Google may have cut too many corners... - Pixel 4 Review

Google may have cut too many corners on the Pixel 4, but this review still celebrates several standout elements that Google delivers in the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. The video kicks off by acknowledging the design refresh, noting that the new front (forehead) area is slimmer yet visually stands out, and praising the return of some familiar Pixel design cues like the squeeze to summon the assistant. The reviewer then moves into performance and display, highlighting the Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM, a bright OLED panel with variable 90Hz refresh rate, and how these combine for fast, smooth everyday use, gaming, and scrolling. Energy-conscious improvements like the 90Hz mode dipping to 60Hz to save power are explained, along with software polish that keeps the experience clean and responsive, including live captioning as a notable software feature despite some battery cost. The Pixel 4’s camera system is given long-form praise, especially its portrait mode and color science, where the Pixel 4 consistently captures hair detail and skin tones with minimal smoothing compared to competitors, even in challenging lighting. The video also dives into the radar based Motion Sense and face unlock, acknowledging that while unlock is not perfect in every scenario, it is generally quick and unobtrusive, and it adds a future-facing convenience over a traditional fingerprint sensor. In the video’s evaluative section, the reviewer weighs the Pixel 4’s storage limitation, lack of an ultra-wide lens, and the shift away from unlimited full-resolution Google Photos storage as real trade-offs. They weigh video quality and stabilization against the iPhone 11 Pro, noting that Google’s software and hardware jointly deliver strong results, particularly in video, while acknowledging some software bugs and the need for ongoing refinement. The closer looks lead to a final verdict that the Pixel 4 remains a capable, category-leading camera phone with strong software features and a few notable drawbacks, resulting in a strong recommendation for users who value photography and Android experience, contrasted with a more lukewarm stance for everyone else. Finally, the sponsor and accessory segment is present, with a focus on dbrand skins and grip cases, leaving viewers with a sense of a well-rounded device family and practical add-ons. The overall tone blends enthusiasm for Google’s advancements with a realistic critique of storage decisions and motion sensing reliability.

Topics · technology · mobile devices · camera · video production · android