Google Pixel 4 smartphone

Photo: Kyu3a via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Google

Google Pixel 4

October 24, 2019 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Google Pixel 4 is a smartphone released in late 2019, known for its advanced camera system, smooth 90Hz display, and innovative Motion Sense technology. It was powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor and ran on Android 10, offering a pure Android experience with timely updates. Despite its strengths, it faced criticism for its relatively small battery capacity.
Display5.7-inch 90Hz P-OLED display with Gorilla Glass 5 protection
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855 with Adreno 640 GPU and Pixel Neural Core
Main CameraDual 12.2MP wide and 16MP telephoto lenses with 2x optical zoom and advanced computational photography
Battery2800 mAh with 18W fast charging and 11W Qi wireless charging
Starting from $109

💰 Google Pixel 4 Price

The Google Pixel 4 lowest price is $109, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeP-OLED, 90Hz, HDR, 100% DCI-P3, Always-on display, Ambient EQ
Size5.7 inches, 80.4 cm² (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~444 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
GPUAdreno 640
CoprocessorPixel Neural Core

Memory

RAM6GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage64GB or 128GB UFS 2.1
Card SlotNo

Main Camera

Dual12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 16 MP, f/2.4, 48mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
FeaturesDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama, Live HDR+, Super Res Zoom, Night Sight with Astrophotography
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps

Selfie Camera

Single8 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (ultrawide, 90°), 1.22µm
FeaturesAuto-HDR, TOF 3D sensor
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 2800 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired (USB Power Delivery 2.0), 11W Qi wireless

Body

Dimensions147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm (5.79 x 2.71 x 0.32 in)
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Water & Dust ResistanceIPX8 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
USBUSB Type-C 3.1

Launch

AnnouncedOctober 15, 2019
StatusDiscontinued (August 6, 2020)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Outstanding camera performance, especially in low light and with portrait mode
  • Fluid and vibrant 90Hz OLED display
  • Clean Android experience with prompt software updates
  • Compact and comfortable design for one-handed use
  • Useful Motion Sense gestures and Face Unlock

Cons

  • Below-average battery life compared to competitors
  • No ultrawide camera lens
  • Limited storage options with no expandable memory
  • Motion Sense functionality was limited and not widely adopted
  • High launch price for its specifications
★ Our Verdict

The Google Pixel 4 offered an excellent camera and a smooth display, but its poor battery life and the limited utility of Motion Sense held it back from being a top-tier flagship.

The Google Pixel 4, while no longer officially sold, can be a compelling option for those seeking an affordable smartphone with an exceptional camera. Its computational photography, including Night Sight and Astrophotography, remains impressive even years later. However, be mindful of its relatively small 2800 mAh battery, which often struggled to last a full day for many users. If you prioritize camera quality and a pure Android experience over battery longevity and the latest hardware, and can find one in good condition, it could still be a worthwhile purchase, especially for a secondary device or for specific photography needs. Consider refurbished models for the best value, but verify battery health.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Google Pixel 4 Handset
  • 18W USB-C Power Adapter
  • 1M USB-C to USB-C Cable
  • Quick Switch Adapter (USB-A to USB-C)
  • SIM tool
  • Quick Start Guide and Safety Information

Google typically offers a one-year limited warranty for its Pixel phones, covering defects in materials and workmanship.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Google Pixel 4 released?

The Google Pixel 4 was officially released on October 24, 2019.

What are the main camera specifications of the Pixel 4?

The Pixel 4 features a dual-camera system with a 12.2 MP wide lens (f/1.7) and a 16 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) with 2x optical zoom. It's renowned for its computational photography, including Night Sight and Astrophotography.

Does the Google Pixel 4 have a 90Hz display?

Yes, the Google Pixel 4 features a 5.7-inch P-OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which Google marketed as 'Smooth Display,' providing a more fluid scrolling and gaming experience.

What processor powers the Google Pixel 4?

The Google Pixel 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, coupled with an Adreno 640 GPU and Google's dedicated Pixel Neural Core for enhanced AI and image processing.

What is Motion Sense on the Pixel 4?

Motion Sense is a feature on the Pixel 4 that uses a Soli radar chip to detect gestures above the phone, allowing users to skip songs, snooze alarms, and dismiss calls without touching the device.

Is the Google Pixel 4 still a good phone to buy in 2024?

While no longer sold new, the Pixel 4 can still be a good option for those prioritizing an excellent camera and a clean Android experience at a low price. However, its battery life is a significant drawback, and software updates have ended with Android 13.