Google Pixel 4 XL review

The aluminum and Gorilla Glass 5 build feel very premium, the 90Hz refresh rate makes gaming and overall navigation impressively smooth, the cameras are at the top of their class fighting only with Apple for valedictorian, and you’re guaranteed to be first in line for software updates for the next three years. Is all that worth $899 for a 64GB model? I think it is as the overall package is worth more than the sum of its parts.

Less

The Pixel 4 XL is one of the best phones on the market, and easily one of the best phones of the year. Google has, somehow, managed to improve its cameras once again, while also remedying a number of flaws with the previous model. However, it is expensive, and the lack of storage feels particularly miserly from Google.

Less

Hats-off to Google for continuing to innovate with Motion Sense, great new camera features and technology (as well as shot quality), and top-notch general performance as always with a whistle-clean Android 10 OS setup. And there are further refinements and features forthcoming for Pixel 4 / 4 XL early adopters as well. As is typically the case with Google Pixel devices, you'll also get the latest Android software and platform innovations before virtually any other Android device manufacturer, if you decide to rock a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL.

Less

While the camera is mostly excellent and the phone is a top-notch performer (not to mention the new Google Assistant, which works more rapidly than ever before and is a worthy rival to Siri and Bixby), there’s disappointment to be found in the weak Pixel 4 battery, the lack of storage, the missing wide-angle camera and fingerprint scanner, and finicky Motion Sense.

Less

Make no mistake, we adore the Pixel 4 XL. However, there are just way too many asterisks holding it back from greatness. It's got a great camera (but there's no ultra-wide... unlike every one of its rivals), the 90Hz display is gorgeous and smooth (but it steamrollers the battery life to the point that you can't count on it to last your entire 9-to-5), and the Oh So Orange colour is fun (but the front of the Pixel 4 looks like a flagship from five years ago and the lack of symmetry is a slap in the face).

Less

The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are great phones in several respects, but they misfire far more often than they should at this price point. The major sticking points are battery life and the reliability of some new hardware features, making them hard to recommend despite an out of this world camera, great performance and software experience.

Less

There's no denying the Pixel 4 XL has one of the best cameras around, but its shortcomings don't justify its high price. Instead, consider the Note 10 or the OnePlus 7T. The Pixel 3 XL is another great candidate and is discounted at $600 now.

Less

Really, this phone will test what Pixel fans truly value. If all you care about is photography with your smartphone, it’s a great phone. But if you need a multitasking phone with all-day battery life and the flexibility to handle hardcore gaming, I’d look elsewhere.

Less

There is a lot to love about the Pixel 4 XL, such as the display or the extra camera, but our favourite addition is the motion sensor which could play a big role in its future. However, it doesn't do enough to recommend it, we're Soli to say.

Less

There will be a time when the Google Pixel 4 XL might be a great phone, but that time isn’t now. Once Google fixes the problems and apps have been updated, the only thing really holding the phone back is below-average battery life. If that’s something you can live with, and you trust Google to fix things, then by all means buy the Pixel 4 XL.

Less