By Redactor The Google Pixel 4, released in 2019, promised a revolution in mobile photography and a seamless Android experience. While it delivered on some fronts, offering remarkably smooth performance and innovative features like Motion Sense, it ultimately fell short of expectations due to a critical flaw: its underwhelming battery life. This Google Pixel 4 review will delve into the phone’s strengths and weaknesses, revisiting a device that showcased Google’s ambition but also highlighted the challenges of balancing cutting-edge technology with real-world usability. This phone was intended to compete against the best in the market, but fell short in several important areas.
One of the most talked-about features of the Pixel 4 was Motion Sense, powered by the Soli radar chip. This technology allowed users to interact with the phone without physically touching it, using gestures to skip songs, silence alarms, and more. While novel, Motion Sense felt more like a gimmick than a necessity, and its limited functionality meant it wasn’t widely adopted. However, it offered a glimpse into a potential future of touchless interaction.
The camera, on the other hand, was a clear highlight. Building upon Google’s computational photography prowess, the Pixel 4 produced stunning images with exceptional dynamic range and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The addition of a telephoto lens provided more versatility, allowing users to capture impressive zoomed-in shots.
- Excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
- Impressive dynamic range and detail.
- Versatile telephoto lens.
The biggest drawback of the Pixel 4 was undoubtedly its poor battery life. The phone’s relatively small battery, coupled with its power-hungry features like the 90Hz display and Soli radar, resulted in many users struggling to get through a full day on a single charge. This was a significant issue, especially considering the Pixel 4’s premium price point. This single flaw kept many from purchasing this phone.
Here is a comparison of battery size between the Google Pixel 4 and its competitors at the time:
| Phone | Battery Capacity (mAh) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 4 | 2800 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | 3400 |
| iPhone 11 | 3110 |
While the Google Pixel 4 offered innovative features and a fantastic camera, its poor battery life ultimately overshadowed its strengths. It was a phone that showcased Google’s ambitions but also highlighted the importance of balancing cutting-edge technology with practical usability. Despite its flaws, the Pixel 4 remains a noteworthy device, reminding us that even the most innovative phones can be held back by fundamental shortcomings. For users who prioritize excellent image quality and a smooth Android experience above all else, the Pixel 4 might still hold some appeal. However, the battery life remains a major concern, and potential buyers should carefully consider whether they are willing to compromise on this aspect. It’s a phone with personality, and the first sentence of this final paragraph underlines the importance of reviewing this phone’s initial promise.
The Google Pixel 4, released in 2019, promised a revolution in mobile photography and a seamless Android experience. While it delivered on some fronts, offering remarkably smooth performance and innovative features like Motion Sense, it ultimately fell short of expectations due to a critical flaw: its underwhelming battery life. This Google Pixel 4 review will delve into the phone’s strengths and weaknesses, revisiting a device that showcased Google’s ambition but also highlighted the challenges of balancing cutting-edge technology with real-world usability. This phone was intended to compete against the best in the market, but fell short in several important areas.
A Glimpse of the Future: Motion Sense and the Camera
One of the most talked-about features of the Pixel 4 was Motion Sense, powered by the Soli radar chip. This technology allowed users to interact with the phone without physically touching it, using gestures to skip songs, silence alarms, and more. While novel, Motion Sense felt more like a gimmick than a necessity, and its limited functionality meant it wasn’t widely adopted. However, it offered a glimpse into a potential future of touchless interaction.
The camera, on the other hand, was a clear highlight. Building upon Google’s computational photography prowess, the Pixel 4 produced stunning images with exceptional dynamic range and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The addition of a telephoto lens provided more versatility, allowing users to capture impressive zoomed-in shots.
Camera Strengths:
- Excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
- Impressive dynamic range and detail.
- Versatile telephoto lens.
The Achilles’ Heel: Battery Life
The biggest drawback of the Pixel 4 was undoubtedly its poor battery life. The phone’s relatively small battery, coupled with its power-hungry features like the 90Hz display and Soli radar, resulted in many users struggling to get through a full day on a single charge. This was a significant issue, especially considering the Pixel 4’s premium price point. This single flaw kept many from purchasing this phone.
Here is a comparison of battery size between the Google Pixel 4 and its competitors at the time:
| Phone | Battery Capacity (mAh) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 4 | 2800 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | 3400 |
| iPhone 11 | 3110 |
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag
While the Google Pixel 4 offered innovative features and a fantastic camera, its poor battery life ultimately overshadowed its strengths. It was a phone that showcased Google’s ambitions but also highlighted the importance of balancing cutting-edge technology with practical usability. Despite its flaws, the Pixel 4 remains a noteworthy device, reminding us that even the most innovative phones can be held back by fundamental shortcomings. For users who prioritize excellent image quality and a smooth Android experience above all else, the Pixel 4 might still hold some appeal. However, the battery life remains a major concern, and potential buyers should carefully consider whether they are willing to compromise on this aspect. It’s a phone with personality, and the first sentence of this final paragraph underlines the importance of reviewing this phone’s initial promise.
Advice for Potential Buyers (and Current Owners)
If you’re considering purchasing a used or refurbished Google Pixel 4 in today’s market, proceed with caution and a clear understanding of its limitations. Here’s some advice to help you make an informed decision:
For Potential Buyers:
- Manage Your Expectations: Don’t expect all-day battery life. Plan to charge your phone at least once during the day, especially if you’re a heavy user. Consider carrying a portable charger.
- Assess Your Photography Needs: If you’re primarily looking for a phone with an excellent camera and don’t mind the battery limitations, the Pixel 4’s camera still holds up well.
- Consider Alternatives: Explore newer Pixel models or other smartphones that offer a better balance of features and battery life. Technology has advanced significantly since 2019.
- Check the Price: The price should reflect the phone’s age and limitations. Don’t overpay for a device with known issues.
- Inspect Carefully: If buying used, thoroughly inspect the phone for any signs of damage, particularly to the battery. Check the battery health if possible.
For Current Owners:
- Optimize Battery Life:
- Reduce screen brightness.
- Disable features you don’t use, such as Motion Sense and the 90Hz display (you can switch back to 60Hz in the settings).
- Limit background app activity.
- Use battery-saving mode.
- Consider Battery Replacement: If your battery life has degraded significantly, consider replacing the battery. This can improve performance and extend the phone’s lifespan. Research reputable repair shops and use genuine replacement parts.
- Update Software: Ensure your phone is running the latest available software updates. These updates may include battery optimizations and bug fixes.
- Manage App Usage: Identify and uninstall apps that consume excessive battery power;
- Embrace Wireless Charging: Keep a wireless charger handy at your desk or bedside for convenient top-ups throughout the day.
Ultimately, the Google Pixel 4 is a phone that requires careful consideration. Weigh its strengths against its weaknesses and determine if it aligns with your needs and usage patterns. By being aware of its limitations and taking steps to mitigate them, you can potentially still enjoy the Pixel 4’s unique features and excellent camera.
