EDITOR'S NOTE:
Since its release in 2019, the Google Pixel 4 has 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 the device.
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 new Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are separated by $100 and 0.6 inches of screen, but otherwise are fairly similar. So which should you buy?
The main point of distinction between the two devices are their respective batteries—the Pixel 4 XL's is markedly bigger. Other than that, they have identical camera setups, processors, and 90 Hz displays, not to mention Google's new Motion Sense feature. The Pixel 4 debuted at $799, while the Pixel 4 XL goes for $899.
Google Pixel 4/4 XL Vs. Google Pixel 3 XL
Google Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 4 XL: What's the Same
Cameras
The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL sport identical camera setups: a 16 megapixel telephoto lens and 12.2 megapixel wide-angle lens on the back, and a single 8 megapixel on the front. All the better to make use of the new astrophotography mode.
Processors
Both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are driven by the snappy Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, said to be "up to 15% faster" than its predecessor. Both devices contain 6GB of RAM.
90Hz OLED Displays
Both of the new Pixels feature Google's dazzling 90Hz display, which makes for exceedingly smooth scrolling and swiping. Granted, the Pixel 4 XL's screen has slightly higher, well, pixel density.
Storage Sizes
Both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come in 64GB and 128GB storage capacities. Going for the bigger of the two adds $100 to the price tag of both devices.
Other Identical Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Features
- IP68 water resistance
- Qi-certified wireless charging
- Android 10 operating system
- Motion Sense
- Face Unlock
Google Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 4 XL: What's Different
Put simply, there's not a whole lot of difference between the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. This is unsurprising given how similarly they're priced.
Batteries
The key distinction between the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are their batteries: the Pixel 4 has a 2,800 mAh battery, while the Pixel 4 XL has a 3,700 mAh battery. No word yet as to what that equates to in real world use, but the device's predecessor, the Pixel 3 XL, offered an impressive amount of power from its 3,430 mAh battery.
Screens
As mentioned, both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL feature Google's new 90 Hz OLED displays. The Pixel 4's screen is 5.7" and has a pixel density of 444 ppi; the Pixel 4 XL's screen is 6.3" and has a density of 537 ppi.
Price
The 64GB Pixel 4 starts at $799, to which you can tack on $100 for the 128GB version. The Pixel 4 XL starts at $899, or $999 for 128GB.
Google Pixel 4/4 XL vs. Pixel 3 XL
Debating between the Google Pixel 4/4 XL and the Pixel 3 XL? We've written a Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 3 XL guide that delves into the differences. Here are the main things to know:
Cameras: the Google Pixel 3 XL has one rear-facing camera, while the Pixel 4/4 XL has two. Conversely, the Pixel 3 XL has two front-facing selfie cameras, while the 4 has just one.
Design: the Pixel 3 XL sports the same two-tone design of its predecessors, while the 4 is one solid color and texture.
Display: on the front, the Pixel 3 XL is all screen with a notch on top for its camera. The Pixel 4/4 XL, by contrast, has thick bezels around the front. The top houses the phone's new Soli chip, enabling a host of motion-detecting functions (and face unlock). On that note, the Pixel 4 does away with the Pixel 3 XL's fingerprint scanner.
Availability: the Pixel 3 XL is only available from three of the four major carriers—Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile; the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, is available from AT&T as well.
Google Pixel 4 & Pixel 4 XL: Deals and Plans
The four majors are running various Pixel 4 deals (mostly trade-in promos), and you can also score one from Google Fi, US Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile.
If you're looking for a plan to go along with your device, we recommend starting with our guide to the month's Best Cell Phone Plans, or jumping to our Best Unlimited Plans page (you'll want plenty of data for your new Pixel). Here are some unlimited plans paired with Pixel 4 XL monthly installments:
Google Pixel 4 Vs. Pixel 4 XL: Which to Buy
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 and, new this year, "Motion Sense," which allows you to control your phone with the wave of your hand.
It's hard to go wrong with either device, given their close similarities. Really it comes down to whether you're willing to shell out an extra $100 for the Pixel 4 XL's larger screen.
- Google's typically awesome Pixel cameras
- Sleek design with 5.7" OLED display
- Motion Sense
- Nice price: $799
- Reasonable price for an XL flagship: $899
- Rich display
- Big 3,700 mAh battery
- Availability from all four major carriers (same with Pixel 4)
Chris Holmes
Staff Writer
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