Editor's note:
Since its debut, the Google Pixel 4 XL has been surpassed by new Pixel models. We've checked the below to ensure accuracy and relevance for the time of writing, though pricing and availability will differ from when we first reviewed this device.
The Google Pixel 4 XL delivers a smooth Android experience, with a snappy processor, great camera, solid battery life, motion detection, and improved Google Assistant.
While it's not without its limitations—like a maximum storage capacity of 128GB—it nonetheless ticks off most of the right boxes for a flagship device. Read on for our firsthand review of the Google Pixel 4 XL.
Google Pixel 4 XL: Verdict
The Google Pixel 4 XL (and smaller sibling Pixel 4) has taken a lot of abuse in the tech media, somewhat unfairly. It's got a stellar camera, nice display, solid battery, and intriguing new features like motion detection. While it may be priced a bit high at $900, it's likely to meet most of your expectations.
What we love
What we don't love
- Priced a bit high ($900 and up) for some midrange specs
- 90Hz display is limited
- Could've gone faster with the processor
- Fingerprint scanner is missed
The essentials
- Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
- Battery: 3,700 mAh
- Screen: 6.3" Quad HD+ OLED Smooth Display
- Camera: Dual 12MP+ 16MP (rear); single 8MP (front)
85/100
Google Pixel 4 XL: Camera
.jpg "Photo shot by Pixel 4 XL")
The Google Pixel 4 XL's camera—identical to the one in the smaller Pixel 4—is arguably the most compelling reason to buy the device.
While the Pixel 3 XL was no slouch in the camera department, the Pixel 4 XL's dual rear cameras are even better, capturing crisp, bright photos. Google's Night Sight has been revitalized as well, and feels far more usable than before. The picture on the right was taken in a very dim rock club, with Night Sight lighting up the subjects (Dinosaur Jr.).
Night Sight's astrophotography capabilities are cool too; I've had a lot of fun snapping picks of the moon and stars—albeit nothing worth sharing here. No less than Stephen Hawking—er, a simulation of Stephen Hawking's voice—has endorsed this feature.
Oh, and selfie takers take note: there's a new "face retouching" feature that smooths out your skin. It's great for those of us who are a bit vain, although it's not the most natural looking effect (humans do have pores after all).
Google Pixel 4 XL Camera:
Google Pixel 4 XL: Display
There was a lot of initial excitement about the Google Pixel 4's 90Hz display. As advertised, it delivers an exceedingly fast and smooth scrolling and swiping experience. However, it turns out that this refresh rate only takes effect when the device is set to a minimum brightness level—likely a battery life conservation measure by Google (granted, there's been murmurs that Google will address this in a forthcoming update). The other issue is the relative dimness of the Pixel 4 XL's screen, which has a peak brightness of 450 nits, compared to 800 nits on the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Overall, the Pixel 4 XL's display is passable, but definitely not knock-your-socks-off. For a display that was so heavily hyped, it's ultimately not compelling enough on its own to make you want to buy the phone.
Google Pixel 4 XL Display:
Google Pixel 4 XL: Battery Life
The Pixel 4 has taken a lot of media flack for its modest battery life. While that may be true of the smaller Pixel 4, it's really not the case with the Pixel 4 XL.
The 4 XL has a 3,700 mAh battery, plenty big enough to power your device all day. Whereas my Pixel 2 (the phone I owned prior to this one) would be on its last legs by the time I left work each day, my Pixel 4 XL still has plenty of juice for streaming the day's political news. It also charges amazingly fast. Yes, it's 269 mAh smaller than what's in the iPhone 11 Pro Max—but that device is $200 more expensive for the Pixel 4 XL.
Google Pixel 4 Battery Life:
Google Pixel 4 XL: New Features
Motion Sense
The Pixel 4 XL's Motion Sense feature allows you to skip songs, silence alarms and wake up your device with a wave of your hand. I was initially pretty pumped about this innovation, but have since found its utility is negligible—for me at least. I mostly play Spotify from my phone while I'm driving, in which case I can just skip back and forth from the controls on my car's steering wheel. And I feel a bit silly swatting the air to wake up my Pixel 4 XL.
Improved Google Assistant
Google Assistant represents the cream of the crop when it comes to voice assistants, and the strides the company has made with this new edition are immediately evident in the Pixel 4 XL. Responses are quick and accurate, and you can string along trains of thought and get multiple things done at once—a credit to Google's developments in AI.
Recorder App
Another of the Pixel 4's compelling features is the Recorder app, which works to instantly transcribe whatever you, or somebody else, says—with stunning accuracy. I haven't had a chance to use Recorder much, but my test runs have left me impressed. Granted, Google has made this available in older Pixels now too.
Face Unlock
The single biggest adjustment I've had to make in using the Pixel 4 XL after the Pixel 2 is the face unlock feature. Gone is the rear fingerprint scanner—now you have to use either your face or a four-digit code to get into your device.
I've more or less gotten used to unlocking the phone with my face, but really miss the fingerprint scanner when my face isn't recognized for whatever reason. Punching in the code feels unnecessarily time consuming compared to the old method.
Google Pixel 4 XL New Features:
Google Pixel 4 XL: What's Missing
A Faster Processor
There's nothing particularly wrong or weak about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset that powers the Pixel 4. The phone is plenty fast for all of your everyday smartphone tasks. However, a fair point has been made that Google kind of skimped when they opted to stock the device with the 855 when its successor, the Snapdragon 855+, is already in a variety of phones. It feels like Google made a misstep here if for no other reason than they opened the door to criticisms from the tech punditry.
Headphones
An undeniably cheap move on Google's part was their decision to not include a headphone or even a headphone dongle in the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL's boxes. It's undoubtedly a way for the company to compel new owners to buy the expensive new Pixel Buds, but it's irked more than a few would-be buyers.
Higher Storage Capacities
Google has limited the Pixel 4 and 4 XL to 64 and 128 GB storage capacities. While the company would probably defend the decision by pointing out that they allow users to store an unlimited number of "high quality" photos on the Google Photos cloud, that's the case with most other Android phones as well.
Fingerprint Scanner
I've already expressed my disappointment at Google's decision to completely do away with a fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 4/4 XL, but seriously, why????
Google Pixel 4 XL: Who It's For
Just like its predecessors, the Google Pixel 4 XL represents the purest way to experience the Android operating system, with hardware and software that blends seamlessly with it. While Google made some definite missteps this round—low storage options, no fingerprint scanner, no headphones—there are just enough new features to keep things interesting. I'd heartily recommend going with the Pixel 4 XL over its smaller sibling, since it offers more battery life and more screen real estate.
Android enthusiasts and Apple refugees alike will appreciate the Pixel 4 XL's combination of innovation (Motion Sense, Night Sight) and solid specs (good battery size, fancy screen).
Chris Holmes
Staff Writer
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