Google Pixel 4 review

We know that deep down you feel disappointed by the Pixel 4 - it's the prevalent sentiment around the office too. There's little excuse for the poor battery life, the one-camera-short attitude that Google is sticking with, the only-sometimes-90Hz display, things like that. Plus, the Pixel 4 isn't exactly priced to sell, and much better deals are available, even from the big names.

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Google, in striving to build a phone for the 80% has neglected several things we expect from a premium flagship smartphone in 2019. The camera is great, but it’s not class-leading exceptional. The display is good, but it’s not great — 90Hz refresh actually provides a welcome experience for users, but it’s not bright enough. The battery life is woeful. So what is good about it? The design and the Android experience.

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We find it hard to include the Google Pixel 4 among the ranks of other high-end smartphones. It is much more akin to more affordable flagships, such as the OnePlus 7T or the ZenFone 6. Google continues to focus on software instead of hardware innovations. Touchless gestures are more intuitive than on the LG G8s, however they lack functionality and deepness and feel unfinished overall.

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The desire to dogfood notches last year and 90Hz panels this year, and test Soli chips early, while not losing too much money by including a third, ultra-wide camera or more than 128 GB of storage, turns the Pixel into literally a device divided against itself.

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As a photographer, the Pixel 3 was a phone I could trust. The narrower focal length did limit it in some respects, but I could count on its image quality. That trend continues with the Pixel 4, which is still among the best in the business. However, it’s no longer a clear leader running neck-and-neck with Huawei. Competitors closed the gap this year, and Google didn’t pull further away from the pack. Virtually all the new camera software features and modes were shipped out to Pixel 3, 3 XL and 3a devices via software updates, lessening the incentive to get the Pixel 4.

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The Pixel 4 ends up feeling like it's trapped between multiple quantum states. A phone with some jaw-dropping technologies that has to service too many agendas, and lacks the singular focus or vision to be what everyone really wants it to be. More than the sum of those technologies. To be truly great. So, unlike most Nexus and nearly every Pixel past, like my friend and colleague, Daniel Bader, I can't really recommend the Pixel 4. If you really want a Google phone this year, the Pixel 4 XL will at least mitigate the battery issues.

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This year, the Pixel 4 feels like a bunch of software decisions designed to prop up hardware that has been cost-cut to death. The battery is tiny. The storage is small and slow. There isn't as much RAM as the competition. These problems aren't just spec sheet arcanery, because you'll feel them in the daily usage of the phone. The battery life is bad. The 90Hz mode can't run all the time, and that means the performance isn't great compared to true 90Hz phones. The display doesn't get as bright as it could, presumably because Google is again worried about the battery.

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Overall, if you already have a Pixel 3 then there’s not a huge amount here to demand an immediate upgrade. If you can live without the extra telephoto lens, then you might be better off waiting until the Pixel 5 makes its debut. However, if you’re coming from either a different brand or an older version of the Pixel, it’s well worth taking a look at the new Google Pixel 4. For the next iteration, we’d love to see an ultra-wide-angle lens and perhaps some more control for enthusiasts.

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Despite the tone above, the Pixel 4 is still a great Android phone. Possibly one of the best this year, especially if a pure Google Android experience is the most important factor in buying a phone. It definitely has a great set of hardware and software features, save for the measly battery, but it’s mostly just that. A great set of features.

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The Pixel 4 has an incredible, industry-leading camera, and the software experience is thoughtful. Google also nailed 3D face unlock on its first try. At the same time, Google doesn't provide as much storage or battery capacity as similarly priced phones. The shortcomings are something that I can forgive, but that won't be the case for everyone. After four generations, the Pixels still get some of the basics wrong, and we should be holding Google to a higher standard.

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I've been a fan of the Google Pixel since the Google Pixel 2 and since I had all generation. The display is great, the 90Hz display is a great implement! The software is still the best one possible. 

Both camera are awesome. The fact that the phone doesn't have a Ultra Wide Angle lens don't change anything. It a cool feature, but more like a gimmick. It's my opinion! 

The only reason why it can't have a 10/10 is the fact that the battery is small. But I'm always near a place where I can charge my phone so I never had any issue.