What will it take to get you interested in a Pixel 4/4XL?

[Mike Dee]

Perceived or not, there are decisions Google could have made to eradicate any doubt. I'm not asking for Samsung-level spec-chasing. It doesn't have to be a Note 10. The Note 10 already serves that function and market, and serves it well.

The same thing happened last year with the Pixel 3 and the paltry 4GB of RAM that resulted in terrible RAM management issues during launch and even into the months after. 6GB of RAM could have easily helped prevent such an issue from being such a major sore point. Again, not asking for a crazy spec-chase. 6GB of RAM was pretty standard in 2018, both in mid-range and flagship models.

Now, with the Pixel 4, they're running the risk again with the battery size. I love the 90Hz refresh rate, but why pair that with such a small battery, especially in the smaller model? Why risk repeating another year of lackluster battery life, something the Pixel 3 models are notorious for.

Similar arguments can be made about storage options, probably pricing, and certainly, as you mention, the lack of a wide-angled lens. As MKBHD says, "gaps." Frustrating gaps...

Could Google have eliminated some of these gaps? Yes, I honestly think so. If I'm wrong, it means they can't compete, whatever those reasons may be. If I'm right, that means they don't want to compete. It feels like the latter to me.

The 4 wouldn't interest me at all so assuming the 4XL battery is OK, I still see nothing to excite me or motivate me. It will have a great camera but the differences don't seem as radical and a lot depends on individual taste. The big question I have is will the video/audio be mediocre again? Smaller question: will there be any manual controls?

 

[onthecouchagain]

The 4 wouldn't interest me at all so assuming the 4XL battery is OK, I still see nothing to excite me or motivate me. It will have a great camera but the differences don't seem as radical and a lot depends on individual taste. The big question I have is will the video/audio be mediocre again? Smaller question: will there be any manual controls?

The 90Hz refresh rate is the only reason I have it on pre-order. I seriously feel it's the only thing saving this device.

We even lost unlimited original quality backup photos. Google isn't making this easy at all.

 

[Mike Dee]

The 90Hz refresh rate is the only reason I have it on pre-order. I seriously feel it's the only thing saving this device.

We even lost unlimited original quality backup photos. Google isn't making this easy at all.

Yeah, that's a sucky loss but only Pixel Peepers will notice. I usually back up my stuff anyway but agree that is another negative.

 

[swarlos]

Looks like type C earbuds are included in the box. I thought I had heard otherwise.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...tml/BI/20079/KBID/13844/SID/UUacUvbUpU6668784

Not according to the google website.

 

[Mike Dee]

Not according to the google website.

I know my comment doesn't make it better but the Pixel buds weren't the greatest design as far as fit and comfort. The most positive thing about them is the connector.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I know my comment doesn't make it better but the Pixel buds weren't the greatest design as far as fit and comfort. The most positive thing about them is the connector.

They were basically garbage, with the connector often times not working. Frustrating and unforgivable given the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack. I won't miss them, but it doesn't help Google by not including good earbuds. Once again, Google making it harder to pull the trigger.

 

[Mike Dee]

They were basically garbage, with the connector often times not working. Frustrating and unforgivable given the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack. I won't miss them, but it doesn't help Google by not including good earbuds. Once again, Google making it harder to pull the trigger.

My only issue with the adapter was with early Pixel 2XLs. Sometimes a reboot or reinsertion was required. An update made that go away. I would also hear a pop if disconnecting the adaptor while the headphones were still being worn. As a result they changed the adapter on the Pixel 3XL. I found the best affordable adapter was the one made for Razer phones and the HTC a close second as far as audio quality and output.

 

[elvee68]

There is nothing the 4XL has that makes me want to move from my 3XL. Google dropped the ball this year.

 

[bembol]

Jerry Rig Everything literally and mentally ripped this phone apart.

After watching his review even if Google drops the price $400 or Freedom Mobile matches the 64GB Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max promotion at $0 I wouldn't but it.



https://youtu.be/yyqNR6W_MUQ

 

[bhatech]

FWIW OnePlus 7T also failed the bend test (cracked the entire glass). I'm pretty sure it's not going to get any coverage. Yeah I know it's a cheaper phone but still other OnePlus phones don't crack when bending.

Either way it's not good but just like other bend tests for other phones it most likely isn't a problem for regular use. It's just unfortunate that Google doesn't try to mitigate these things since they know every year YouTubers, bloggers or others are going to scrutinize it a lot. Make sure you take care of things like this and and avoid the same cycle every year.

https://youtu.be/dRCY4cGoFVQ

 

[ChuckG73]

I so wanted this to be the phone and everything I read tells me not to buy it.

 

[Ben_70]

What I'm reading are the opinions of the folks in this forum who own the P4 and they seem to be very positive. Those reviews mean a lot more to me than the attention grabbing, negativity coming from the tech sites and YouTube influencers.

 

[ptkelly]

The Pixel 4 is here. It's done. Okay, some software tweeks but the Pixel 4 with an inadequate battery and no wide-angle lens is here. It seems Google Pixel wants to copy and compete with Apple and that includes doing what they want and telling the faithful to take it or leave. When they made a bad decision and eliminated the fingerprint sensor they are now promising to force app providers to modify their apps immediately or be locked out by Google. That's not a company I admire. They have met Apple and discovered they can breed.

Okay, since Nexus 5 I've been using Google phones and Google wins. I left. I'm frustrated with my new cell phone but I'm delighted with the 5x optical zoom and the wonderful wide-angle lens. The 4200 MaH battery is amazing. Eight Gb of RAM and 256 Gb memory. I know you won't believe it but I even have a fingerprint sensor. I paid $786 plus shipping and taxes in Mexico which was about $50.

So, yes, I miss pure Android or even Android One but the longer I'm away from my Pixel the less I miss it. There is a sizeable learning curve with the new OS and awesome camera setup but even though I'm 78 and no geek, I'll manage. Do I miss astrophotography? No. Do I miss controlling something or other by waving my hands? No.

I should mention that I play no games and watch no music videos on my phone. I've never watched a movie on my phone but with the new battery I might some day. I don't do social media. Since I'm mostly deaf I don't do phone calls either. My major interest is the camera but I couldn't live the way I am without Calendar, Keep, Contacts, Maps, two dictionaries, GMail, and text messaging.

I'm old and I'm doing something I have done in years. I'm enjoying learning about a new phone.

 

[Nauga]

When I started this thread in January, I truly believed I wouldn't update to the Pixel 4 XL. I'm not quite sure why I did because none of the leaks throughout the year really intrigued me, and the lack of a fingerprint sensor & front-firing speakers worried me. Nevertheless. I own a pixel 4 XL, and I'm glad I do.

The screen is considerably better than the 2XL's, and the display is a lot smoother with or without forcing 90 Hz. Blue shift on the 2XL never bothered me much, but a screen without that quirk is a glorious thing. The 4XL's display seems brighter, too, no matter how many nits it's pushing or not pushing.

Face unlock is occasionally buggy, but it works very well more often than not. TBH, though, most any problems I've had with it are tied to the fact that I prefer wallet cases to a case + screen protector combo. And I'd agree that the 2XL's FPS is just as fast or faster and even more convenient in some instances. I'm hopeful Google will keep tinkering with face unlock, especially if owners send them useful feedback via their phones. Still, I don't feel inconvenienced by it.

Most important of all, however, is the fact that call quality is better on the 4XL, and calls themselves are clearer and louder. The speakers are phenomenal compared to the 2XL, which flabbergasted me on first use since both speaker pots weren't looking back at me. I have yet to try the 4XL on speakerphone, but if earpiece volume and clarity are any indication, that shouldn't pose any problems.

TLDR, if I had a 3XL that I was happy with, I probably wouldn't have updated, especially since I only rarely find myself in light-pollution-free environments. I also have to admit that I did not really need to update; my 2 XL is still running like a charm. But I'm smitten with my new pumpkin-colored phone. And the fact that I received it on Halloween made it all the sweeter.

 

[the_boon]

When I started this thread in January, I truly believed I wouldn't update to the Pixel 4 XL. I'm not quite sure why I did because none of the leaks throughout the year really intrigued me, and the lack of a fingerprint sensor & front-firing speakers worried me. Nevertheless. I own a pixel 4 XL, and I'm glad I do.

The screen is considerably better than the 2XL's, and the display is a lot smoother with or without forcing 90 Hz. Blue shift on the 2XL never bothered me much, but a screen without that quirk is a glorious thing. The 4XL's display seems brighter, too, no matter how many nits it's pushing or not pushing.

Face unlock is occasionally buggy, but it works very well more often than not. TBH, though, most any problems I've had with it are tied to the fact that I prefer wallet cases to a case + screen protector combo. And I'd agree that the 2XL's FPS is just as fast or faster and even more convenient in some instances. I'm hopeful Google will keep tinkering with face unlock, especially if owners send them useful feedback via their phones. Still, I don't feel inconvenienced by it.

Most important of all, however, is the fact that call quality is better on the 4XL, and calls themselves are clearer and louder. The speakers are phenomenal compared to the 2XL, which flabbergasted me on first use since both speaker pots weren't looking back at me. I have yet to try the 4XL on speakerphone, but if earpiece volume and clarity are any indication, that shouldn't pose any problems.

TLDR, if I had a 3XL that I was happy with, I probably wouldn't have updated, especially since I only rarely find myself in light-pollution-free environments. I also have to admit that I did not really need to update; my 2 XL is still running like a charm. But I'm smitten with my new pumpkin-colored phone. And the fact that I received it on Halloween made it all the sweeter.

What about the 4 XL battery life over the 2 XL ?

 

[J Dubbs]

Stop trying to be a top tier smartphone and revert back to the nexus days. I'm not saying the phones need to be dirt cheap, but just not $800-1000 prices.

What it will take to get me interested in a 4 is at least $300 to $400 off the out the door price unlocked. For $300 off I'd probably still get a 3..... I think I'll need to see $400 off to possibly bite....... which I think we'll be seeing sooner than most folks expect :O

These things are NOT going to sell like hotcakes =-O

 

[Mike Dee]

What it will take to get me interested in a 4 is at least $300 to $400 off the out the door price unlocked. For $300 off I'd probably still get a 3..... I think I'll need to see $400 off to possibly bite....... which I think we'll be seeing sooner than most folks expect :O

These things are NOT going to sell like hotcakes =-O

I know I've asked this question before here in AC but exactly what do hotcakes sell like? I don't even know where I could find hotcakes.

 

[Morty2264]

I know I've asked this question before here in AC but exactly what do hotcakes sell like? I don't even know where I could find hotcakes.

It's apparently winter now so I'd buy a hotcake as fast as hotcakes sell.

 

[Chuck Finley69]

What about the 4 XL battery life over the 2 XL ?

I’ve met you somewhere

 

[mustang7757]

I know I've asked this question before here in AC but exactly what do hotcakes sell like? I don't even know where I could find hotcakes.

You better head to IHOP , boy you don't know what you missing