The Google Pixel 4 is out and has a lot of new features under the hood. We tell you what you really need to know and what you should really pay attention to.
Two cameras
It took a while, but Google also (finally?) Went along with the hype to equip smartphones with multiple cameras. Where other manufacturers already put 4 or even more lenses in their device, Google keeps it modest with two lenses. Google still relies heavily on software tricks to achieve the beautiful photographic delights and still manages to take fantastic photos, although the smartphone does not get the highest rating from DXOmark this year.
Both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have a 12 mp dual-pixel sensor and a 16 mp telephoto camera on board. There is no wide angle lens, but according to Google you can zoom “about 2x” thanks to Google’s Super Res Zoom technology.
Google is combining this multi-lens setup with computational photography to perform functions such as live HDR +, white balance and dual-camera exposure in real time. In addition, you have separate sliders for shade and clarity if you look back at your shots afterwards.
The more advanced hardware setting ensures that Google’s portrait mode is even better than before, so you can also add the bokeh effect to photos with larger objects. The night shot mode has also been given a big boost to shoot nice pictures in low light situations. The second lens is used to shorten the time it takes to take a photo in the dark. This ensures less noise.
The dual cameras on the back do cut the front: The Pixel 3 had two front cameras for wide-angle selfies, but the Pixel 4 goes back to a single 8MP selfie camera.
Motion sense and project Soli
Google’s radar chip has found its way to the Pixel 4 and has the ability to skip music tracks, control phone calls or control a game without touching your device.
In the video below you can see what is possible:
The gestures with which the Pixel 4 can be somewhat limited at the moment, but Google has indicated that the features will be expanded.
In addition, Google has equipped the front of the Pixel 4 with a variety of sensors, including a pair of “face unlock IR cameras” and a “face unlock Flood Illuminator”. Apple’s Face ID is a great experience, and the version of Google can be even more advanced.
Your face unlock data remains on your device, protected by Google’s Titan M security hardware. Biometric data is not sent to other Google services. The biometric security of the Pixel 4 sounds promising, especially after the weak attempts of other companies to bring Face ID-like technology to Android. We can’t wait to test it out.
The latest Android and Assistant software
The Pixel 4 is the first device with the faster, context-sensitive Google Assistant that Google unveiled earlier this year on I / O. You can have a conversation with your assistant easier and faster, 10 times faster if we have to believe Google. Moreover, the assistant knows what you mean better and faster. The video below is a good example.
The hardware
Google never runs for sale with specs like Samsung does, but the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have nice specifications:
Google Pixel 4 specs
- Display: 5.7-inch Full HD + Smooth Display (up to 90Hz OLED) – Ambient EQ
- Battery: 2,800mAh
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, Pixel Neural Core
- Memory: 6GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Cameras: 12MP Dual-Pixel and 16MP Telephoto
- Audio: Stereo speakers
- Security: Titan M Security Module
- Features: Face unlock, Motion Sense
- OS: Android 10 and three-year support
Google Pixel 4 XL specs
- Display: 6.3-inch Quad HD + Smooth Display (up to 90Hz OLED)
- Battery: 3.700mAh
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, Pixel Neural Core
- Memory: 6GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Cameras: 12MP Dual-Pixel and 16MP Telephoto
- Audio: Stereo speakers
- Security: Titan M Security Module
- Features: Face unlock, Motion Sense
- OS: Android 10 and three-year support
Just whining
Yes, we can’t help it, we’re going to moan again. Although the devices look beautiful, there are still some things that disappoint us quite a bit. The battery of the Pixel 4 is on the small side. Yes, 2800 mAh at a time when even midrange devices are equipped with 4000 mAh batteries is simply a miss. If necessary, the device would have been made thicker for a larger battery. What good is all of that hardware splendor if you can’t even get through the day? A big missed opportunity.
And yes, the headphone connection also shines again due to absence. We know that it is a trend and that many manufacturers make this “brave” move, but it is really a loss for many. Moreover, it is extra acid for a Google smartphone because the company ridiculed other manufacturers when they left out the 3.5 mm jack. It is extra stupid if you do it exactly the same one or two generations later. Take Motorola, for example, who brought the connection back. The manufacturer was, after all, the first to start omitting the connection (no, that was not Apple).
Although the Pixel 4 is not officially available in the Netherlands, it can still be ordered from a few Dutch web shops. Importing yourself is therefore not necessary. The devices are available at Belsimpel and Mobiel.nl.