Google's Pixel 4 Review: Did They Cut Too Many Corners?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Display
3. Performance and Software
4. Camera Quality
5. Battery Life
6. Storage Options
7. Face Unlock and Motion Sense
8. Video Recording Capabilities
9. Google Assistant 2.0
10. Bugs and Issues
11. Should You Buy the Pixel 4?

Introduction

I have been using the Pixel 4 XL as my daily driver for over a week now, and I have some thoughts to share. As an avid smartphone user, I Never thought I would miss the display notch, but the forehead on the Pixel 4 XL is more noticeable than ever. While the device has some impressive features, such as the front-facing radar and the updated design language, there are also certain drawbacks that need to be considered. In this article, I will provide an in-depth review of the Pixel 4 XL, covering its design, performance, camera quality, battery life, storage options, face unlock and motion sense capabilities, video recording capabilities, Google Assistant 2.0, and any bugs or issues that may arise. Finally, I will conclude with my recommendations on whether or not you should buy the Pixel 4 XL.

Design and Display

The Pixel 4 XL has undergone a major design overhaul compared to its predecessor. Gone are the two-tone back, large chin bar, and rear fingerprint sensor, replaced by a sleek and smooth finish. The device still retains the unmistakable Pixel DNA, with features such as the off-colored lock button and the ability to summon the assistant with a squeeze. However, some Pixel fans may not appreciate these changes.

Performance and Software

The Pixel 4 XL boasts impressive performance, thanks to its Snapdragon 855 chipset and six gigs of RAM. The OLED screen is brighter and more beautiful than ever, with a variable refresh rate that can drop down to 60 hertz to save power or jump up to 90 hertz for smooth scrolling and gaming. The software is clean and responsive, with some amazing features, both currently available and upcoming. One notable feature is live caption, which can subtitle most media playing through the phone. However, it does come at the expense of battery life, as it uses the CPU.

Camera Quality

One of the standout features of the Pixel 4 XL is its camera quality. The device excels in capturing scenes the way the human eye sees them. The portrait mode is particularly impressive, surpassing the capabilities of the iPhone 11 Pro. The pixel's light and shadow controls offer more creativity and control to the user, allowing for better shot composition. However, the absence of an ultra-wide lens may disappoint those seeking a wider field of view.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Pixel 4 XL may be a cause for concern for some users, especially considering the device's 90 hertz display. The smaller battery size compared to some competitors can result in shorter usage times. However, with its bare Android software and efficient optimization, the Pixel 4 XL manages to deliver decent battery performance.

Storage Options

One of the major drawbacks of the Pixel 4 XL is its limited storage options. The top-of-the-line SKU only offers 128GB of storage, with no option for expandable storage via a micro SD card. This can be a deal breaker for many users who require more storage capacity.

Face Unlock and Motion Sense

The face unlock feature on the Pixel 4 XL works reasonably well, unlocking the device in a quick and reliable manner. However, it requires the device to be pointed directly at the user's face before it can unlock, unlike a fingerprint reader. The motion sense feature allows users to control apps by simply waving at them, but its usability and consistency are questionable. Although it has the potential to be a game changer, it often falls short in its functionality.

Video Recording Capabilities

Google has put a lot of effort into improving the video recording capabilities of the Pixel 4 XL. The device performs impressively as a 4K video camera, with focus lock-on being intuitive and the image stabilization being outstanding. The resulting videos are on par with those from the iPhone 11 Pro, if not better in some aspects. The inclusion of separate sliders to control highlights and low lights gives users more control over shot composition and editing options. However, the absence of an ultra-wide lens is a limitation in terms of creative possibilities.

Google Assistant 2.0

The Pixel 4 XL introduces Google Assistant 2.0, which is now miniaturized and capable of running locally on the device. This enables the new Recorder app, allowing users to make audio recordings with transcriptions. The ability to have text alongside audio recordings makes them searchable and provides increased usability. However, the performance of the Assistant's voice texting feature may suffer when multiple people are speaking simultaneously.

Bugs and Issues

While the Pixel 4 XL has its fair share of impressive features, there are also some bugs and issues that users may encounter. Some users have reported the appearance and persistence of graphical artifacts on the screen, even after closing apps. This can be a cause for concern, as it interferes with normal device usage. Additionally, the motion sense feature can be inconsistent and unreliable, negatively impacting the overall user experience.

Should You Buy the Pixel 4 XL?

In conclusion, the Pixel 4 XL is a device that offers an impressive camera, innovative features, and a clean Android software experience. It is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts who prioritize imaging capabilities and appreciate the simplicity of Google's software ecosystem. However, for those seeking a longer battery life, expandable storage options, and Flawless motion sense functionality, alternate options in the market may be more suitable.

Highlights

• The Pixel 4 XL has undergone a major design overhaul compared to its predecessor.
• The device boasts impressive performance, thanks to its Snapdragon 855 chipset and six gigs of RAM.
• The camera quality of the Pixel 4 XL is exceptional, surpassing the capabilities of the iPhone 11 Pro in many aspects.
• The limited storage options of the Pixel 4 XL may be a deal breaker for those requiring more storage capacity.
• The face unlock feature works reasonably well, but the motion sense feature is inconsistent and unreliable.
• The video recording capabilities of the Pixel 4 XL are impressive, rivaling those of the iPhone 11 Pro.
• Google Assistant 2.0 brings new features such as the Recorder app, but its voice texting performance may be hindered in certain situations.
• The Pixel 4 XL has some bugs and issues, including graphical artifacts on the screen and inconsistent motion sense functionality.
• Overall, the Pixel 4 XL is recommended for photography enthusiasts and those who appreciate the simplicity of Google's software ecosystem.

FAQ

Q: Does the Pixel 4 XL have expandable storage options?

A: No, the Pixel 4 XL does not have expandable storage options. The top-of-the-line SKU offers 128GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for some users.

Q: Can the face unlock feature unlock the Pixel 4 XL even if it is not directly pointed at the user's face?

A: No, the face unlock feature on the Pixel 4 XL requires the device to be pointed directly at the user's face before it can unlock.