Google Pixel 4 XL
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix (1.22 μm, f/2.0, fixed focus, recording angle: 90 °, Full-HD video) + 2 NIR cameras (point projector, emitter)
Price comparison
Average of 60 scores (from 100 reviews)
Reviews for the Google Pixel 4 XL
Google offers the Pixel 4 also in an XL version, whose size allows for a more powerful battery. Not only is the battery capacity sufficient to run the larger display, but it also improves on the overall endurance of the smartphone.
Source: CNet Archive.org version
There's no denying the Pixel 4 XL has one of the best cameras around, but its shortcomings don't justify its high price. Instead, consider the Note 10 or the OnePlus 7T. The Pixel 3 XL is another great candidate and is discounted at $600 now.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/02/2020
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The larger of the two Pixel 4 phones, the Google Pixel 4 XL boasts a 3,700mAh battery and a 6.3-inch OLED display. The display's 90Hz refresh rate makes navigation extremely smooth. There's also a Soli radar for Motion Sense and Face Unlock.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/30/2020
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The extended Pixel family looks set to become even more muddled from here, but this is just how Google makes phones — and if you want the very best, most powerful Google phone you can buy then the Pixel 4 XL, despite its many imperfections, is still it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/10/2020
Source: 9to5google Archive.org version
Still peak Pixel or another dropped pixel...
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/30/2020
Source: Pocketnow Archive.org version
Smartphone cameras have taken dramatic leaps over the last decade. Lenses have multiplied, features keep expanding, heck 2020 has even brought us phones that can film at a higher resolution than the camera I use for this video.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 04/11/2020
Source: Gadgetspeak Archive.org version
Since these two devices were reviewed towards the end of 2019 I have been asked to tell you about changes made to them in order that should you purchase them now you have the actual updated information for instance the Pixel 4XL was one of the first to come with Android 10 as standard.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/10/2020
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
6 months on, Google's strengths remain. Its simple hardware is still appreciated and has held up to use. The software is still useful and performs well, with a couple of big feature updates it keeps improving, and face unlock support has expanded. The camera is still the best around, even without an ultra-wide lens. But battery life is unfortunately just downright bad, and the specs and screen quality aren't befitting its price in 2020.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/03/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are great phones in several respects, but they misfire far more often than they should at this price point. The major sticking points are battery life and the reliability of some new hardware features, making them hard to recommend despite an out of this world camera, great performance and software experience.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/04/2020
Rating: Total score: 87% performance: 91% display: 97% mobility: 63%
Source: Ausdroid Archive.org version
For me the main negatives are motion sense being as useful as a glass door on a dunny (which really doesn’t affect me in the slightest – jut turn it off), the lack of RAM (occasionally ran into issues but only very occasionally), the lack of storage (OK Google, I will live in the cloud, but only because you forced me to) and the battery life. In the end the only one that actually affects me is the battery life – so I either sit it on a wireless charger while not in use or plug it into a PD charger whenever I can.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/02/2020
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
Choosing between Google’s new Pixels, it’s clear that the Pixel 4 XL is the better option, especially if you like big screens and longer battery life (such as it is). As for how Google’s phablet stacks up to other top smartphones, that’s a tougher call that depends on what you’re looking for in a handset.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/26/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Droid Life Archive.org version
This might sound weird, but I’d say you should probably hold off on buying a Pixel 4 or 4 XL. We have the Galaxy S20 lineup coming from Samsung, which should then be followed by the Pixel 4a lineup from Google. For 2020, the 4a phones have us very excited, as they should have what makes the Pixel 4 XL great (software + camera), but will also be quite a bit cheaper than your standard Pixel 4 and 4 XL.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/29/2020
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Certainly a great pure Android handset - but rivals have closed the gap in camera performance, while offering more power, more compact design and better battery life. While the Google Pixel 4 XL is attractive now, we suspect that in four months time it'll feel old.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/10/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Google Pixel 4 XL delivers on the promises set out by Google at the phone's launch event, with a beautiful new 90Hz display, the fastest and most robust Google Assistant experience ever, plus impressive and eye-catching camera abilities from its new dual-sensor setup. However, everything that the Pixel 4 XL brings to the table each comes with a notable caveat that you'll have to consider before you make the decision to live with it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/03/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Techaeris Archive.org version
While the Pixel 4 XL looks pretty standard on the hardware front, it really is the Android 10 OS and updates that set it apart from other OEM Android smartphones. It is a bit pricey at its full retail price but if you can get it on sale, it can be a very solid investment.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/28/2019
Rating: Total score: 94% price: 85% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 95% workmanship: 90%
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 XL has a fantastic camera, but basic issues on the hardware front prevent it from being a great phone. The battery life is woefully inadequate, and 64GB of storage is nowhere enough for a flagship in 2019. You're better off waiting for the inevitable discount before getting your hands on one.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/20/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Androidbeat Archive.org version
So yes, the Pixel 4 XL can’t be recommended… yet. Let’s agree to reconvene in (say) February 2020, with more updates from Google and hopefully many updates from third parties, all bringing the Pixel 4 XL to life for real, and all allowing a proper long term review and verdict. It deserves it – I absolutely loved the hardware, the camera, the multimedia, but the gaping hole in the 4 series’ functionality still needs plugging.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/17/2019
Source: New Atlas Archive.org version
The launch of new Pixels is now as regular as the launch of new iPhones, and Google's flagships for 2019 are the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL. New Atlas has been living with a Pixel 4 XL for several weeks, and this is our verdict on the new phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/03/2019
Source: Gadgetspeak Archive.org version
Google do not make cheap phones so if you are looking for a bargain buy it’s not here, having said that Google make phones that look good and normally work well, however any phone these days has to be great to get to be the desired one.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/29/2019
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% workmanship: 60%
Source: Talk Android Archive.org version
There are definitely some negative elements in this review. All are relatively minor and I could easily gloss over them, but for such an expensive phone that’s meant to represent the best of Android, it’s fair to nitpick. The design is solid, but also uninspired. Battery life is decent, but not exceptional. The screen is excellent, but too dim in direct sunlight. There’s no headphone jack, storage is capped at 128GB, the fingerprint scanner is gone and so on. Each is a minor quibble, but taken together they lesson what could be the Android phone of the year.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/27/2019
Source: Hardware Zone Archive.org version
Is it worth the upgrade over the Pixel 3? I think that depends on what you want from your phone. The Pixel 3 is getting new features like the new astrophotography mode, and it also runs Android 10. It's basically the same core Google experience as the Pixel 4. But the Pixel 4 is also faster, has a much better screen, and a more capable camera. If you want the best possible experience from Google, upgrading is a no-brainer. But the Pixel 3 still takes very good photos, and if it's still serving you well, you can probably get by with the same monthly software updates.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/24/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
However, it’s no longer a clear leader running neck-and-neck with Huawei. Competitors closed the gap this year, and Google didn’t pull further away from the pack. Virtually all the new camera software features and modes were shipped out to Pixel 3, 3 XL and 3a devices via software updates, lessening the incentive to get the Pixel 4.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/22/2019
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Google Pixel 4 XL delivers on the promises set out by Google at the phone's launch event, with a beautiful new 90Hz display, the fastest and most robust Google Assistant experience ever, plus impressive and eye-catching camera abilities from its new dual-sensor setup. However, everything that the Pixel 4 XL brings to the table each comes with a notable caveat that you'll have to consider before you make the decision to live with it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: IT Pro Portal Archive.org version
The Pixel 4XL is likely to age better (or mature faster) with new software updates, but unless you're after the best camera phone, its high price tag and and the quality of the competition make it quite hard to recommend Google’s new flagship.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/16/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
It's expensive and the battery doesn't last as long as I'd like, but that hasn't stopped me from thoroughly enjoying my time with the Pixel 4 XL. This is a phone where the overall experience is greater than the sum of its parts, and at the end of the day, it's the Android handset I most eagerly reach for. For anyone that values excellent cameras, reliable performance, and fantastic software, it's one of the best gadgets you can buy this year.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/11/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: AnandTech Archive.org version
Overall, the Pixel 4 frankly feels more like a device that would have been extremely successful if it had been released in 2018. Google releasing the phone this late in 2019 for prices of $799 for the regular version and $899 for the XL version just doesn’t make much sense. Those are also 64GB base variant versions by the way, you’ll have to pay an extra $100 for the 128GB models. I just can’t rationalise recommending the phones to anyone at their current price and given their compromises – Google has to either design and execute better, or give up on pretending they’re competing in the premium flagship segment and launch with prices about 25-30% lower.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/08/2019
Source: Hot Hardware Archive.org version
Ultimately, there's a lot to love about Google's new Pixel 4 XL and the smaller Pixel 4 as well, but like most things in life there are trade-offs to consider here. Hats-off to Google for continuing to innovate with Motion Sense, great new camera features and technology (as well as shot quality), and top-notch general performance as always with a whistle-clean Android 10 OS setup. And there are further refinements and features forthcoming for Pixel 4 / 4 XL early adopters as well. As is typically the case with Google Pixel devices, you'll also get the latest Android software and platform innovations before virtually any other Android device manufacturer, if you decide to rock a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/07/2019
Source: What Mobile Archive.org version
Specs don’t tell the whole story of a phone, and with the Pixel 4 series, this is good and bad. While the camera is mostly excellent and the phone is a top-notch performer (not to mention the new Google Assistant, which works more rapidly than ever before and is a worthy rival to Siri and Bixby), there’s disappointment to be found in the weak Pixel 4 battery, the lack of storage, the missing wide-angle camera and fingerprint scanner, and finicky Motion Sense.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2019
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 60% mobility: 60% workmanship: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Pixel will still be on the short list for anyone who wants a top camera phone, though the iPhone 11 Pro exceeds it in many ways. The Pixel remains the best way to experience Android, and exclusive features like Live Caption (which comes to other Android devices in 2020) and Recorder’s live transcription drive that point home for the Pixel 4 XL. That said, if you’re intrigued by the new Pixel’s 90-Hz refresh rate and want the latest version of Android on a big screen phone, the OnePlus 7T ticks both boxes and costs $300 less than the Pixel 4 XL.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/04/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Know Your Mobile Archive.org version
This is a hard one to call. The Pixel 4 XL, out of these two phones, is the one to go for; the battery life on the Pixel 4 just doesn’t cut the mustard, and in 2019 that is unacceptable. Both handsets are expensive, a little too expensive in my opinion. You can pick up an iPhone 11 one OnePlus 7T with more storage for less. And that is significant.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/04/2019
Rating: Total score: 75% price: 60% performance: 80% mobility: 60% workmanship: 60%
Source: Chrome Unboxed Archive.org version
I don’t use Pixel phones because I don’t have another option. I choose to stay in the Pixel line of phones because I love the way Google leverages, sees, and utilizes Android. I like the way my phone works. I like the way the experience feels. I like all the intangible ways that this phone feels better to use than any other Android phone I’ve held. That’s ultimately why I’m sticking with the Pixel 4XL. It isn’t perfect and I don’t even think it is the right phone for everyone. It’s just the right phone for me.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/02/2019
Source: CNet Archive.org version
There's no denying the Pixel 4 XL has one of the best cameras around, but its shortcomings don't justify its high price. Instead, consider the Note 10 or the OnePlus 7T. The Pixel 3 XL is another great candidate and is discounted at $600 now.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/01/2019
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Droid Life Archive.org version
The funniest part of all of this is, I can sit here and tell you how Google royally screwed this device up, but I still love it. The Pixel phone experience is the experience I prefer on smartphones, since all of the Google services that I require work like a charm. What Google did right on the phone they did very well, which for me includes Face Unlock and the overall hardware experience.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/31/2019
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
There is a lot to love about the Pixel 4 XL, such as the display or the extra camera, but our favourite addition is the motion sensor which could play a big role in its future. However, it doesn't do enough to recommend it, we're Soli to say.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 XL is the best that Google has to offer and if you don't mind paying a premium price and overlooking a couple of shortcomings at launch, then you'll be a happy camper with Google's new phone. If you'd rather get the most out of your $899, you might want to consider getting something else or wait until the phone is discounted (which usually happens around Black Friday).
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/29/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: What Hi-Fi Archive.org version
With our sound and vision hats on, it’s just a shame the audio quality doesn’t match the performance elsewhere to make the Pixel 4 XL a true five-star phone. That said, for Android purists and photography fans, this may well still be the phone to beat.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/28/2019
Rating: Total score: 80% display: 100%
Source: Hardware Zone Archive.org version
Is it worth the upgrade over the Pixel 3? I think that depends on what you want from your phone. The Pixel 3 is getting new features like the new astrophotography mode, and it also runs Android 10. It's basically the same core Google experience as the Pixel 4. But the Pixel 4 is also faster, has a much better screen, and a more capable camera. If you want the best possible experience from Google, upgrading is a no-brainer. But the Pixel 3 still takes very good photos, and if it's still serving you well, you can probably get by with the same monthly software updates.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/26/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Pixel will still be on the short list for anyone who wants a top camera phone, though the iPhone 11 Pro exceeds it in many ways. The Pixel remains the best way to experience Android, and exclusive features like Live Caption (which comes to other Android devices in 2020) and Recorder’s live transcription drive that point home for the Pixel 4 XL. That said, if you’re intrigued by the new Pixel’s 90-Hz refresh rate and want the latest version of Android on a big screen phone, the OnePlus 7T ticks both boxes and costs $300 less than the Pixel 4 XL.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/26/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Certainly a great pure Android handset - but rivals have closed the gap in camera performance, while offering more power, more compact design and better battery life. While the Google Pixel 4 XL is attractive now, we suspect that in four months time it'll feel old.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/25/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Google Pixel 4 XL delivers on the promises set out by Google at the phone's launch event, with a beautiful new 90Hz display, the fastest and most robust Google Assistant experience ever, plus impressive and eye-catching camera abilities from its new dual-sensor setup. However, everything that the Pixel 4 XL brings to the table each comes with a notable caveat that you'll have to consider before you make the decision to live with it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/25/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: PC World Archive.org version
The latest Pixel phone is usually an easy recommendation, but this year’s phone is a bit of a conundrum. So here’s my recommendation: Now is not the time to buy a Pixel 4. The Pixel 4 has more untapped potential than any other phone I’ve used, but it fails at its most important job: being a phone that lives up to its own hype—and price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/24/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Greenbot Archive.org version
The Face unlock and Google Assistant bugs are too glaring to overlook, and Motion Sense is in desperate need of new features. The camera is still one of the best, but the gap between it and its peers is practically nonexistent, and its tricks aren’t nearly as impressive with a second lens. And the specs are downright blah for a $900 phone. Even the Pixel launcher and the promise of three years of Android updates are less of a reason to buy, as Samsung ups its game with One UI.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/24/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
The Face unlock and Google Assistant bugs are too glaring to overlook, and Motion Sense is in desperate need of new features. The camera is still one of the best, but the gap between it and its peers is practically nonexistent, and its tricks aren’t nearly as impressive with a second lens. And the specs are downright blah for a $900 phone. Even the Pixel launcher and the promise of three years of Android updates are less of a reason to buy, as Samsung ups its game with One UI.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/24/2019
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
For everything I love about the Pixel 4 there’s something that disappoints me. It’s a hard phone to recommend, and to me at least, serves as a great advertisement for the Pixel 3. Perhaps Google will address some of the issues I’ve listed via future software updates, but we don’t review based on maybes. I really do like the Pixel 4, but I can’t shake the feeling it’s not good enough, not as good as it should be at this point. Like the cosmos, the Pixel 4 is full of wonders both big and small, yes, but it’s equally full of untapped potential and missed opportunities.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/24/2019
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
Despite appreciating many parts of this phone, at its current price and in its current state the Pixel 4 XL is a hard sell. As good as the camera, software and design are, the battery life, poor storage options and lack of an ultra-wide lens mean there are better options out there. For example, the OnePlus 7T is cheaper at £599, offers far more storage, a longer-lasting battery that charges more quickly whilst also retaining the 90Hz display. In most cases, you’ll also get just as good snaps from the £719/$699 iPhone 11 – and then, of course, there’s the truly excellent Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/23/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
At a time when the standards for what a flagship should and can be are shifting so radically, the Pixel 4 XL comes across as a little ordinary and by-the-numbers. It excels in all the ways that Pixel phones usually do but, if you're expecting a little more from it, it doesn't take long for it to fall short. Where some of the other options are looking for ways to become more, the Pixel 4 settles for just ways to become better.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/23/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Best Products Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL start at $799 and $899, respectively, for a variant with 64 GB of built-in storage. I highly recommend that you spend an extra $100 to double storage space, because Google no longer offers unlimited cloud storage for photos and video in original quality.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 10/22/2019
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Google Pixel 4 XL is a handsome phone in its simplicity that, by the same coin, feels less impressive than its Android flagship counterparts. It doesn’t help that its new standout features are inessential, and erratically functional. But new interface improvements and a camera suite that’s better in both the hardware and software departments ensure that this phone stands up to be counted, even if it doesn't stand out from the competition.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
There's no denying the Pixel 4 XL has one of the best cameras around, but its shortcomings don't justify its high price. Instead, consider the Note 10 or the OnePlus 7T. The Pixel 3 XL is another great candidate and is discounted at $600 now.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 90% workmanship: 80%
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
This is easily Google's best-ever phone. The hardware is sleek and efficient, and Android 10 runs brilliantly. Google's little additions to the software differentiate it, face unlock works incredibly well, and this is the best Android camera available in all lighting. But the battery life is frustratingly bad, and it's hard not to feel short-changed paying this much for weak RAM and storage.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 and 4 XL are phone that really reflect Google’s focus on ‘ambient computing’, or technology that’s there whenever you need it and fades away when you don’t. It starts before you even hold the phone, with Soli waiting for you to reach for it to speed up unlock time. It’s there with the organic feel of the phone itself, and in the way Google Assistant is ready to step in and help, and then step away. It’s there in the way the software learns what you want from it so it can get it to you faster. It’s not just one flashy feature or new piece of hardware, it’s just the little ways everything fits together into a cohesive experience. It’s a bit difficult to concretely define, but this seamless, ambient experience is, to me, the greatest strength of the Pixel 4 series.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
But the rest? The Pixel 4 design takes the iconic simplicity of the older Pixels, and simplifies it until it seems generic. And it’s hard to ignore that other phones offer more for less, or at least for the same money. More storage. More screen per square inch. More battery per gram.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
I can't remember the last time I've been so torn on a pair of smartphones. On the one hand, Google didn't nail everything. Face Unlock is in need of a fix. The battery life is mediocre at best. Motion Sense, as magical it feels when it works right, isn't very useful yet. And the price for the smaller Pixel 4 seems little out of whack when you consider Apple's new iPhone 11 packs a highly competitive feature set for $50 less. Despite all that, I can't help but love these phones, for their clean, clever software, their weird cameras and their ambition. This is the Android phone for me, and I'm willing to live with its flaws.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
Google made improvements to the camera and the design of the device, as well as finally adding more RAM to its Pixel line. The 4 series now also includes a face unlock feature that rivals Apple’s iPhone. The Pixel Neural Core not only improves the Pixel Visual Core, but also helps with the device’s ambient computing, which helps the device’s face unlock and Motion Sense improve over time. Unfortunately, Motion Sense might be the Pixel 4’s biggest undoing, since its current active features are limited and very unreliable.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: The Verge Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 provides a more cohesive, complete experience than other Android phones. It takes away lots of little points of friction through clever uses of its new sensors like face unlock and Motion Sense. It gets rid of jank with the 90Hz display. It has a camera that continues to take incredible photos, keeping pace with the iPhone 11 Pro.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
It's official: On Tuesday Google formally announced the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Finally! (Read our in-depth Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL reviews.) The Pixel 4 is one of the most leaked-about phones in recent memory. In fact, Google itself teased a photo of the 4 and the 4 XL back in June on Twitter. The new Pixel phones pack dual rear cameras, a 90Hz display, radar-powered face unlock process (here's how the Pixel 4's face unlock compared to the iPhone 11's Face ID when we tested both in four typical scenarios) and a slew of unique features like car crash detection and live video captioning.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 10/20/2019
Source: Hardware Zone Archive.org version
Google today unveiled its latest Pixel smartphones, but they held few surprises for anybody. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL may be among the most-leaked devices in recent memory, and most of us probably knew most of what there was to know about the phone before the keynote even started. However, that's not to say that the Pixel 4 is boring or bad. Quite the contrary in fact – the Pixel 4 comes packed with a bunch of new technologies, making it perhaps the most exciting upgrade the Pixel line has gotten to date.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/16/2019
Source: Sydney Morning Herald Archive.org version
In the camera, the HDR+ algorithm (which combines multiple exposures so you don't lose detail in highlights or shadows) now works in real time. That means before you've even taken the photo you can adjust two sliders independently to make sure the pic is exposed how you want. Night Mode has also been improved, with the promise that if you keep the phone steady (but not necessarily on a tripod), you can get detailed photos of the night sky. Obviously, while taking photos of the objects inside a dark box at Google's event proved to me that Night Mode still works, I'm very keen to see how it all goes in the great outdoors.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/16/2019
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
One of the best features that the Google representative showed off was ‘New Assistant.’ Unfortunately, the new version of Google Assistant will not be coming to Canada at launch. The New Assistant works quickly, allowing users to barrage it with questions and commands rapidly. The New Assistant accomplishes this through the combination of on-device machine learning and the ‘Continued Conversations’ feature. With Assistant on-device, it works a lot faster as it doesn’t need the information from the Cloud.
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2019
Source: AnandTech Archive.org version
Overall, the new Pixel 4 phones look interesting, and I think their success will depend solely on how the battery life of the 90Hz display ends up, and also if Google's camera has seen other improvements besides the aforementioned new features.
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2019
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
The Pixel 4 XL looks like a substantial upgrade on the Pixel 3 XL, and more importantly like a strong competitor for the flagship smartphone market. We like that Google's big flagship is actually about more than just the camera this time around.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/14/2019
Foreign Reviews
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Rating: Total score: 90%
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Rating: Total score: 91% features: 100% display: 100% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 91% performance: 93% display: 95% mobility: 80% workmanship: 85%
Source: Hipertextual ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Game IT ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; solid workmanship; decent hardware; high performance. Negative: No fingerprint sensor.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/02/2020
Source: Andro 4 All ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; solid workmanship; great cameras.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/16/2019
Source: Andro 4 All ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Nice design; great built quality; excellent cameras; long battery life.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/22/2019
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/27/2020
Rating: Total score: 79% price: 52% features: 78%
Source: Everyeye.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/09/2019
Rating: Total score: 87%
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/10/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tutto Android IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/27/2019
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 88% mobility: 75% workmanship: 85%
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 78% features: 90%
Source: Andrea Galeazzi IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 69% display: 90% mobility: 69% workmanship: 81%
Source: Techzilla.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 93% price: 80% display: 95% mobility: 85% workmanship: 95%
Source: AndroidWorld.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 86% price: 70% features: 85% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 90%
Source: Leonardo.it Tech IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Beautiful design; solid workmanship; excellent cameras; attractive price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/22/2019
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Premium design; great built quality; powerful hardware.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2019
Source: AndroidWorld.nl NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/13/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: AndroidWorld.nl NL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent cameras; decent hardware; long battery life.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2019
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/20/2019
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: 01Net FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/13/2019
Rating: Total score: 82% performance: 100% mobility: 80%
Source: Hitek FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/19/2019
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: AndroidPit.fr FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/06/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phonandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/23/2019
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70%
Source: Phonandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Fredzone FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Great display; excellent cameras. Negative: Mediocre design.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/20/2019
Source: AndroidPit.fr FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; premium design; solid workmanship; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2019
Source: Mega Obzor RU→EN Archive.org version
Negative: Expensive.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/24/2019
Source: Viettelstore VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Simple design; nice cameras; powerful hardware; attractive price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/01/2019
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Modern design; nice cameras; powerful hardware; attractive price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/29/2019
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; powerful hardware; nice cameras; excellent display. Negative: Only 6GB RAM.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/18/2019
Comment
Model: The Google Pixel 4 XL is a flagship smartphone made the Google way. Like its predecessors, it was designed and built by Google to give the best experience that Android can offer to rival Apple’s flagships and to force other Android based smartphone manufacturers to step up their games. It has the camera which takes the perfect shot every time, even when it's dark out. Best of all, it's built around the Google software, which users know and love that's always getting better. The Pixel 4 XL can take a picture of the Milky Way with one tap, in Night Sight mode. It’s called astrophotography, and it’s one of the many features that make the Pixel one of the best low-light cameras in the galaxy. Users can adjust the exposure balance of their photos before taking shots. Powerful controls let users manipulate color and exposure of the different elements in their picture. All this is achieved by the dual 16 MP + 12.2 MP rear camera and the 8 MP front camera. A big drawback though is the fact that the Pixel doesn’t actually include a wide-angle lens for that very important landscape photos. In 2019, and for something that’s heading into 2020, this is absolutely unacceptable. Google’s choice to not include one can only be seen as a step to not take away the sales from all other manufacturers. The Pixel 4 XL is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Processor, 6 GB RAM and options of 64 GB or 128 GB storage, which is not really good enough for its price point. As for display, it features a 6.3" QHD+ flexible OLED display with a resolution of 3,040 x 1,440 pixels. Its display is good enough for a flagship, but like the Pixel 3, it doesn’t beat the competition. For connectivity, it has Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 2x2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0 + LE.
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a new way to control the phone. It features Quick Gestures, letting users get things done without having to touch their phone. It’s great for when users are driving, cooking or enjoying their favorite food but that’s just in theory. In real life situations, it doesn’t make much sense other than the fact that its used to sense your presence to unlock the phone before you do it. Many other manufacturers have tried and failed at this and frankly, Google’s decision to go this way is quite baffling. This concept goes way back to the Samsung Galaxy S4, in which it terribly failed and with LG and Google trying to bring it back in 2019, we’d expect it to be perfected but it simple isn’t. The Google Pixel 4 has three color options to choose from, which are Just Black, Clearly White and Oh So Orange. As for power, users can quickly charge their phone with Pixel Stand. Users can also charge their Pixel 4 XL with any Qi-certified wireless charger. To extend battery life, the adaptive battery learns your favorite apps and reduces power to the ones users rarely use. The 3,700 mAh battery provides 30.7 hours talk time and 14 days standby time. As a conclusion, the Pixel 4 XL is an Android smartphone that has great camera and performance. It is one of the best Android smartphones released by Google to date. However, this high end Pixel 4 XL comes at a higher price tag.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Qualcomm Adreno 640: Graphics chip for smartphones and tablets that is intergrated within the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC. Qualcomm claims that it is 20% faster than the Adreno 630 in the Snapdragon 845 SoC and offers 50% more compute units (ALUs).
Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 855: High-end SoC for smartphones that was introduced in late 2018 and manufactured in 7 nm at TSMC. Integrates one “Prime Core” based on a modified ARM Cortex-A76 architecture clocked at up to 2.84 GHz. Three more performance cores are also based on the A76 but clock up to 2.42 GHz. Furthermore, four energy saving cores are integrated that are based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture and clock at up to 1.8 GHz. In addition to the processor cores, the SoC integrates a X24 LTE modem (up to 2 Gigbit download), a new Wi-Fi modem (Wi-Fi 6 ready, 60 GHz mmWave), Hexagon 690 DSP with new Tensor cores for AI processing, a Spectra 380 ISP with an integrated computer vision engine and an integrated LPDDR4x memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
6.30":
It is a small display format for smartphones. You shouldn't be severely defective in vision, and you won't see much detail on the screen and only have a small resolution available. For that, the device should be small and handy, easy to transport.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Google:
Google was founded in 1995 in the USA and became the world's most important search engine in its core business. Google offers a variety of hardware products, including smartphones, speakers, cameras and smart displays. Since 2012, Google also sells tablets and smartphones.
79.66%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.