Google Pixel 4 Discussions

Pixel 4: Advanced Photography and Ultra Smooth Scrolling

Thanks mainly to several overhauled photographic modes, the Google Pixel 4 is almost up there with industry-leading devices from the likes of Apple and Samsung. It’s a good-looking gadget that fits into your hand comfortably and provides a raft of innovations. The Face Unlock system is supported by radar for opening the phone in darkness and motion gestures provide a whole new hands-free experience.

A Brief History of the Google Pixel 4

Released on October 2019, the Google Pixel 4 is the successor to the Pixel 3 and part of the wider Google Pixel family which was launched in 2013 with the Chromebook. Each Pixel phone comes with unlimited cloud storage on Google Photos and an Android operating system. The smartphone market is incredibly competitive and Google have yet to make a significant impact. With the Pixel 4 release, Google has focused on unique features and computational photography to attract users.

Overview of the Google Pixel 4

The Pixel 4 continues the Google tradition of having an excellent camera, alongside a revamped display and unusual design. It’s not a complete break from Pixel 3, but the launch price (£669 for 64 GB, £769 for 128 GB) is slightly lower than that of the older phone. The battery life and the brightness levels could be improved, but generally, this is an excellent smartphone with plenty to offer users who demand an outstanding camera.

Let's get to know the Pixel 4 a bit better by having a closer look at some its essential features:

• Design – The Pixel 4 ignores the recent trend toward larger handsets. The display measures just 5.7 inches, which makes it far easier to manage in one hand. With Full HD+ and an OLED screen, watching videos and viewing photos is still a joy, though some games may feel a little cramped. Visually it seems very different to the Pixel 3, with a frame of aluminium, matte black sides and three colour options for the glass rear. The rubber coating may feel a little odd to people who are more accustomed to the premium metal finishes, but it’s sturdy enough and less likely to slide from your hand.

• Camera – Although it’s not going to trump the likes of Huawei’s P30 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus in terms of hardware, the Pixel 4 camera has a stunning array of software to enrich its photographic output. Along with a forward-facing 12MP lens and two at the rear, there is a 16MP telephoto lens which delivers a range of benefits. You’ll get superior shots in low-light conditions, grander portrait pictures and an upgraded zoom. Google has thrown an AI chip into the mix which provides a ‘neural learning’ feature. This allows the software to adapt and adjust as it goes, so final images become better and better. Alongside that, there is an astrophotography mode for taking shots of the night sky, along with Night Sight for clearer low-light images and Dual Exposure, an effect yet simple way to boost brightness.

• Hardware – The Pixel 4 is powered by a Snapdragon 855 chipset and has 6GB of RAM to keep scrolling, browsing and gaming swift. Android 10 comes pre-loaded and Google Assistant has had a revamp meaning it is able to search for something you request and open up apps. Added to this, Google has included motion sensors and motion control software, which is enabled through the radar chip. The Pixel 4 knows when you are nearby and will flick open the display, which is a great way of checking for notifications at a glance. Gesture control allows you to adjust volume, finish a phone call and swipe between images or tracks. It’s a technology that’s still developing and on the Pixel 4, it could take a while to get the hang of.

• Battery Life – This is the phone’s main Achilles heel, as although it’s quick to charge, the battery drains very quickly. Even light use will leave it requiring a charge by the evening, whilst more intensive use may see the power draining by mid-afternoon. So does Pixel 4 have wireless charging? Yes, but you can also use the USB-C controller which comes with the phone to fill up the battery within two hours.

• Security – Google has done away with the fingerprint feature, which is almost guaranteed to cause problems for people who rely on that to log in to apps. Facial recognition is the only way to unlock this phone hands-free and it works well, but there is currently no compatibility with third-party security apps.

Video: Introducing Google Pixel 4 [Google UK]

Is The Pixel 4 The Right Phone For You?

The Pixel 4 is not a major leap forward and is unlikely to appeal to people who already own the Pixel 3. Furthermore, dropping the fingerprint scanner may be a deal-breaker for some users who get along well with that feature. Although the Face Unlock technology is reliable when used to unlock your gadget, many apps do not support it and that means it’s back to remembering passwords. Finally, this is probably not the phone for you if you tend to rely on long battery life. It is unlikely to last a full day on a single charge, so you might need to look at the Pixel 4 XL if you are hoping to buy from this range.

If you can manage the potential drawbacks, there are many reasons to go for this phone instead of a more expensive option. Above all, the camera is outstanding and has a raft of fun new features which genuinely make a difference to the shots you take in almost any environment. You’ll have a brilliant 90Hz display to view them on and the higher refresh rate is less likely to strain your eyes. What's more, if it’s a more compact smartphone you’re after, the Pixel 4 is designed for a stable hold in just one hand.

The Pixel 4 Specs

• Screen – 5.7 inches OLED Full HD+ Smooth Display 90Hz

• Weight – 162g

• Dimensions – 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2mm

• Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 855

• Operating System - Android 10

• Cameras: 12MP Dual Camera and 16MP Telephoto lens

• RAM – 6GB

• Storage – 64GB/128GB

• Battery – 2,800mAh

• Port – USB-C

• Colours – Just Black, Clearly White, Oh So Orange

• Charging – Wireless/Wired

• Water-resistance - Rated IP68

• What’s in the box – USB-C cable/quick switch adapter/10W fast charge

Comparing the Pixel 4 with the iPhone 11

At first glance the iPhone 11 has a more high-end appearance than the Pixel 4, but how does it match upon closer inspection? Overall the iPhone 11 is undoubtedly the more high-powered of the two, but the Pixel 4 is still a solid phone for people who prefer an android OS.

How do the two phones match up in individual areas? In terms of design, the iPhone has a larger screen because Apple has chosen to minimise the bezel. In comparison, the Pixel 4 looks almost retro and measures just 5.7inches compared to the iPhone’s 6.1inch screen. However, the Pixel has a faster refresh rate and a resolution of 1080p, which is far greater than that of the iPhone. Looking at each phone from behind, the differences are less pronounced, though there are more colour choices for Apple users.

As for what's inside, the Pixel 4 packs a Soli radar sensor for motion gestures, which the Apple handset does not have. The dual cameras of both phones are similar in quality. Despite using different technologies, you can achieve the same standard of shot with either handset.

Apple has vastly more powerful hardware, thanks to an A13 Bionic chip and iOS 13, apps, games and day to day tasks are fast and smooth. The Pixel 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 combined with Android 10 is not at the same level, but it’s potential is maximised by Google firmware.

The iPhone 11 has a larger battery than the Pixel 4 and can last a full day of medium usage. The Pixel phone struggles in this regard, but like the Apple handset, it can be wirelessly charged.

Which Model of the Google Pixel 4 Should You Buy?

Google is keen to direct its users to cloud storage, so the options for the Pixel 4 are a relatively modest 64GB, or 128GB if you are prepared to pay extra. If you’re happy to rely on the cloud and don’t intend to keep a vast library of apps, video or music files on the phone then 64GB could be sufficient. For everyone else and anyone who already struggles to manage with 64GB storage, 128GB is going to be the best choice.

There are three colours to consider before you buy and for anyone who appreciates the more vibrant shades, 'Oh So Orange' will be their go-to. Along with the contrasting black bezel, it has a fun orange power button to complete the look. If you have your heart set on this shade, it’s best to check out the Pixel 4 deals soon because it’s a limited edition.

The classic option is always going to be black and Google has titled their shade 'Just Black'. This version is the most minimal as it goes a long way to concealing the camera bump and the power button. If you prefer a stealthy look, you’ll probably go for this version.

Bright, clean and finished with a contrasting black frame, 'Clearly White' is the lightest of all the Pixel 4 colours. The overall aesthetic is fresh, but the camera bump is still black so it’s far more noticeable and the power button is orange.

Answering Top Questions About the Pixel 4

There are a few particular questions that potential buyers usually have about Pixel 4. Let's have a look at them, so you can clarify any niggling doubts you might have before you buy:

• Does the Google Pixel 4 support 5G? – Google did not give the Pixel 4 5G functionality for the same reason as Apple did not include it with their iPhone 11 series – the technology is still too young. Only a few cities in the UK are set up to provide the network and the components required add extra cost and bulk. It’s likely that a Pixel phone will include the 5G option at some point, but not this time.

• Does the Pixel 4 have a headphone jack? – You won’t get a 3.5mm headphone jack with the Pixel 4 but the USB-C port can take an adaptor or an appropriate audio connection. Of course, you can always choose to listen with a wireless earphones or wireless headphones.

• Is the Google Pixel 4 waterproof? – With an IP68 rating, Pixel 4 is considered water-resistant rather than waterproof. It will survive a brief dip in water that is one metre deep but a longer soaking will cause lasting damage.

Buying Accessories for the Pixel 4

There are plenty of Pixel 4 accessories to get you started, here’s a look at three of the most useful.

• Wireless Headphones - The Pixel 4 does not come with wireless buds or a 3.5m jack, so unless you are content with the phone's speaker you’ll need a set of earphones. Google is selling their own Pixel Buds, but you can find cheap Pixel 4 compatible headphones elsewhere, such as the Anker Bluetooth Soundbuds.

• Liquid Crystal Case - If you love the look of your new Pixel 4 but you want to protect it from daily bumps and knock, a clear liquid crystal case is the ideal solution. It’s strong enough to be shock-resistant and you can still charge the handset wirelessly once it’s on.

• Power Bank - With a phone that’s lacking in the battery department, you could do with a reliable power bank to keep it topped up when you’re on the move. A high-capacity version can recharge a handset up to five times before it needs topping up.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Google Pixel 4

This is a great handset and the price is substantially lower than that of many other flagship phones, but there are some areas in which Google could improve.

• Pros

  • The Pixel range is known for having excellent cameras and this one is the best so far.

  • The 90Hz display delivers a high refresh rate for smoother scrolling which is easier on the eyes.

  • The design is smaller than many contemporary smartphones, but this makes it easier to hold in one hand.

• Cons

  • With no fingerprint scanner, users will have to rely on the laser for access and to open apps hands free.

  • The battery life is a let-down and most people will find themselves needed daily recharges.

  • The motion sensor is not always as responsive as it could be and this needs improvement.

Where to Buy the Google Pixel 4

All major mobile phone retailers including Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile and Carphone Warehouse are selling the Pixel 4 with a range of tariffs to suit various users. At the Google Store, Currys and Argos, you can purchase the handset outright and then select your own carrier.

The best times of year to find Pixel 4 offers are likely to be in the summer and spring sales, or when prices are cut over bank holiday weekends. Christmas is another great time to search for bargains as stores slash prices to compete for customers. Alternatively, the best Pixel 4 price may be found during the Black Friday event which happens at the end of November each year. At this time shops on the high street and online cut the price of handsets and also tariffs by up to 20%.

Finding Top Pixel 4 Offers right here on hotukdeals

The Pixel 4 represents the next generation of Google smartphones, with a beefed-up processor and more intelligent camera software making it an ideal phone for people from all walks in life. You can get the Pixel 4 for less with top offers right here on hotukdeals.