Google Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL

[Ralfi]

Yet another low end phone showing Google how to design the Pixel...

Really seems like the designers at Google have been below par for far too long when so many Chinese manufacturers are releasing products that look much more modern.

 

[MarkX]

Yet another low end phone showing Google how to design the Pixel...
View attachment 860505

Really seems like the designers at Google have been below par for far too long when so many Chinese manufacturers are releasing products that look much more modern.

Looks are one thing but does it have the tech inside?

I have never heard of that brand before.

 

[Ralfi]

Looks are one thing but does it have the tech inside?

I have never heard of that brand before.

Just focusing on the aesthetics, MarkX.

 

[MarkX]

Just focusing on the aesthetics, MarkX.

That’s fair enough but I don’t think you can have looks and 3d face unlock/Soli radar just yet without either a notch or a bezel.

Google have obviously decided on function over form.

 

[Ralfi]

That’s fair enough but I don’t think you can have looks and 3d face unlock/Soli radar just yet without either a notch or a bezel.

The thing about the Pixel's though (& most Android phones), is their face unlock isn't as secure as Apple's, so they could ditch it in favour of in-screen Touch ID & then remove the notch.

Apple are the ones who invested in a secure Face ID as their primary biometric authentication. Google have held onto it as a secondary method of unlock & have sacrificed their design/form factor in doing so because they (still) have a chin, & a forehead to go with it....the worst outcome in modern smartphone design as it makes their devices taller & less ergonomic.

 

[MarkX]

I thought there face unlock was of the 3d variant like Apple’s? Also, isn’t it their primary unlock method on the Pixel 4?

 

[Awesomesince86]

The thing about the Pixel's though (& most Android phones), is their face unlock isn't as secure as Apple's, so they could ditch it in favour of in-screen Touch ID & then remove the notch.

Apple are the ones who invested in a secure Face ID as their primary biometric authentication. Google have held onto it as a secondary method of unlock & have sacrificed their design/form factor in doing so because they (still) have a chin, & a forehead to go with it....the worst outcome in modern smartphone design as it makes their devices taller & less ergonomic.

The Pixel 4 will have a more advanced method of face unlock similar to what's on the iPhone. Previously stock Android had a built in face unlock method that just used the front facing camera and it was not very secure. But previous face unlock is certainly not why Google had bad designs and form factors in the past. It's because they're new at making phones and are still figuring things out. Cramming a bunch of tech into a device and keeping it small, light, and as much screen as possible is no easy engineering feat.

 

[Ralfi]

The Pixel 4 will have a more advanced method of face unlock similar to what's on the iPhone. Previously stock Android had a built in face unlock method that just used the front facing camera and it was not very secure. But previous face unlock is certainly not why Google had bad designs and form factors in the past. It's because they're new at making phones and are still figuring things out. Cramming a bunch of tech into a device and keeping it small, light, and as much screen as possible is no easy engineering feat.

I guess I had too high hardware expectations from a company of whom I’ve appreciated software for years.

Though, they’ve had 3 years to catch up & at least resemble a modern design & have failed every time...

 

[michael9891]

With the amount of leaks on the Pixel 4, I thought it was well known it's going to have a secure face unlock? It has to have a larger bezel or a notch. And if it were a notch, it would be slated just as much.

 

[mi7chy]

The thing about the Pixel's though (& most Android phones), is their face unlock isn't as secure as Apple's, so they could ditch it in favour of in-screen Touch ID & then remove the notch.

Face ID isn't secure either since it has weakness with discerning semi-evil twins, family members, mother/son, unrelated friends, even boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. Unless you designed the Pixel 4 it's too soon to determine.

 

[mrbob88]

Really seems like the designers at Google have been below par for far too long when so many Chinese manufacturers are releasing products that look much more modern.

You mean the former designers of HTC. I'm still not sure if Google has ever actually designed their own phones...

The Pixel 4 will have a more advanced method of face unlock similar to what's on the iPhone.

We'll have to see about this, but Google has never been champs of hardware. Haven't really seen many leaks connecting Soli to their face unlock. In fact, I've been optimistic that Soli was Google's way to get that sort of tech into the world so that they can develop a new input method to something bigger.

---

In any case, I'm all-in on the Pixel 4 this year. Crossing my fingers that they make huge leaps with video recording and give the smaller version some spec bumps.

 

[slitherjef]

Was doing a little thinking today and realized I think Google is going to have to step up their camera game... For video. I wanna think that they have been going after the camera market since the iPhone camera "has been a little on the weak side" (not saying this to disparage as I've heard the iPhone has had decent cameras they have not been quite up to par to say the XL 3)

On the flip side, I've heard the same could be said about the pixel lines video quality, the iPhone does a very nice job (once again, so I've heard). Indeed, last clip I took with my XL 3 had a weird shimmering jello look to it (probably from the stabilization).

I think Google needs to pay attention to this. I think they need their own in-house iMovie. Why not? They have Snapseed for photo.

If the iPhone 11 photo quality is at least equal to the pixel line or surpasses it and they have very good video quality to back it up? I think the 11 could actually pull people away from the pixel line.

Or maybe I've had too much caffeine and too long a work day and my brain is over taxed (which might not take much as it is lol 😜)

 

[slitherjef]

Oh so orange! 🍊

Pixel 4 colors will be Just Black, Clearly White, and... 'Oh So Orange'

Now a pair of sources have told us what to expect for the Pixel 4 colors. Expect Just Black, Clearly White, and... drum roll please... "Oh So Orange."

9to5google.com

Nope. Sorry. It's pumpkin spice! Not orange!

 

[slitherjef]

I wish they would put a nice uwa lens in, a decent regular all purpose zoom, say 2-3x and a dedicated macro lens. I do a lot of close up or ultra wide cloudscape type photos.

 

[kazmac]

Not bad...and that includes the Tang color. ??

 

[Tig Bitties]

Prices have leaked, and ouch, the 4 XL is going to be like $1,100 to $1,200. Sure hoping this isn't right, and some typo. No way can Google charge as much or more then the 11 Pro

Oh So Expensive: Google Pixel 4 color names leaked and retailer listings reveal premium prices

A couple of more Google Pixel 4-related leaks have surfaced, one concerning the apparently official names for the colors the smartphones will come in and another about the not inconsiderable price tags. According to one specific retailer, potential Pixel 4 buyers in Ireland will have to cough up...

www.notebookcheck.net

 

[nospleen]

Prices have leaked, and ouch, the 4 XL is going to be like $1,100 to $1,200.

Oh So Expensive: Google Pixel 4 color names leaked and retailer listings reveal premium prices

A couple of more Google Pixel 4-related leaks have surfaced, one concerning the apparently official names for the colors the smartphones will come in and another about the not inconsiderable price tags. According to one specific retailer, potential Pixel 4 buyers in Ireland will have to cough up...

www.notebookcheck.net

If true, I'll stay on the "a" series line. The 3a is good enough that spending 3 times that amount is no longer worth it to me.

I was hoping the iPhone 11 pricing would have made Google go a bit lower than the 3 series.

 

[michael9891]

Prices have leaked, and ouch, the 4 XL is going to be like $1,100 to $1,200. Sure hoping this isn't right, and some typo. No way can Google charge as much or more then the 11 Pro

Oh So Expensive: Google Pixel 4 color names leaked and retailer listings reveal premium prices

A couple of more Google Pixel 4-related leaks have surfaced, one concerning the apparently official names for the colors the smartphones will come in and another about the not inconsiderable price tags. According to one specific retailer, potential Pixel 4 buyers in Ireland will have to cough up...

www.notebookcheck.net

Going off the "without discount" price, I'd be surprised if they charged more than the Note 10+ 5G for the 128gb 4XL. I'd take these with a pinch of salt as I'm sure it's just one Irish retailer.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Last year, I bought my Pixel 3 XL from Google in October, and it was $849, due to some gift certificate deal they had going for the new Pixel launch.

I hope the 4 XL has similar deals. $899 is the most I'll pay for the Pixel 4 XL, even then makes me think just get the 7t Pro for $649 instead possibly.

 

[michael9891]

As far as I can remember, the UK hasn't had any pre order incentives from Google. A £150 price rise from last year is probably more than I'm willing to pay.

 

[noobinator]

There's no way Google will charge $1100-1200 for the XL. Maybe $999+tax for the XL but that's pushing it for Google. I think if they go higher than the current $899 then they are shooting themselves in the foot. It's not like these things were flying off the shelves at $899 or even when they offered money off or buy 1 get 1 deals.

That said, I'm really liking the Orange!

 

[Macalicious2011]

If the iPhone 11 photo quality is at least equal to the pixel line or surpasses it and they have very good video quality to back it up? I think the 11 could actually pull people away from the pixel line.

On Friday I upgraded to an 11 Pro Max from a Pixel 2 XL.

What I miss about the Pixel
-Low weight. The Pro Max is a heavy phone and sounds like dropping a brick when it falls on the bedroom floor.
-The ability to use the phone with one hand. Although mine are large, the Pro Max is a two handed phone. I understand why Apple Watches are popular as they reduce the number of times you need to pick up the brick sized phone.😁
-Ability to quickly share a picture from anywhere to Whatsapp, Email or messaging. Just long press and click share.
-Photos that pop, don't need filters and are instantly sharable! Images processing on the iPhone is very true to life but I prefer the subtle but sophisticated pop of photos on the Pixel.


What I love about the iPhone
-The three cameras. I thought it was a gimmick but this is an example where software can only get you so far. -Someones hardware needs a big fat upgrade. The wide, ultra wide and telephoto genuinely feels like you are getting three different cameras in one phone.
-Video is utterly incredible and blows the Pixel out of the water. Not only is the footage super smooth, but very clear with superb HDR. The mics are phenomenal too. Switching between the three cameras is natural and effortless. It's a mighty camera system!
-The screen is superior to the one on the Pixel 2 XL which isn't a surprise as even my S6 Edge Plus had a better OLED than it.

On the software side the Android vs iOS debate is moot as both OS are so similar that neither has any standout deal breaking features unless you value the deep integration of iOS devices.

Overall I'm super happy with the device and think the hardware is exceptionally good.


Pixel 4's biggest threat is a cheaper Pixel 3 and most crucially the iPhone 11 which is arguably one of the best phones you can buy if you are happy to overlook the lack of an OLED. Furthermore the Apple watch is now so cheap that an increasing number of iPhone users will have one. Consider it a golden handcuff because one barrier to switching to Android is giving up the Apple watch!

 

[Tig Bitties]

Mainly battery life is my reason looking to upgrade, this 3 XL is mediorce at best, not terrible, but not great at all. And I'd like a brighter display for outdoor use.

I'm almost tempted by the 11 Pro Max just for it's outstanding battery life, supposedly getting equivalent to like 10hrs Screen on Time.

I don't need 10 SoT, but my Pixel 3 XL only gives me like 5h to 5.5h. I'd like a phone that does at least 7h.

And my charging port is broke somehow . I can't wire charge the phone, and listening on wired headphones goes in and out doesn't really work

 

[Macalicious2011]

Mainly battery life is my reason looking to upgrade, this 3 XL is mediorce at best, not terrible, but not great at all. And I'd like a brighter display for outdoor use.

I'm almost tempted by the 11 Pro Max just for it's outstanding battery life, supposedly getting equivalent to like 10hrs Screen on Time.

I don't need 10 SoT, but my Pixel 3 XL only gives me like 5h to 5.5h. I'd like a phone that does at least 7h.

And my charging port is broke somehow . I can't wire charge the phone, and listening on wired headphones goes in and out doesn't really work

Have you considered replacing the battery?

I did so on my old Samsung. However the replacement battery was nothing like the original one. This can be a problem with some phone manufacturers as they don't offer an official battery replacement service like Apple.

Pixel 2 XL actually had all day battery life when I bought it but life has drastically degraded over 12-18 months. Instead of putting £60 towards a new battery, I thought it would be better to put that towards a new phone.

Other than that, good software won't be enough for the Pixel 4 to succeed. Both Apple, Samsung and other phone manufacturers have upped their game this year compared with the mediocre updates of last year.


Speaking of Google, I will search for a Gcam port for the iPhone! ?

 

[Tig Bitties]

My wife still has the Pixel 2 XL, and for some reason almost seems like a better more durable long lasting phone. Zero problems with it, and has better battery life then my 3 XL.