After months of leaks and rumors, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are now official and Google has finally confirmed all of the details about its 2019 smartphones. The devices hone in on Google’s efforts to improve performance, further experiment with AI, and integrate more features to on-device for added security. Here’s a feature rundown of the Pixel 4 series.
Pixel 4 Main Specs
Both Pixel 4 models run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip, 6GB of RAM and have 64GB or 128GB of internal storage options, as well as 12-megapixel (standard) and 16-megapixel (telephoto) dual rear cameras and an 8-megapixel front camera. Google has also introduced fast face unlock as the device’s biometric feature, as well as Motion Sense, in select regions, for hands-free gesture controls. Both handsets are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Enabling 90Hz refresh rate screens on the devices, the Pixel 4 features a 5.7-inch, 2220 x 1080 resolution FHD+ display, while the Pixel 4 XL features a 6.3-inch, 3200 x 1800 resolution QHD+ display. For power, the Pixel 4 runs a 2,800 mAh battery and the Pixel 4 XL a 3,700 mAh battery. The devices support 18W fast charging through USB-PD 2.0 and wireless charging.
Software-wise, the Pixel 4 devices run Android 10. Users can also take advantage of three months of free Google One service for new customers, providing 100GB of cloud storage.
Pixel 4 Price and Availability
The Pixel 4 is currently available for preorder and will release to marker October 24. The standard Pixel 4 starts at $799 for the 64GB model and $899 for the 128GB model. The Pixel 4 XL starts at $899 for the 64GB model and $999 for the 128GB.
With Google introducing AT&T compatibility, the Pixel 4 will work with all four U.S. major carriers, as well as smaller networks, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Visible, and Google Fi. Those purchasing a Pixel 4 from Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint can get a $150 gift card with the activation of a new line. Sprint is also offering a buy one get one free deal when signing or upgrades both devices to an 18-month Flex lease.
Customers can also purchase handsets directly from Google, as well as from a number of retailers, Currently, those who preorder from Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H can get a $100 gift card. While Walmart is also selling the Pixel 4, it will not honor this gift card deal.
Motion Sense and Project Soli Radar
One of the most anticipated features on the Pixel 4 is Motion Sense, which gives the device a number of advanced gesture features for easier handling. The Pixel 4 can detect hand swipes or hovers, to execute functions such as waking up a handset before face unlock, dismissing incoming calls, alarms, or timers, reducing the volume of an alarm or timer before turning it off, or changing a music track. Conversely, the Pixel 4 can detect when you’ve left its direct vicinity and out its screen to sleep automatically. Google also uses Motion Sense to power a fun Pokemon Go app on the Pixel 4, which utilizes gestures to interact with captured Pokemon.
Google used the Project Soli radar sensor to help all of these features work. The sensor emits a 60GHz radio frequency with a 180-degree field of view and can detect motion from about a foot away. The tech giant assures that all radar and Motion Sense functions are stored on the device for optimal privacy.
The Pixel 4 also runs the Titan M security chip to keep the device as safe as possible. However, these measures were not enough to get the Project Soli certified by the government in India. For this reason, the Pixel 4 will not launch in that market.
Google Assistant Update
With the Pixel 4 series Google Assistant has been transitioned from a cloud-based service to an on-device feature. Google previewed the feature at Google I/O in May, revealing that the new Assistant takes up just 500MB of space on a Pixel 4 handset. This is expected to yield a 10x increase in performance.
The new Google Assistant will exclusively support U.S. English at launch, with other languages set to be added over time. The smart assistant will soon support other English dialects, including Canadian, U.K., and Singapore. For the time being, anyone can use the updated Google Assistant, regardless of their location, by setting it to U.S. English.
They tell us Assistant will be coming soon to en-CA (Canada), en-GB (UK), and en-SG (Singapore). All are English locales. That means we’re looking at a launch in English first, other languages later, and geofencing shouldn’t be an issue.
Highest Ever DisplayMate Score
Google has revealed that the Pixel 4 XL received the highest A+ score from the display benchmark organization, DisplayMate. Knocking devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 off their mark, DisplayMate detailed the high refresh rate, color accuracy, and brightness among the top aspects of the Pixel 4 XL. Overall, calling the screen “visually indistinguishable from perfect.”
No Headphones or 3.5mm Adapter
Google jumped on the no 3.5mm audio jack with the Pixel 3 in 2018 and has continued the trend with the Pixel 4. The tech giant is clearly now pushing users to embrace wireless headphones because the Pixel 4 will not sell with even USB-C headphones in the box, nor will it include a USB-to-3.5mm adapter.
Many smartphone makers still offer these accessories as they remove the traditional audio port from their devices. However, Google may be wanting consumers to consider its Pixel Buds 2, which were also announced on Tuesday. The truly wireless headphones will sell for $179; however, they won’t be available until spring 2020. One benefit is that Google is offering those who purchase a Pixel 4 model a $100 credit to the Google Store, which can easily be used on audio accessories, including the ones missing from the Pixel 4 packaging.
Design Updates to Make Pixel 4 Stand Out
The Pixel 4 devices have various design upgrades to differentiate them, not only from previous Pixel devices but from other smartphones as a whole. Digital Trends spoke with Google hardware designers, Max Yoshimoto and Alberto Villarreal, who noted that some of the main new aspects on the Pixel 4 are its flush glass back instead of the dual texture on previous handsets. However, keeping with the old idea, Google made the Pixel 4 sides more bumper like, giving them rounded corners and a rubbery finish.
With no fingerprint scanner, the Pixel 4 now has a more seamless back panel. Its new dual-lens main camera set up has also changed the way the device looks. Google has also introduced the bright peachy Oh So Orange color option to the Just Black and Clearly white line up.
On the front, Google has rid the Pixel 4 XL of its top-notch, which as a source of contention for many industry pundits. However, the device still does have a thick upper bezel to house its various sensors, including the 3D recognition Project Soli sensor.
Auto Transcription on Recorder
Some interesting technological advancements on the Pixel 4 allow users to record and transcribe simultaneously through the native recorder app. The function can also differentiate between other sounds that may show up in a recording, such as music and applause.
Additionally, the app can search for specific audio within a recording. The AI functions for these features are all hosted within the Pixel 4, meaning it does not require WiFi or cloud services to perform these tasks.
Backwards Wireless Charging Compatibility
Google has fleshed out its commitment to wireless charging by ensuring that Pixel 4 users can stay within the brand for a wireless charger. The Pixel 4 will be compatible with the Google Pixel Stand, which was released in 2018. It currently sells for $79. While sticking with this wireless charging means Google has not introduced any feature upgrades, users will get Qi charging capabilities and support for both portrait and landscape modes, even while a handset is docked. The Pixel Stand charges at 10W, which is not extremely impressive, but fast charging has been slow on the uptake for wireless charging so far.
Google Preferred Care Plan Updates
The Pixel 4 is also covered under Google’s Preferred Care plan, which offers two years or two incidents of coverage for accidental damage. Google has made some price increases, for the Pixel 4 XL, in particular, which will have a $149 deductible (up $20 from the Pixel 3 XL). The standard Pixel 4 will have a $129 deductible. The Preferred Care plan is available for customers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico and can be purchased through the Google Store.
