Google Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL

[jamezr]

I get what you’re saying, but Face Unlock could provide an added layer of security that fingerprint biometrics never could. That’s the benefit of Face ID that Apple recognized and provided to their users. Why wouldn’t Google do the same? Speed/beating Apple matters more to Google than adding extra security. It speaks volumes about the company, and I say this as someone who is considering getting a Pixel. It’s okay to say that Google messed up. I do it all the time with Apple.

I do get what you are saying......Google should have had attention awareness built into Face Unlock. But this is not as big an issue as some have made it out to be. It will be fixed soon with a software update.

Exactly what is the use case here? How will this be exploited? These same issues have been around since fingerprint authentication was implemented.

Then how was Google trying to rush this out ahead of Apple when Apple has had a 2-3? year head start in facial recognition software with FaceId...which works pretty damn well.

 

[tbayrgs]

sorry...i fail to see how it is relevant THIS year but not last year. Objectively no one has to use has to use any kind of face unlock or fingerprint authentication. There is always the PIN.......which seems pretty secure to me.

You’re right, you seem to don’t understand. Last year it wasn’t an issue because no single phone offered more secure FP reading than another. A Pixel has the same FP security vulnerability as an iPhone, or Galaxy, or another other phone. This year, the Pixel isn’t as secure as an iPhone—no way to say it any simpler.

So you are not concerned about someone unlocking your Pixel 3 while you are sleeping using your fingerprint.BUT if you had Face Unlock.....it becomes an issue? Got it....

Nope, didn’t say that. I’m not personally concerned about either scenario but if someone was, they couldn’t use Pixel’s Face Unlock while they could use an iPhone. If I had this phone in college, with my friends and roommates, I sure couldn’t have used the Pixel’s Face Unlock until this feature was added as they would’ve used any unlocked phone to prank the hell out of you.

But somehow face unlock is less secure because it has the same limitation for NOW.

Yup, it’s not as secure until the fix is made. Until then, it’s just words and doesn’t fix the issue for someone using the phone now.

But will soon be remediated.....while your Pixel 3 will ALWAYS have this security flaw......

This has zero relevance to the conversation. And like I said, if I was worried about the FP reader vulnerability, I wouldn’t use it in any phone.

Seems like you should be advocating for everyone to switch to Face Unlock as it it will soon be a more secure way of protecting and authenticating to your phone.

OK. All stats and studies do seem to point in that direction so, sure.

Like i said.....just another thing for people to complain about that really is much ado about nothing.....
no one cares except internet forums like this or YouTubers looking for hits to their channel.....

For you or I, not really an issue but doesn’t mean it isn’t for others. And to be clear, I also don’t think it’s a huge issue and am pretty confident Google will take care of it as quickly as they can. But like I said, it is an issue for some.

 

[AppleRobert]

Gotta say, the lift to wake, combined with Face Unlock is very cool, very fast, and to the home screen immediately.

Plus the smoothness of forced 90hz is so fluid and buttery.

And lastly the punchy deeper colors on this OLED screen look great.

Yes I'm really liking this Pixel 4 XL now.

Dang, you costed me money but it is money well spent. Picked it up yesterday despite terrible weather. Color me quite impressed with this smartphone.

And thanks to others for their feedback also. Congrats owners.

 

[jamezr]

You’re right, you don’t understand. Last year it wasn’t an issue because no single phone offered more secure FP reading than another. A Pixel has the same FP security vulnerability as an iPhone, or Galaxy, or another other phone. This year, the Pixel isn’t as secure as an iPhone—no way to say it any simpler.



Nope, didn’t say that. I’m not personally concerned about either scenario but if someone was, they couldn’t use Pixel’s Face Unlock while they could use an iPhone. If I had this phone in college, with my friends and roommates, I sure couldn’t have used the Pixel’s Face Unlock until this feature was added as they would’ve used any unlocked phone to prank the hell out of you.



Yup, it’s not as secure until the fix is made. Until then, it’s just words and doesn’t fix the issue for someone using the phone now.



This has zero relevance to the conversation. And like I said, if I was worried about the FP reader vulnerability, I wouldn’t use it in any phone.



OK. All stats and studies do seem to point in that direction so, sure.



For you or I, not really an issue but doesn’t mean it isn’t for others.

Sorry but gotta call this out for what it is......just another example of the sky is falling posting.
Some do this for every new phone that is released...they go into the threads and post negative things to justify not getting the new phone.....or justifying their existing choices. They had no plans to get the phone in the first place...have no plans to participate in the discussion but do the hit and run.
"I would have bought this phone except for this {insert issue here}"

So what is the use case here? What is the security implications? How will this be exploited?
Doesn't these same exploits exist now?

Do you have an Android phone? I thought you had the Pixel 3 correct? How do you unlock it?

 

[drinkingtea]

I do get what you are saying......Google should have had attention awareness built into Face Unlock. But this is not as big an issue as some have made it out to be. It will be fixed soon with a software update.

Exactly what is the use case here? How will this be exploited? These same issues have been around since fingerprint authentication was implemented.

Then how was Google trying to rush this out ahead of Apple when Apple has had a 2-3? year head start in facial recognition software with FaceId...which works pretty damn well.

When I said speed, I was referring to the speed of the unlock process. Google stated that it chose to allow unlock even with eyes closed because it makes the process faster [than Apple’s].

The point is, Google made a mistake. There is no excuse for them not to provide a safer authentication method since it’s available. It’d be like Google refusing to use the deadbolt on a door because there’s already a smaller lock on the door.

I’m not going to be replying to you anymore. You really seem to have issues with reading comprehension, and reading your posts with all of the unnecessary ellipses is nauseating. I’m not....sure....why you type...like this.... Such writing is grammatically incorrect.

 

[jamezr]

When I said speed, I was referring to the speed of the unlock process. Google stated that it chose to allow unlock even with eyes closed because it makes the process faster [than Apple’s].

The point is, Google made a mistake. There is no excuse for them not to provide a safer authentication method since it’s available. It’d be like Google refusing to use the deadbolt on a door because there’s already a smaller lock on the door.

I’m not going to be replying to you anymore. You really seem to have issues with reading comprehension, and reading your posts with all of the unnecessary ellipses is nauseating. I’m not....sure....why you type...like this.... Such writing is grammatically incorrect.

maybe add me to your ignore list....then you won't have read one of my grammatically incorrect posts again?

 

[Awesomesince86]

Anyone switch from, or also have an iPhone 11 pro max that owns a Pixel 4 XL? I’m basically seeing the objective downsides would be battery life, video capabilities, and screen brightness in comparisons between the two. Your thoughts? Despite the lukewarm reviews, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Pixel lineup and I’m thinking of trying one out this year after skipping the 3 last year. 5-7 hours SOT is more than enough for me, still-photography is 90% of my camera use, and I still just like the “pixel look” for those shots... some of my favorite pictures came from a Pixel 2.

I enjoy both operating systems and I’d like to see what other improvements google made this year. I guess there’s no harm in trying it and returning it if I don’t like it but just curious what others have thought of it who have owned both phones.

I have a Pro Max and intend on getting the 4 XL when price drops. I want the Pixel to be better than the iPhone because I prefer android but thats just not the case right now. I still plan to try it out but if you get the Pixel you're looking at inferior battery life, pathetic video, and Googles usual software/hardware quality control issues. It'll be a good device and probably a great value once the price drops. But if you are just interested in getting the better phone, its the Pro Max pretty easily.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Sorry but gotta call this out for what it is......just another example of the sky is falling posting.
Some do this for every new phone that is released...they go into the threads and post negative things to justify not getting the new phone.....or justifying their existing choices. They had no plans to get the phone in the first place...have no plans to participate in the discussion but do the hit and run.
"I would have bought this phone except for this {insert issue here}"

So what is the use case here? What is the security implications? How will this be exploited?
Doesn't these same exploits exist now?

Do you have an Android phone? I thought you had the Pixel 3 correct? How do you unlock it?

I agree with you. All of the complaining is just FUD! The software wasn't quite ready at the device launch, but if they'd held off on the launch then people would be complainig for other reasons. Within a matter of months everything will be perfected and everyone will be crowning Pixel 4 as the face unlock system to beat.

 

[michael9891]

If people really want to get into your device, they'll just chop your head or fingers off anyway.

 

[jamezr]

If people really want to get into your device, they'll just chop your head or fingers off anyway.

yeah....if I am worried someone will get into my phone while I am sleeping. Then I have more issues to worry about then what is on my phone. Then if I am dead...i really don't care

 

[michael9891]

yeah....if I am worried someone will get into my phone while I am sleeping. Then I have more issues to worry about then what is on my phone. Then if I am dead...i really don't care

Nobody would be interested in my collection of dick pics anyway. lol

 

[nospleen]

Nobody would be interested in my collection of dick pics anyway. lol

Must... resist... Inappropriate... The second lens should have been macro. (I tried)

 

[big samm]

I'm all for more security even if i don't really need it.. That eye awareness feature should of been included on day one in my opinion. Just give us the choice...Just like the iPhone. When face id came out the feature was there and no one really even care about it, but it was there for us to use if we needed to. Google decided to not included it in when releasing the phone and i can understand some people could be a bit worried because on paper it just sounds less secure... People might think it's inferior, mind you these are regular people not tech nerds like us. I can't wait for Google to release a update to fix this so everybody could shut up and move on!
And that includes me tech reviewers etc!

Instead of eyes awareness for security purposes they give this instead
I mean come on Google!!

 

[comper]

I have a Pro Max and intend on getting the 4 XL when price drops. I want the Pixel to be better than the iPhone because I prefer android but thats just not the case right now. I still plan to try it out but if you get the Pixel you're looking at inferior battery life, pathetic video, and Googles usual software/hardware quality control issues. It'll be a good device and probably a great value once the price drops. But if you are just interested in getting the better phone, its the Pro Max pretty easily.

Thanks for your response. I have a Pro Max now, and it is great but same old iOS. I definitely appreciate the upgraded cameras and battery life, it’s just a very safe and solid phone all around. I ended up ordering a 4 XL a few min ago since it’s always been the software that I enjoyed along with the still shots. I’m excited to try it and I’m trying to keep an open mind aside from the objective downsides in the battery / video departments compared to the iPhone. We’ll see how it goes.

 

[Aneres11]

I don't know why, but I don't feel like this device is as premium as the Pixel 3.

I think it could be this matte surround. I really don't like it.

I like the look of it, but not sure on the feel of it.
I remember thinking the Pixel 3 was s huge step up from the Pixel 2 in terms of build quality, but not quite feeling the same with the 4.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I'm all for more security even if i don't really need it.. That eye awareness feature should of been included on day one in my opinion. Just give us the choice...Just like the iPhone. When face id came out the feature was there and no one really even care about it, but it was there for us to use if we needed to. Google decided to not included it in when releasing the phone and i can understand some people could be a bit worried because on paper it just sounds less secure... People might think it's inferior, mind you these are regular people not tech nerds like us. I can't wait for Google to release a update to fix this so everybody could shut up and move on!
And that includes me tech reviewers etc!

Instead of eyes awareness for security purposes they give this instead
I mean come on Google!!

Screen Attention doesn't seem to work for me? I have my display set to 30 seconds to shut off, but if I read an article on my web browser for 30+ seconds, the screen fades to black and turns off.

 

[jamezr]

I don't know why, but I don't feel like this device is as premium as the Pixel 3.

I think it could be this matte surround. I really don't like it.

I like the look of it, but not sure on the feel of it.
I remember thinking the Pixel 3 was s huge step up from the Pixel 2 in terms of build quality, but not quite feeling the same with the 4.

I kinda like the matte finish. But for me the phone is just a little small in my hands. Something is missing.
Can't quite put my finger on it. I mean I love how fast and convenient Face Unlock is . Love the camera. Love how the notifications are displayed on AOD. It is fast and speedy and responsive.

 

[big samm]

Screen Attention doesn't seem to work for me? I have my display set to 30 seconds to shut off, but if I read an article on my web browser for 30+ seconds, the screen fades to black and turns off.

I would have to test it out... Do you have sense motion off? I know it says that it uses the camera but maybe motion sense needs to be on??

 

[Awesomesince86]

I kinda like the matte finish. But for me the phone is just a little small in my hands. Something is missing.
Can't quite put my finger on it. I mean I love how fast and convenient Face Unlock is . Love the camera. Love how the notifications are displayed on AOD. It is fast and speedy and responsive.

Notifications are one of the things I miss most about android. They’re better than they used to be on iOS, but still pretty bad. I miss icons in the notification shade and quick replies without overlaying the entire screen.

 

[jamezr]

Notifications are one of the things I miss most about android. They’re better than they used to be on iOS, but still pretty bad. I miss icons in the notification shade and quick replies without overlaying the entire screen.

I like the way the notification is displayed for a brief moment then it goes back to a normal notification displayed on AOD.
I really hope iphones get AOD next year....

 

[noobinator]

I really hope iphones get AOD next year....

They will. You heard it here first.

I think 2020 iPhones will use the Apple Watch Series 5 AOD technology (somehow, I have no clue how possible it is).

 

[Awesomesince86]

Only thing I care about on the 2020 iPhone is the 120hz promotion display.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I would have to test it out... Do you have sense motion off? I know it says that it uses the camera but maybe motion sense needs to be on??

I have Motion Sense on, but not everything enabled, but I do have Lift Wake, and Reach to wake, and Tap to wake enabled.

Unless there's some other setting I am missing specifically for Screen Attention to work?

 

[Aneres11]

Has there been any improvements from Google in the 'Now Playing' feature?

I'm astounded at just how quick it's displaying songs on my homescreen.
I'm not even watching TV, but there's some rubbish on with clips that songs keep blasting out over and within seconds it's flashing up with the song.

Don't recall the Pixel 3 being so speedy!

 

[Tig Bitties]