Google has transformed its Google-branded line into a premium device in its respective category. If you want the best in class software updates paired with a best in class camera, you will be looking at its very own Pixel line. Google's latest refresh in the Pixel series is called the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL. Coming off of its previous iteration, it offers customers a brand new design, an updated camera, a brand new assistant, and innovative features that make it a worthy upgrade. Below, we will be going over some of the major differences you will find in Google's latest iteration that might sway your decision on whether to upgrade or not.
Speed
One of the major differences on a yearly basis in the newest flagships is a difference in day to day performance. As more and more manufacturers are cramming better cameras and more functionality into their phones, even minor processor and RAM differences can make a big difference in day to day performance. One of the major issues that negatively impacted the Pixel 3XL's performance is the issue with RAM management. The Pixel 3XL's most expensive model maxed out at 4GB of RAM. Unfortunately, with Google's commitment to high-level camera processing, 4GB is simply not enough. Thus, a lot of users had issues with multi-tasking including playing music while taking pictures. Google solved this issue through software optimization but also by throwing more RAM into the newest iteration. Now, you will find 6GB of RAM crammed into the latest model which offers a lot more headroom for speedier and much more consistent day to day performance. Likewise, the latest model features a speedier and much more capable chipset. The Pixel 4 and the larger variant have Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 which is a minor iteration over the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 but it offers better and much more power-efficient performance leading to better battery life.
Introducing Face Unlock
Depending on your preferences, this will be seen as a major upgrade or a downgrade. Google decided to move along with the rest of the marketplace with the introduction of the Pixel 4XL and get rid of the built-in fingerprint sensor. Instead, it offers Face Unlock which can be much more convenient for day to day usage.
Battery
Another big difference is the larger capacity battery that can be found in the new Pixel 4XL. The Pixel 3XL didn't have a small battery per se, but it didn't offer high-level performance. With manufacturers stepping up their game in this category, Google really needed to introduce a heftier battery. While they dropped the ball with the Pixel 4, the Pixel 4XL offers a larger 3,700mAh battery compared to the Pixel 3XL's smaller 3,430mAh battery. Therefore, you can expect better battery life. Unfortunately, Pixel 4 features a smaller battery capacity than its predecessor while expected to do more including utilizing Motion Sense functionality, a 90Hz display while having speedier processing.
Therefore, if you are after battery improvements, the new Pixel 4XL is the way to go. That being said, it does offer some power-sucking features that could dramatically reduce battery life and battery performance. This includes both the Soli Radar feature and the addition of the 90Hz display.
Display
While looking at the specification sheet, you might assume the displays are relatively equal, it doesn't tell the whole story. Each phone offers a 6.3 AMOLED display that features QHD+ resolution. However, the similarities end there. Google decided to be one of the industry leaders by offering a smooth as butter 90Hz refresh rate to its the newest model. This might seem like a minor difference, but it offers dramatic improvements for day to day usage. Not only does it make simple scrolling much more enjoyable and fluid, but it can really showcase tremendous improvement during a video and while playing games on the phone. While you might become accustomed to the screen's refresh rate after a while, going back to a display only capable of 60Hz can be jarring, to say the least.
Camera
Google absolutely nailed the camera with the Pixel 3XL, but it made minor improvements and took things a step further with the Pixel 4XL. The Pixel 4XL retains the same 12-megapixel lens, but it adds a 16-megapixel telephoto lens to the phone. This gives the phone even greater flexibility to take photos in certain situations you might otherwise be unable to get without a telephoto lens. Thus, it makes the camera much more versatile and convenient. While it doesn't offer the wide-angle lens you will find on the latest iPhone, Google offers some of the best performance you will find in portrait mode and night mode.
New Features
Google went all out trying to innovate with the introduction of its Project Soli chip. This chip added Motion Sense using radar to effectively sense movements in front of the camera. This gives the Pixel 4 series the ability to detect motion so you can interact with your phone without touching it. While some of the features are slightly 'gimmicky' like switching songs with a simple wave, the chip is also able to detect the motion of you reaching for your phone. This allows the phone to turn on and get ready to engage facial recognition to make Face Unlock incredibly smooth and seamless.
Design
Google managed to get rid of the 'ugly' notch on the Pixel 3XL series with the introduction of the Pixel 4XL. Therefore, it helps to make the phone look much more premium and it retains the same glass body that you know and love from the Pixel series. However, because it retains the stunning glass body, it can be susceptible to cracks, shattering, and scratches. This is especially true with the Black model as it features a glossy instead of a matte finish. This is why it is recommended to pair your Pixel 4XL with a strong, durable, and protective case. Luckily, you don't need to settle for flimsy and cheap looking cases anymore.
With Pur Carbon's Pixel 4XL case, protecting your brand new Pixel phone has never been easier. And now, there is no more settling for something that detracts from the overall premium feel and finish that you deserve from such an expensive phone. Our brand new
AraMag™ Luxury
Aramid Fiber case, designed especially for your Pixel 4XL phone, can help to retain the premium looking aesthetic without sacrificing durability in the process. With phones becoming increasingly expensive, we know how important it is to keep your phone protected from unexpected drops. Our cases are made up of high-quality, real Aramid fiber and they feature a slim and sleek design that you will absolutely love. These cases feature zero signal interference technology and are Qi wireless charging compatible so you can continue to use your Pixel Stand or Qi-compatible chargers confidently with it.
