Google has presented the new Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, the smartphones produced directly by the Mountain View house both from the software and hardware point of view, thus placing itself on a higher level than all the Android smartphones seen so far. Being so strongly optimized by the parent company, they are the only ones that can really be compared to the iPhone. Given the prices of these phones, it is difficult that they can attract the attention of occasional users (given the competition from other manufacturers): these are in all respects smartphones for developers, useful for those who want to enjoy the full power of Google and have the real Android operating system, pure, optimized and without modification of the manufacturer (exactly like the old Nexus line). In this guide we will show you all the features of the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, so that we can choose the best model for our needs.
Features Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
We have decided to show you the features of the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in various chapters, so that you can fully evaluate whether it is worth buying one of these smartphones or it is better to focus on other Android products. Obviously the enthusiast and the developer will immediately choose one of the Pixels!Design and appearance
The new Pixels have a practically identical design, only the screen size changes.
The basic version has a 5.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2200x1080 pixels, while the XL version has a 6.3-inch screen and a resolution of 3040x1440 pixels . Compared to the previous "XL" model, the notch has disappeared: no more similarities or confusions with the iPhone, considering that this feature was certainly not much appreciated by Android enthusiasts.
Despite the differences in the screen, the design is similar on both, with a good readability of the screen, a high grip rear surface (even with fairly flat colors), the rear camera that protrudes slightly (which you may like or dislike) and all the keys in the right place. Note the absence of the fingerprint reader, technology abandoned (for the moment) by Google: the unlocking of the phone can be obtained with the face, through the new infrared cameras positioned on the front of the phone.
Technical features
Below we can find the technical characteristics of the new generation Pixels; we find the characteristics concerning the standard version and the XL version distinct (the differences are actually very few):- Screen : 5.7 '' OLED 2200x1080 pixels (base) / 6.3 ”3040x1440 pixels (XL)
- CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
- GPU : Adreno 640
- RAM : 6 GB
- Internal memory : 64 GB / 128 GB (available on both models)
- Rear camera : 12 MP Dual-Pixel with OIS + 16 MP 1 micron pixel Telephoto with OIS
- Front camera : 8 MP with f / 2.0 aperture
- Bluetooth : version 5.0 LE
- WiFi : Dual-Band 2x2 MIMO
- Battery : 2800 mAh (base) / 3700 mAh (XL)
- Connections : USB Type-C 3.1, NFC chip
- Charging system : 18 W fast charging and Qi wireless charging
- Operating system : Android 10 (with constant updates)
The data sheet is interesting and well balanced, but we must also consider it in relation to the competition: the 64GB version may be too small for those who make many videos and photographs, considering that Google has removed the unlimited upload at the highest quality on Google Photos for Pixel (top feature up to the previous model).
The processor is fast and offers maximum fluidity to the system but it is not the last top of the range produced by Qualcomm, the screen performs very well on both models, nothing is missing from the point of view of connectivity, there are two speakers stereo for music and hands-free calls, supports wireless charging and fast charging at 18W and has a double rear camera of excellent workmanship, also considering the extraordinary optimizations made by Google on the Camera app (definitely one of the flowers at the telephone eyelet). The front camera is good, as well as the numbers on the batteries are discreet to integrate on both models: we must not be fooled by such small numbers, given that the system is highly optimized (we will arrive in the evening with practically any scenario of use).
The equipment is equipped with Wi-Fi Dual Band, the latest generation Bluetooth, the NFC chip and the Android 10 operating system, constantly updated for 3 years.
Operating system
The real strength of the Google Pixels is without a shadow of a doubt the operating system: nobody is in fact able to exploit the power of real Android better than these "custom-built" phones.
The Google Pixel 4 are to Android as iPhone is to iOS: the Android 10 system (the latest version currently developed) is fast and responsive in any scenario, the interface and menus are cared for in every detail, there is no superfluous app o useless (we only find the starting Google apps), the energy saving system allows to increase the autonomy even if the lithium battery does not have a high capacity (thanks to the targeted optimizations) and, very importantly, the Pixels receive all Android updates first as soon as Google makes them available.
With the Pixels we can also receive the Preview versions, that is the previews of future Android releases so that we can test them and report any anomalies to Google; this makes it clear from the beginning for whom this device is designed, given the care taken in the software part of the system.
Also noteworthy is the care for the Google Camera app, which has several exclusive Pixel optimizations to take photos in the dark, photos of starry skies, photos with various subjects and photos that are automatically blurred, so that you can take perfect shots with any light condition and with any framed subject.
Price and accessories
To buy Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, which are sold at a slightly different price, you have to go to the Google store, press on the top right on Buy and choose the model we intend to buy:- Google Pixel 4 is sold for € 759 in the 64 GB version; if we want to bet on the 128GB version we have to pay 100 € more.
- Google Pixel 4 XL is sold for € 899 with 64 GB of internal memory; the price rises to € 999 for the version with 128 GB of internal memory.
The prices are definitely high, given that in that price range we can also find the top of the range from Samsung (S10 and Note 10) which in fact offer the same power but with a customized operating system and perhaps more suitable for a common user who can afford to spend those figures. The Pixel package includes the 18 W USB Type-C adapter and the charging cable.
On the official Google website for the sale of Pixels, fabric covers are available to make the device more beautiful and to protect it from falls (€ 45), the Pixel Stand for wireless inductive charging (79 €) and finally for wireless earphones (Pixel Buds 2), on sale for 180 € (unofficial price, since they will probably come out in 2020).
Conclusions
Pixels deserve to be purchased "> The most powerful and best Android phones of the moment and Best smartphones with large screens (6 inches or more) .If we want to combine savings and quality, the only way to do this is to focus on a well-made Chinese smartphone, such as those recommended in the guide to the Best Chinese Smartphone Brands .
