a fantastic panel — good enough that I’m willing to forgive Motorola’s ridiculous marketing, which calls it an “Extreme AMOLED”. Awful 90s terminology aside, it has a slightly higher resolution than the Pixel 10a’s 1080p screen, and it’s a highlight of the phone. Motorola’s been shipping high-quality displays on its mid-range and budget phones for years, and I’m glad to see that trend continue with the Edge.