By
Chris Holmes Staff Writer
Updated

Google Pixel 4 vs. Google Pixel 3 XL

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Since their release in 2019, the Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL have been surpassed by newer Google Pixel models. The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the Pixel 4's release, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed these devices.

You can upgrade to a newer Pixel phone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of this device through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.


The heavily-hyped Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL sport some of the best features you'll find in an Android: smooth-as-silk 90Hz screens, best-in-class dual cameras, fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processors and, new this year, "Motion Sense," which allows you to control your phone with the wave of your hand. 

Are these specs worth opening your wallet for—or should you opt for the less expensive (yet still great) Pixel 3 XL? See how the Google Pixel 4/4XL and Pixel 3 XL stack up below, and how to score them via Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. 



Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Google Pixel 3 XL

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Cameras


Specs alone can never quite capture what makes the Pixel's cameras so special, and why they are consistently among the best on the Android market. While the Google Pixel 3 XL sports just a single lens in the rear, the results look really great; check out this pic I took on a Pixel 3XL during a recent trip to Berlin

The Pixel 3 XL also takes great selfies, via two front-facing lenses (in this case I don't have any selfie shots to show you, sorry). 

The Pixel 4—on paper at least—seems to up the camera game, with a dual rear-facing 12 MP and 16 MP setup. Google has ditched the second front-facing camera for the Pixel 4, however, though its single lens is said to be "capable of much more."

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Display


The Google Pixel 3 XL sports a crisp, bright display with a notch on the top for the camera. The device's "Quad HD" screen is indeed one of the nicer ones on the market. 

However, from the sound (and look) of it, Google has made some serious strides in this department for the Pixel 4/4 XL. It features a 90Hz variable refresh rate screen—many other flagships top out at a 60Hz—making scrolling and swiping an exceedingly smooth experience (the OnePlus 7 Pro has a display like this).

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Design


The Pixel 3 XL, as alluded to, features an "all-screen" design, with a notch on top for the front-facing camera. Google has taken a more old-school approach with the Pixel 4, as it features fairly thick bezels around the front. Turns out the top bezel is needed to house the Pixel 4's most exciting new feature, the Soli motion-detecting chip (more on this in a bit), as well as some pretty nice speakers. 

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Colors


Google has consistently shown a willingness to venture out of the box with the colors of their Pixels; it's one of the things that drew me to the phones in the first place (I jumped on board for the "Kinda Blue" Pixel 2). The most whimsical Pixel 3 XL color is "Not Pink," while this year's Pixel 4/4 XL comes in a shade called "Oh So Orange." Of course, all of the devices are also available in good old Just Black and Clearly White if you prefer something more conservative. 

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: New Features


For all of the Google Pixel 3 XL's strong points, it doesn't offer anything particularly new, instead representing an excellent refinement of features that were introduced in the Pixel 2. The Pixel 4/4 XL, on the other hand, brings Google's new Soli motion-detection chip to market. Known as Motion Sense, this allows users to "skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls, just by waving your hand." Google innovations tend to evolve over time as the company further develops them. 

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Price


Both the regular-sized and XL editions of the Pixel 4 are reasonably priced (by today's standards). The 64GB Pixel 4 starts at $799, while the 64GB Pixel 4 XL starts at $899. In both cases, it's an extra $100 to upgrade to the 128GB versions. 

Keep your eyes peeled on our Best Cell Phone Deals page for any Pixel 4 promos from the carriers. 

Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Pixel 3 XL: Plans


The Pixel 4/4 XL is the first Google phone to be available from all four major carriers, i.e. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. Remember to check back with WhistleOut for up-to-the-minute device + plan pricing. 

Chris Holmes

Staff Writer

Chris Holmes
Chris Holmes is a Contributing Writer for WhistleOut, where he covers the cell phone and internet industries. His work has been cited in publications like The Verge, The New York Times, and WIRED.

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