Op Ed: Google's Looming Pixel 4 disappointment

[Golurk]

You do bring up some valid points , but you don't think the pixel 4 will be a improvement?

I do...at least concerning the 4 XL (especially if the leaks are true).

All complaints about the design aside (because let’s face it, slim bezels are nothing exceptional but still a decent design...wish they were uniform but whatever) these are probably going to be the major upgrades this year (assuming leaks are correct):

4GB RAM -> 6GB RAM
Snapdragon 845 -> Snapdragon 855
Single rear camera -> Triple rear cameras (main, wide angle and telephoto)
60hz display refresh rate -> 90hz refresh rate
Rear fingerprint sensor -> In display/3D facial recognition?
3400mAh battery (3 XL) -> 3700mAh battery (4 XL)
Android P -> Android Q
Massive notch + big chin -> Small/no chin + Slim top bezel


As for possible downgrades (including subjective ones):

Uniform slim bezels (3) > Big forehead, small chin (4)
2915mAh battery (3) > 2800mAh battery (come on Google, at least 3000mAh!)
Rear fingerprint sensor > 3D facial recognition/in display fingerprint sensor
Android P > Android Q (if you hate gestures)

 

[terrapin01]

Single rear camera -> Triple rear cameras (main, wide angle and telephoto)

Reportedly there are only two rear cameras, a main and a telephoto.
Another possible downgrade is the removal of the front facing wide angle camera.

 

[mustang7757]

I do...at least concerning the 4 XL (especially if the leaks are true).

All complaints about the design aside (because let’s face it, slim bezels are nothing exceptional but still a decent design...wish they were uniform but whatever) these are probably going to be the major upgrades this year (assuming leaks are correct):

4GB RAM -> 6GB RAM
Snapdragon 845 -> Snapdragon 855
Single rear camera -> Triple rear cameras (main, wide angle and telephoto)
60hz display refresh rate -> 90hz refresh rate
Rear fingerprint sensor -> In display/3D facial recognition?
3400mAh battery (3 XL) -> 3700mAh battery (4 XL)
Android P -> Android Q
Massive notch + big chin -> Small/no chin + Slim top bezel


As for possible downgrades (including subjective ones):

Uniform slim bezels (3) > Big forehead, small chin (4)
2915mAh battery (3) > 2800mAh battery (come on Google, at least 3000mAh!)
Rear fingerprint sensor > 3D facial recognition/in display fingerprint sensor
Android P > Android Q (if you hate gestures)

Agree..

 

[anon(10274434)]

"Stang - there is about as much factual material in this thread as there is in the following statement:

Under the hood of your 'stang is a Blue Flame in-line 6 cylinder engine -

 

[KrisYYC]

Honestly I kinda like how Google uses a more modest design with the Pixel series. Give me a reliable phone that is fast and is ergonomic. That's what makes the Pixel valuable to me. My only hardware gripe was the audio recording while taking video.

I had a Galaxy S10 and ended up selling it. It didn't perform any better than my Pixel 3, the bleeding edge bezel-less glass build felt delicate to me so I was paranoid about dropping it, not to mention a fingerprint magnet. I know the Pixel 3 is glass back too but it just feels more comfortable to use.

Now I'm not a heavy mobile gamer or anything so 4GB of RAM is enough for me.

It's hard to explain but I prefer the Pixel design and hardware over the other flagships. Once you use a Pixel for a while there's just something about them...

 

[Golurk]

Honestly I kinda like how Google uses a more modest design with the Pixel series. Give me a reliable phone that is fast and is ergonomic. That's what makes the Pixel valuable to me. My only hardware gripe was the audio recording while taking video.

I had a Galaxy S10 and ended up selling it. It didn't perform any better than my Pixel 3, the bleeding edge bezel-less glass build felt delicate to me so I was paranoid about dropping it, not to mention a fingerprint magnet. I know the Pixel 3 is glass back too but it just feels more comfortable to use.

Now I'm not a heavy mobile gamer or anything so 4GB of RAM is enough for me.

It's hard to explain but I prefer the Pixel design and hardware over the other flagships. Once you use a Pixel for a while there's just something about them...

My default response to anybody worried about a phone’s fragility or being a fingerprint magnet is to use a freakin’ case. It’s not expensive or difficult.

That said, some don’t want to use a case because it makes the phone bigger. In which case, good for you but don’t complain if you drop it and it breaks (these past few sentences aren’t anything personal).

Design-wise I actually like the look the Pixel 2 XL, 3 and (rumoured) 4 (XL). The slim bezels, dual tone finish, singular eyeball camera in the corner and the colour scheme give the Pixel phones an understated yet fun appearance. That’s what the Pixel phones are about...”a reliable phone that is fast and is ergonomic” (good quote).

It won’t have all the new flashy features, but it will have some in addition to the essentials and you can be damn sure that they will work well. Google Pixel phones focus on the essentials and they tend to get it right: Software, Camera, Battery, Durability.

My only concern is that they’ve forgotten how to make a long lasting battery if the rumours of a 2800mAh battery for the P4 are true. I hope Google don’t take the ‘worst battery life’ crown off Apple this year...

 

[chevyman29]

I'm sure the pixel 4 will probably get decent battery life with only 2800 mah BUT I admit if that's all it has I'll be pretty bummed out . I don't care about chins or bezels and what have you , but dang a bigger battery at least 3000 would've been nice, if it manages decent battery life with a 2800 it would've only been that much better with a larger battery .
It's almost like they want to out iPhone the iPhone in every way possible.

 

[Golurk]

I'm sure the pixel 4 will probably get decent battery life with only 2800 mah BUT I admit if that's all it has I'll be pretty bummed out . I don't care about chins or bezels and what have you , but dang a bigger battery at least 3000 would've been nice, if it manages decent battery life with a 2800 it would've only been that much better with a larger battery .
It's almost like they want to out iPhone the iPhone in every way possible.

I agree lol. Google better not follow Apple down the ‘let’s make the battery as small as possible because it’s funny’ route...or suddenly give everyone a 5W charger and sell the 18W charger and cable separately.

I’m really hoping that leak is wrong.

 

[kolyan2k]

I'm sure the pixel 4 will probably get decent battery life with only 2800 mah BUT I admit if that's all it has I'll be pretty bummed out . I don't care about chins or bezels and what have you , but dang a bigger battery at least 3000 would've been nice, if it manages decent battery life with a 2800 it would've only been that much better with a larger battery .
It's almost like they want to out iPhone the iPhone in every way possible.

Can't images 855 using so much less battery. Pixel 3 has 2915mah, no 90hz, and smaller screen. I charge phone twice per day usually

 

[Golurk]

Yeah. A 90hz FHD OLED display with a Snapdragon 865 and 5 cameras (3 rear 2 front) paired with a 2800mAh battery is going to lead to terrible battery performance, no matter how realistically efficient the 865 is.

Again, if a phone has 5 cameras, relies heavily on image processing, has a top tier processor, has an OLED display AND a 90hz refresh rate along with a 5.5-5.6 inch FHD screen it should really have a battery of 3300mAh or more.

 

[SlappyMcgee]

I am curious what Google is thinking with the size of the battery on the 4 and 4 XL. I figured it would be larger with the release of Stadia.

 

[Golurk]

I’m not worried about the battery on the 4 XL if the leaks are true...but if they are the exact figures, then it seems impossible for Google to achieve good battery life on the standard 4

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I have no idea what Google are thinking with a 2,800mah battery and 90hz display.

The Pixel 3 already has poor battery life, they want to make it even worse with the Pixel 4?

 

[chevyman29]

I have no idea what Google are thinking with a 2,800mah battery and 90hz display.

The Pixel 3 already has poor battery life, they want to make it even worse with the Pixel 4?

I don't agree that the pixel 3 has poor battery life , I do agree that going to a smaller battery makes no sense .

 

[terrapin01]

I don't agree that the pixel 3 has poor battery life , I do agree that going to a smaller battery makes no sense .

Poor is subjective. The Pixel line trails the pack, sometimes by a small margin, sometimes by a big margin, and now that margin is only going to get bigger. It's a burden the customer has to deal with, for no reason at all.

 

[Golurk]

I simply don’t see any reason for Google to put such a tiny battery into a phone that is probably going to be more power-hungry than its rivals (90hz display, 5 cameras that rely a lot on image processing, FHD/QHD OLED etc).

Advantages of the Pixel phones compared to rivals: Stock Android, regular and on time software updates for 3 years, slightly better low light photography and better integration with Google apps.

Disadvantages: Ageing design, smaller batteries, less extra bells and whistles.

 

[terrapin01]

(90hz display, 5 cameras that rely a lot on image processing, FHD/QHD OLED etc).

You forgot to mention Soli which could be another major factor. The P4 series is poised to become the most power hungry phone line and at the same time, have the smallest battery capacities. I think that combination will be a first in the smartphone era.

 

[Golurk]

You forgot to mention Soli which could be another major factor. The P4 series is poised to become the most power hungry phone line and at the same time, have the smallest battery capacities. I think that combination will be a first in the smartphone era.

I agree...thanks for pointing that out. The large number of active sensors (plus dual selfie cameras being used) in the top bezel which are all working together for the facial recognition is going to be a battery-drainer.

Sorry for the repetition, but 2800mAh in a flagship phone which is going to be considerably more power-hungry than its competitors??????????????? Google what is going on?

 

[cardboard60]

What is the pixel 4 XL offering.
That they should of had last year.
But they are giving us this yr.
And they want 100.00 more for it

Still haven't heard the battery size.
Facial recognition.
Last thing I'd ever want.
Wait, radar, you can swipe your hands and it does stuff.
I kinda like pushing the buttons on the phone.

Still no SD card
As usual. Can you tell me why Google is even in the phone business.

Who are they competing with ?

And I'm supposed to get excited.
About what ?

 

[Golurk]

What is the pixel 4 XL offering.
That they should of had last year.
But they are giving us this yr.
And they want 100.00 more for it

Still haven't heard the battery size.
Facial recognition.
Last thing I'd ever want.
Wait, radar, you can swipe your hands and it does stuff.
I kinda like pushing the buttons on the phone.

Still no SD card
As usual. Can you tell me why Google is even in the phone business.

Who are they competing with ?

And I'm supposed to get excited.
About what ?

Whether or not you get excited is something for you to decide, but here is what the Google Pixel series phones offer compared to their competitors:

1. Stock Android with exclusives like Playmoji and Call Screen
2. Regular software and security updates for at least 3 years
3. Amazing low-light photography with Night Sight (Samsung and Huawei have Night Modes as well but many prefer Google’s)

Google’s flagship Pixels don’t sell as well as Huawei and Samsung but their mid-range Pixel a line does, mainly because it is offering the exact same camera as the flagship Pixel 3 (12MP IMX363 with OIS, Night Sight, Super-res zoom etc) but at a much lower price. It has been called (and rightly so) the best mid-range phone if you want a good camera above all else.