MKBHD really dislikes the Pixel 4/XL

[Mike Dee]

I'm usually a fan of the current device I'm using because I usually buy what I like, but I would never consider myself a fanboy. Personally, I think it's a silly term but that's just me.

 

[Almeuit]

Lol, I'm just saying that iOS users are more inclined to just use Apple apps versus cross-platform applications especially Google apps on their iPhones. That's all.

I honestly don't know any of my friends or fam that has iPhones that doesn't use Google in some shape or form. Be it assistant, the news app, or the most popular Gmail.

 

[eric002]

I mean not only do I consider myself a geek, but I will admit that I'm a Google fan boy. Although I never try to show my bias too much. I try to stay as neutral as possible. unfortunately, my wife is just very stubborn and she refuses to use any Google app on her iPhone. But I have noticed that trend in some iOS users on their phones.

 

[eric002]

I honestly don't know any of my friends or fam that has iPhones that doesn't use Google in some shape or form. Be it assistant, the news app, or the most popular Gmail.

That part I do agree with you one. And I'm not saying all iPhone users. But the contrary I've also met a lot of iPhone people that use tons of Google apps. it is mostly just my wife and her stubbornness, but I have also met some iOS users that won't use Google apps at all. That's all I'm saying sorry if that sounded a little confusing lol.

 

[Mike Dee]

Lol, I'm just saying that iOS users are more inclined to just use Apple apps versus cross-platform applications especially Google apps on their iPhones. That's all.

By nature of the beast the reverse is unlikely because IOS apps arent available on Android.

 

[eric002]

By nature of the beast the reverse is unlikely because IOS apps arent available on Android.

That's true. I just wish that more iOS users were open to using Google apps versus just Apple apps. But that's very very true. Apple apps are not available on Android.

 

[mustang7757]

That's true. I just wish that more iOS users were open to using Google apps versus just Apple apps. But that's very very true. Apple apps are not available on Android.

I use Google apps on my iPhone

 

[eric002]

I use Google apps in my iPhone

Fair enough. Well that's awesome then!

 

[bhatech]

That's true. I just wish that more iOS users were open to using Google apps versus just Apple apps. But that's very very true. Apple apps are not available on Android.

Given that many Google apps are top apps on Apple app store and pretty much every google app will be within top 100, I don’t buy the argument that google apps are not popular with iOS users.

They are plenty popular and of course lot of them use Apple apps as well because that’s what comes default on the phone and many users don’t care going to App Store and downloading replacement apps. They are fine with what comes on the phone, same applies to many Android users. For example many just use the default Samsung apps that comes on the phone and so on.

 

[Almeuit]

Given that many Google apps are top apps on Apple app store and pretty much every google app will be within top 100, I don’t buy the argument that google apps are not popular with iOS users.

Good idea bhatech. Didn't even think to check there .

 

[eric002]

Good idea bhatech. Didn't even think to check there .

Given that many Google apps are top apps on Apple app store and pretty much every google app will be within top 100, I don’t buy the argument that google apps are not popular with iOS users.

They are plenty popular and of course lot of them use Apple apps as well because that’s what comes default on the phone and many users don’t care going to App Store and downloading replacement apps. They are fine with what comes on the phone, same applies to many Android users. For example many just use the default Samsung apps that comes on the phone and so on.

Yeah excellent point. I have no way of checking the app store! Never mind then.

 

[SupraLB]

I have a 4xl and the regular 11 pro, both take great shots and I go back and forth on which is better. The biggest let down for me on the 4XL is something that doesn't get talked about a lot, it still uses the Sony lens from 2016, same lense as the last few pixels. If they had upgraded the lenses on the 4's, the cameras would probably be the best of the best again. I don't have issues with battery (pushing 90 hz all the time), memory, storage, lag, over all a fantastic phone but come on Google, a 2016 lens?

I agree, using the same, older Sony lens is often overlooked, but important. I read a few technical reviews a few weeks ago that went over this, all I can remember is:
1. The 2016 Sony sensor is the same from the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a.
2. This sensor does not support 4k60, only 4k30. That's probably why 3rd party apps can't record 4k60, as well as the P4 software. Also why Google can't just flip a switch to have the phone shoot 4k60.
3. Articles also mentioned that its believed the Google photo algorithms and proprietary chips are built around the 2016 sensor, and I guess updating to the newest Sony sensors requires much work.
4. Regarding video recording, I also read the video stabilization by Google either struggles with 4k60 video or the newer Sony sensors (can't recall which one). So they have to work on that before 4k60 anyways.

Will see if I can find the article but there were some really good technical lens articles on it. In the end, I think it was just another cost cutting decision by someone in accounting, vs the developers. Like not matching storage capacity of other top phones.

 

[J Dubbs]

It's almost 2020. This whole "status symbol" and the hurt feelings are still hilarious.

I love phone tech and reading/posting about it, but strangely enough in my day to day existence I honestly never talk about phones or even notice them much. I'm not sure why that is. I think one reason is most phones are covered in cases, and I just don't pay that much attention. So I would never notice if someone was using an expensive apple phone or a budget apple/android device.

Am I going to lose my phone cred now? LoL. Hey I'll always own a flagship pixel, and those ain't cheap ;-)

 

[eric002]

I love phone tech and reading/posting about it, but strangely enough in my day to day existence I honestly never talk about phones or even notice them much. I'm not sure why that is. I think one reason is most phones are covered in cases, and I just don't pay that much attention. So I would never notice if someone was using an expensive apple phone or a budget apple/android device.

Am I going to lose my phone cred now? LoL. Hey I'll always own a flagship pixel, and those ain't cheap ;-)

Haha dude I hear you! I mean for me, I've always been into tech mobile tech, computers, networking equipment, whatever it is. It's just funny to hear other users' opinions on the forums!

 

[dmxjago]

Yep. But I was watching a smartphone awards of 2019. But that's the same thing. I understand that everyone likes wide angle lenses I don't need a wide angle lens. As far as the battery. If you buy the 4XL you'll have a good battery. as far as the design elements. Google is not a hardware company they are a software company. Do not expect it to be all shiny like a Samsung Galaxy phone in general. Google phones have never been gimmicky phones that's why we all love them.

I think pixel phones will always appeal to a niche buyer. I wish weren't true but probably is.

Speaking of battery I'm still getting kick *** battery. I'm currently at 28% left with 5hrs of Screen On Time. At this rate I can get about 6.5 hrs and this has been consistent since day one for me. Is 6-7 hours of SOT bad????? I think not when were phoned getting more than 7 hours of SOT last year or prior? Not many with the exception of the new iPhone and some other phones that don't even sell in the USA. I'm happy with my pixel 4 xl, it's battery, experience and oh yeah if I need a wide angle shot I have a moment case and ultra wide angle lens. Here is a screenshot of my usage today.

 

[eric002]

Speaking of battery I'm still getting kick *** battery. I'm currently at 28% left with 5hrs of Screen On Time. At this rate I can get about 6.5 hrs and this has been consistent since day one for me. Is 6-7 hours of SOT bad????? I think not when were phoned getting more than 7 hours of SOT last year or prior? Not many with the exception of the new iPhone and some other phones that don't even sell in the USA. I'm happy with my pixel 4 xl, it's battery, experience and oh yeah if I need a wide angle shot I have a moment case and ultra wide angle lens. Here is a screenshot of my usage today.

Yeah, that's amazing for you! I'm happy to see that! Yesterday for me, for example I was uploading a ton of pictures to Google photos with barely any LTE signal on my phone, which killed my battery! When it's a parasite mode and a lesson till the end of the day until about 5:00 p.m. I was at 12% battery just charged right back up. I usually get about five five and a half hours of screen on time the way I usually use it during the week. I will say that the Pixel 3 XL has a 3450 mah hour battery. It's still kicks butt, at least the way he's my phone!

 

[EL CapiTRAN]

OnePlus devices are good but they just don't bring anything special IMO. If OnePlus made Google's hardware then it'll definitely be a strong contender. But things like call screening, assistant, now playing, the camera, 90hz screen, face unlock, motion sense, etc. Makes for a solid experience. And I'm more of a Samsung fan. But the Pixel 4 is the first Pixel I can actually use as a daily device. It's funny that the Pixel 4 is probably the most hated but happens to be my favorite.

OnePlus makes a great phone but the one thing actually two things I couldn't stand.

1) no always on display. I like to look at my phone for the time and to see if I got any notifications. With the one plus I was picking up the phone way more than I wanted to.

2) camera - OnePlus just doesn't cut it.

Honorable mentions

Wireless charging (small but convenient)
Memory management (even with 8gb versus 6, the OnePlus was aggressively closing apps)

 

[eric002]

OnePlus makes a great phone but the one thing actually two things I couldn't stand.

1) no always on display. I like to look at my phone for the time and to see if I got any notifications. With the one plus I was picking up the phone way more than I wanted to.

2) camera - OnePlus just doesn't cut it.

Honorable mentions

Wireless charging (small but convenient)
Memory management (even with 8gb versus 6, the OnePlus was aggressively closing apps)

Once again, well said! I agree 100%!

 

[bhatech]

OnePlus makes a great phone but the one thing actually two things I couldn't stand.

1) no always on display. I like to look at my phone for the time and to see if I got any notifications. With the one plus I was picking up the phone way more than I wanted to.

2) camera - OnePlus just doesn't cut it.

Honorable mentions

Wireless charging (small but convenient)
Memory management (even with 8gb versus 6, the OnePlus was aggressively closing apps)

Agreed!! For me OnePlus phones aren't in my rotation of back up phones just because of no wireless charging.

 

[Nikholas Pappas]

I use Microsoft apps on my Android lol