Google Pixel 4 review
The Google Pixel 4 is a decent smartphone that fails to impress due to several limitations. One of its standout features is the 90Hz display, which provides a smooth user experience. The camera, while excellent for still photos, falls short in low-light conditions and video recording capabilities. The phone's battery life is also subpar, and storage options are limited. The Pixel 4 runs on Android 10, which brings some useful features to the table, such as improved text-to-speech functionality and a new voice recorder app. However, these benefits may not be enough to sway most users away from other smartphones with more comprehensive offerings. In comparison to its competitors, the Pixel 4's camera struggles against the iPhone 11 Pro in low-light conditions and video recording. While it excels in still photo quality, especially in daylight scenarios, its limitations make it less desirable than other options. Ultimately, the Pixel 4 is a phone that will appeal to a niche group of users who value high refresh rate screens, excellent camera capabilities for still photos, and the latest version of Android. However, for most people, there are better deals available on the market, including cheaper alternatives like the iPhone 11. The Pixel 4's price point is also a concern, as it fails to provide the complete package that many users expect from a flagship smartphone. With its limitations in battery life, storage options, and video recording capabilities, this phone falls short of being a truly great device.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 4's build quality is, as expected from the series, solid and well-executed. The device's design has taken a more minimalist approach this time around, with clean lines and a sleek aesthetic that should appeal to fans of modern minimalism. The phone's frame is made of stainless steel, which provides a premium feel in the hand. However, some users may find it to be slightly on the thicker side, especially considering the device's smaller size compared to its predecessor. One notable omission from the Pixel 4's design is the lack of any significant visual changes compared to its predecessor. Some might argue that this decision makes the phone look less exciting and innovative than previous models. Nevertheless, the device's overall build quality remains top-notch, with a satisfying weight and smooth texture that feels great in the hand. Unfortunately, the Pixel 4 doesn't quite live up to its potential when it comes to design innovation. The phone's appearance, while refined and polished, is not particularly distinctive or attention-grabbing. Those expecting a bold new direction for the series may be left somewhat underwhelmed by this iteration. Ultimately, the Google Pixel 4's build quality is sound and suitable for everyday use. While it doesn't necessarily break any new ground in terms of design, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and well-crafted Android experience.
Battery Life
One of the most significant letdowns in the Google Pixel 4 is its battery life. Despite the phone's sleek design and impressive specs, it fails to deliver a full day's worth of power. With moderate usage, you can expect to get around 10-12 hours of battery life, which is not enough for a device that promises so much. During my testing, I found that the Pixel 4 would often dip below 20% by the evening, requiring me to reach for the charger. This was particularly frustrating considering the phone's 90Hz display and impressive camera capabilities, which made it feel like a waste of potential. While Google has optimized Android 10 for the Pixel 4, it seems that the battery life hasn't received the same attention. A bigger battery would have been a welcome addition to this device, but unfortunately, it's not an option here. If you're someone who values having a phone that can last all day without needing to be topped up, then the Pixel 4 might not be the best choice for you. There are other phones on the market that offer better battery life and value for money. Overall, while the Pixel 4 is a solid device in many ways, its battery life is a significant drawback that holds it back from being truly great.
Display
The Google Pixel 4's display is a highlight of the device. With its high refresh rate screen, the phone offers a smooth and seamless visual experience. The 90Hz display is a feature that many other phones don't have yet, making it a notable upgrade for those who value a responsive and immersive screen. In my use, I found the display to be punchy and confident, with vibrant colors and good brightness levels. The high refresh rate makes scrolling through menus and apps feel silky smooth, which is especially noticeable in daily tasks like browsing social media or messaging friends. One of the standout features of the Pixel 4's display is its ability to render text crisply and clearly, making it a joy to read on. Whether you're browsing articles or reading messages, the display does an excellent job of making text stand out against a cluttered background. However, as great as the display is, it's not without its limitations. The battery life could be improved, with some users reporting that it doesn't quite last the day with heavy use. Additionally, the storage options are somewhat limited, which may not appeal to those who like to store large media collections or a wide range of apps. Overall, the Pixel 4's display is a major selling point for this phone. While there are certainly areas where improvement could be made, it remains one of the best displays on the market today. For those who value a high-quality screen experience, the Pixel 4 is definitely worth considering.
Camera
The camera on the Google Pixel 4 is a mixed bag. In daylight, for most photos, I prefer the pixel's output. The contrasty, punchy, detailed look is unmistakable and one that I've grown to love over the years of using Pixel devices. Wide-angle selfies are also a highlight, with the same level of detail and punchiness as their standard camera counterparts. However, in lower light, the iPhone 11 Pro's performance edges out the Pixel 4's. This was not always the case, but it seems that Apple has made significant strides in improving its night mode capabilities. The Pixel 4's Astrophotography feature is still a great tool for capturing celestial bodies and does offer some impressive results, but I find the noise levels to be slightly higher than those on the iPhone. A side-by-side comparison with SuperSaf's legendary photo comparisons would be the best way to truly understand the differences between the two cameras. In my opinion, while the Pixel 4's camera is still excellent in its own right, it falls short of being the best overall camera system available. The addition of an ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 Pro makes it a more versatile device for capturing a wider range of photos and video. One area where the Pixel 4 really struggles is in video recording capabilities. It tops out at 4K 30fps, which Google cited as being due to storage concerns. However, this decision doesn't make sense considering that users could have opted to enable higher frame rates if they wanted to. Additionally, the lack of 24fps video was a missed opportunity. In terms of low light and ultra-wide photography, the iPhone's camera takes the lead. I find myself preferring Pixel photos for most scenarios, but on the edges of photography like low light or ultra-wide shots, the iPhone does better. Ultimately, whether the Pixel 4's camera is the best overall system available depends on your needs. If you prioritize still photo quality and don't mind smaller battery life and storage capacity, then the Pixel might be for you. However, if video capabilities are a top priority, or you need a more versatile camera system that excels in multiple areas like ultra-wide photography and low light performance, then the iPhone 11 Pro is a better choice.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 4 is a device that falls short of expectations due to its high price point and lackluster features compared to other options available in the market. One major drawback of the Pixel 4 is its steep price tag. At an estimated cost of around $900, it's clear that this phone is not for everyone. While the refined Android experience and excellent camera capabilities are certainly attractive features, they don't quite justify the hefty price. In comparison to other devices in the market, such as the iPhone 11, which offers similar features at a lower price point, the Pixel 4 seems overpriced. The lack of innovative features and a disappointing battery life further exacerbate the issue. Despite its excellent camera capabilities for still photos, the Pixel 4's limitations become apparent when it comes to video recording. With a maximum resolution of 4K at 30fps, it lags behind other top-of-the-line devices. Considering these factors, the Pixel 4 is not a device that I would recommend to most people. While it may appeal to those who value high refresh rate screens and the latest version of Android, others will find more affordable options available in the market. For someone like me, who values a smooth user experience and the latest technology, the Pixel 4 might be worth considering, but for the average consumer, I would say there are better deals out there. The high price point is simply not justified by the features offered, making it a less desirable option compared to other top-of-the-line devices in the market.
Performance
The Google Pixel 4 is a mixed bag when it comes to performance. On the one hand, the phone's 90Hz display is a joy to use, providing a smooth and responsive experience that many other phones can't match. The addition of extra RAM also makes a noticeable difference in terms of overall speed and multitasking capabilities. However, the battery life on the Pixel 4 is underwhelming, failing to deliver the kind of all-day usage that most users expect from their phone. Charging times are also somewhat slow, which can be frustrating for those who need to quickly top up their device during the day. In terms of raw performance, the Pixel 4's processor and memory combination provide a solid foundation for gaming, multitasking, and other demanding tasks. However, it falls short of being exceptional in these areas, often being outperformed by rival devices from Samsung and OnePlus. One area where the Pixel 4 does excel is in its handling of Android updates. As Google's flagship device, it receives timely software updates directly from the company, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches as soon as they're available. Overall, while the Pixel 4's performance is respectable, it fails to blow us away in any particular area. The phone feels solidly built and well-equipped for everyday use, but those who demand more power and longer battery life may want to look elsewhere.
Pros
1. Punchy camera
2. Smooth display
3. Latest Android version
4. Refined experience
Cons
1. Poor battery life
2. Limited storage options
3. Video capabilities lag behind
4. Not recommended for most users