Google Pixel 4 XL

Key Highlights

The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL mark the next evolution in Google’s flagship smartphone lineup. After months of leaks, speculation, and anticipation, these devices have finally arrived — and while they bring notable improvements, they also raise familiar questions about Google’s hardware direction. Let’s start with the basics. The Pixel 4 series refines Google’s minimalist design language, featuring a matte glass back, aluminum frame, and a distinctive square camera bump. The smaller Pixel 4 sports a 5.7-inch display, while the Pixel 4 XL steps up to 6.3 inches — both featuring OLED panels with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. However, that high refresh rate doesn’t always stay active, a quirk that disappointed some early users. Performance-wise, both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor paired with 6GB of RAM — a welcome upgrade from previous generations, though not class-leading compared to rivals like Samsung or OnePlus. Day-to-day operation is fluid, thanks largely to Google’s optimized Android 10 experience, but the real star, as always, is the camera. Google finally added a second rear camera — a 16MP telephoto lens alongside the primary 12.2MP sensor. The results are exceptional. Photos are crisp, balanced, and detailed, continuing Google’s dominance in computational photography. Night Sight and Astrophotography Mode push low-light photography to new levels, capturing stunning detail in near darkness. However, the omission of an ultra-wide camera is a surprising drawback in 2019, especially when nearly every competitor includes one. One of the most interesting additions is Motion Sense, powered by Google’s Soli radar chip, which allows users to control the phone with hand gestures and enables faster face unlock. While the technology feels futuristic, its usefulness in daily life is limited, making it more of a novelty than a necessity. Battery life is another area where the Pixel 4 line falters. The smaller Pixel 4, in particular, struggles to last a full day under heavy use — a major weakness for a premium flagship. The XL version fares better but still lags behind competitors. Despite its flaws, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL shine in areas that matter most to Google fans — software, photography, and user experience. Features like Call Screen, Now Playing, and the new Recorder app with real-time transcription showcase Google’s unmatched software innovation. In conclusion, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are polished, smart, and capable phones that showcase Google’s strengths in AI and photography — but they also highlight ongoing hardware compromises. They’re not perfect, but for Android purists and photography enthusiasts, they remain among the best experiences available. Whether steady progress is enough to justify the price tag depends on what you value most in a smartphone.