Google Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL

[tbayrgs]

Great news that Pixel phones are now going to be available on all major US carriers. But with the iPhone 11 priced at $699/$749 for the same respective 64GB/128GB storage amounts, what is going to compel the typical, regular consumer to choose a Pixel 4 sitting on display right next to it that costs $100-150 more? Or a Pixel 4 instead of a Galaxy S10 128GB that costs the same $899 (not included likely pricing deals)?

 

[mjschabow]

Great news that Pixel phones are now going to be available on all major US carriers. But with the iPhone 11 priced at $699/$749 for the same respective 64GB/128GB storage amounts, what is going to compel the typical, regular consumer to choose a Pixel 4 sitting on display right next to it that costs $100-150 more? Or a Pixel 4 instead of a Galaxy S10 128GB that costs the same $899 (not included likely pricing deals)?

Definitely not the camera anymore (compared to iPhone, not Samsung).

That’s why I think they missed a huge opportunity to continue with the 3a mentality as their main push.

 

[Cryates]

My overall take on the Pixel 4 is that it's far overpriced. This phone should be at least $100 cheaper imo. I could make a case that they should have ditched the premium tier and focused on their 'a' position of devices.

• The omission of an ultra-wide lens in favor of telephoto is insane to me. Portrait mode via software was already very good on the Pixel in my past experience, so seeing an ultra-wide here would have given a ton of creative control to the user, a la the standard iPhone 11.
• That said, the astrophotography feature looks super cool if it works similarly in real-world use.
• Motion Sense is absolutely gimmicky to me, and never something I would use, but to each their own.
• I'm still not convinced they have invested enough in battery life. 3,700 mAh is good, but not up to snuff with competing models. And we already know battery life on the Pixel 3/XL wasn't great.
• Google continued the trend of unique color schemes, but I think this might be my least favorite of their recent offerings. The orange version looks fun though.
• The video options are just plain bad. No 4K 60fps?

Those are just some quick thoughts on it. I think unless they made some crazy improvements to their (already good) computational photography, this generation of Pixel is going to be a big misfire with the improvements Apple made to their camera system this year. That Pixelbook Go looks pretty fun/great though.

 

[mi7chy]

Great news that Pixel phones are now going to be available on all major US carriers. But with the iPhone 11 priced at $699/$749 for the same respective 64GB/128GB storage amounts, what is going to compel the typical, regular consumer to choose a Pixel 4 sitting on display right next to it that costs $100-150 more? Or a Pixel 4 instead of a Galaxy S10 128GB that costs the same $899 (not included likely pricing deals)?

Easy. iPhone 11 is a lower end near 720p LCD device plus it lacks the smarts, has subpar Intel modem vs Qualcomm, lower specs/less future proofing and less OS/software freedom compared to Pixel 4.

 

[TopherMan12]

Software correction for still photos is easier but don't forget video which requires dedicated hardware image processor for real time correction.

Regardless, neither ultrawide photo or video are an option on Pixel 4 unfortunately.

 

[Macalicious2011]

My first impression is that the Pixel 4a is going to be a steal again next year.

I agree. Although I would love lightening quick face unlock, the phone lacks big selling points.

Portrait mode and HDR will likely remain class leading but I can get that from a Pixel 3 or 3a. The big turn off for me is the 4K at 30fsp? WTF, are we in year 2017?

 

[drinkingtea]

Easy. iPhone 11 is a lower end near 720p LCD device plus it lacks the smarts, has subpar Intel modem vs Qualcomm and less OS/software freedom compared to Pixel 4.

Most average iPhone consumers don’t even know what iOS version they’re on, so I doubt they know what screen type the 11 has in comparison to the Pixel 4 or what type of processors each type has. Most average iPhone consumers don’t even know what a Pixel is or that Google owns Android. All they largely care about is the Apple logo in back of the phone.

 

[nfl46]

That 2,800mAh battery, with a 90H

Easy. iPhone 11 is a lower end near 720p LCD device plus it lacks the smarts, has subpar Intel modem vs Qualcomm, lower specs/less future proofing and less OS/software freedom compared to Pixel 4.

Only nerds know about the stuff you mentioned. No average joe is going to know any of that. Hell most average joes think Samsung = Android

 

[Awesomesince86]

So T-Mobile may have just changed my thoughts on this phone with their trade in offer.

Unless I’m reading things wrong, they are offering $800 off a Pixel device with the trade in of any Pixel 2 or 3 phone. That means I could buy a cheap Pixel 2 for ~$200 and use it to get $800 off the 4XL. Essentially it means getting the phone for $400.

 

[co.ag.2005]

So T-Mobile may have just changed my thoughts on this phone with their trade in offer.

Unless I’m reading things wrong, they are offering $800 off a Pixel device with the trade in of any Pixel 2 or 3 phone. That means I could buy a cheap Pixel 2 for ~$200 and use it to get $800 off the 4XL. Essentially it means getting the phone for $400.

is it with the 2-years of bill credits or do they take the $$ off up front?

 

[Awesomesince86]

is it with the 2-years of bill credits or do they take the $$ off up front?

2 years worth of credits AND you have to switch to T-Mobile. I didn’t see that in the fine print the first time reading it.

 

[TopherMan12]

2 years worth of credits AND you have to switch to T-Mobile. I didn’t see that in the fine print the first time reading it.

Was just about to add that. Phone launches are a good time if you are considering switch carriers.

 

[Truefan31]

Easy. iPhone 11 is a lower end near 720p LCD device plus it lacks the smarts, has subpar Intel modem vs Qualcomm, lower specs/less future proofing and less OS/software freedom compared to Pixel 4.

I believe his post referenced the regular, typical consumer. Which by market standards has the iPhone 11 as a pretty successful launch sales wise. Do people think they will sell more pixel 4s than iPhone 11s?

Less future proofing? It seems that Apple typically supports their products on average longer than other mobile OEMs so I don’t see the argument there.

 

[michael9891]

Shame they got rid of the wide angle front camera. As a frequent solo traveller, that would have come in handy. It's about time they improved video though. Samsung and Apple even more so are way off in the distance where video is concerned.

I don't think anyone has mentioned that Google are pretty much saying the display is the best on a smartphone?!

I'll give the 4 a go, but I'll only keep it if I think it's worth it. As a whole, the Note 10+ offers far more for the money.

 

[Aneres11]

My overall take on the Pixel 4 is that it's far overpriced. This phone should be at least $100 cheaper imo. I could make a case that they should have ditched the premium tier and focused on their 'a' position of devices.

• The omission of an ultra-wide lens in favor of telephoto is insane to me. Portrait mode via software was already very good on the Pixel in my past experience, so seeing an ultra-wide here would have given a ton of creative control to the user, a la the standard iPhone 11.
• That said, the astrophotography feature looks super cool if it works similarly in real-world use.
• Motion Sense is absolutely gimmicky to me, and never something I would use, but to each their own.
• I'm still not convinced they have invested enough in battery life. 3,700 mAh is good, but not up to snuff with competing models. And we already know battery life on the Pixel 3/XL wasn't great.
• Google continued the trend of unique color schemes, but I think this might be my least favorite of their recent offerings. The orange version looks fun though.
• The video options are just plain bad. No 4K 60fps?

Those are just some quick thoughts on it. I think unless they made some crazy improvements to their (already good) computational photography, this generation of Pixel is going to be a big misfire with the improvements Apple made to their camera system this year. That Pixelbook Go looks pretty fun/great though.

Look forward to reading your thoughts when you give in and buy one.

 

[co.ag.2005]

2 years worth of credits AND you have to switch to T-Mobile. I didn’t see that in the fine print the first time reading it.

it looks like it's for new or existing customers, but yeah "via 24 monthly bill credits with a qualifying Pixel trade-in " is never a good deal IMO. Mainly because I never keep a phone for 2 years. Now, if you would only be staying on T-Mobile and keep your phone for 2 years, it might be a good deal

Shop Google Deals

Check out our current deals – see how much you can save on the latest Google phones, watches, and accessories!

www.t-mobile.com

https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/di9zcz

edit: so they have different tiers, if you switch to t-mobile and trade in a 2/xl, 3/xl, you essentially get the regular pixel 4 for free... or $500 if you trade in the OG pixel/xl

the other trade in tiers are for current customers... $300 for all the 3's, etc.

 

[Macalicious2011]

Shame they got rid of the wide angle front camera. As a frequent solo traveller, that would have come in handy. It's about time they improved video though. Samsung and Apple even more so are way off in the distance where video is concerned.

I don't think anyone has mentioned that Google are pretty much saying the display is the best on a smartphone?!

I'll give the 4 a go, but I'll only keep it if I think it's worth it. As a whole, the Note 10+ offers far more for the money.

Yeah. Video photography on the new Samsungs and iPhone are exceptional and the gap to Google is HUGE!

The 90Hz display will increase the perceived speed of the phone. It will be interesting to see what affect it has on battery life.

 

[co.ag.2005]

2 years worth of credits AND you have to switch to T-Mobile. I didn’t see that in the fine print the first time reading it.

I did some more digging and it looks like if you are a current customer, the trade in value is in the form of a virtual pre-paid card, so all up front (well, shipped to you in 6-8 weeks) - so no monthly bill credits. Plus they would give me $300 for my 3a. I'm confirming details with T-Mobile now but things just got interesting...

 

[Cryates]

Look forward to reading your thoughts when you give in and buy one.

Now just what about my history would tell you that's going to happen??! 😄

 

[slitherjef]

Missed the event and finally now starting to get caught up on things. Last day and a half has been a bit rough.

So far what I've seen, it looks like an okay device, nothing much to write home about. I don't think there is much more phone manufacturers can do to innovate.

Is edge sense still in this thing?

Camera looks like it has some nice tricks. Could see the app ported to the XL 2 and 3.

Most likely missing out on the pre-order on one for now. And again, I really don't need yet another pixel device, since mine still works

Oh, and I guess the pumpkin spice pixel is really limited edition!

Also missed of it had a flat screen.

 

[Chrisblond007]

Camera and 90hz doesn't count?

OnePlus does it for cheaper. Oh and they give an ultra wide lens. Google hardware is lacking.

 

[Bass]

Wanted to come back to the Pixel family, mainly due to the camera, but I can't justify moving on from my OnePlus 7 Pro. Maybe if there's a good deal to be had over the next few months I might jump back, but not at the current price.

 

[Chrisblond007]

I’m surprised how poor trade in deals are with Google. You would think they want to push to at least keep current Pixel users.
Samsung was giving $650 plus $200 for S10 and Note 10 promo if you traded in Pixel 3...

 

[co.ag.2005]

OnePlus does it for cheaper. Oh and they give an ultra wide lens. Google hardware is lacking.

If OnePlus camera was anywhere close to the Pixel quality, it would be no contest IMO. I love Oxygen OS and what Oneplus does with features vs price, but the camera, even on the 7 Pro, is still lacking by quite a bit IMO. Yes, you can install Gcam but still doesn't produce the results of the Pixel camera... come on OnePlus, get that camera up to snuff!

 

[michael9891]

A full pro mode is also lacking. For a phone that is best known for it's camera, the 4th iteration should have had a pro mode.

If they do release a 4a down the line, that will undoubtedly sell bucket loads more than their "flagship".

Anyway, white 64gb came into stock for the 21st temporarily. So I ordered that as well. Might not like the orange when I see it in person.