Google Pixel 4 Review: Is It Right For You?

While specs of the Google Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL began leaking at the beginning of the summer of 2019, Google has now confirmed the specs on their newest smartphones. The latest generation of Google phones is full of advanced technology previously unseen in other smartphones. With these advancements, you may be wondering if the new Pixel phones are worth upgrading for! Our Google Pixel 4 review will help you decide if one of these phones is right for you.

What We Love: A Google Pixel 4 Review

Work your way down our list of favorite new features to decide whether you’ll be purchasing a model of the latest generation of Google Pixels! The new line of smartphones boasts faster refresh rates for a smooth display experience, flagship photography features, and more goodies. We have a feeling your next decision will be whether you want the new Google Pixel in Just Black, Clearly White, or Oh So Orange.

1. Motion-Sensing Radar

   In July 2019, Google announced that its Advanced Technology and Products team (ATAP) had been working on Soli, a motion-sensing radar, for five years, and it finally releases with the Google Pixel 4. With this new technology, you’ll be able to snooze alarms, silence calls, and skip songs all with a wave of a hand. Your Google Pixel 4 will even be able to tell if you’ve been in a car accident and will alert authorities. According to Google, Motion Sense will continue to grow and evolve, so these capabilities are just the beginning.

2. Face Unlock

   With the Google Pixel 4, users will be able to unlock their phone with facial recognition technology. While this isn’t a new concept for smartphone users, Google has engineered the software differently. Soli will sense you reaching for the phone and automatically realize you may be unlocking your phone, and if the technology recognizes you, the phone will unlock. This is faster software than in other Android and Apple smartphones. Even better, the sensors will be able to identify your face from every angle, including if you’re holding the phone upside down.

   Although Google has previously been a few steps behind Apple’s Face ID, they’re going all-in on this version, and have omitted the fingerprint sensor. Although this change could mean some hiccups for users that prefer biometric logins, Google claims that they’ll be working with app developers to add Face Unlock login functionality.

3. Cameras

   Unlike the Pixel 3 XL and other older models, the 4 and 4 XL will premiere two rear-facing cameras. The primary camera is the same 12-megapixel camera, but the additional rear camera is a telephoto camera with a 16-megapixel sensor and 2x optical zoom. When CNET asked Google why they opted for a 16-megapixel telephoto camera rather than an ultra wide-angle option, like the ones found in the new iPhone 11, they said they thought Google Pixel users would rather be able to zoom.

   Along with the dual cameras on the back, the 4 and 4 XL will include Motion Mode, which will make it easier to capture moving objects without a blur. The Google Pixel 3 introduced Night Sight, and the feature will receive an upgrade to be able to take higher quality pictures at night. The new version can take images of the stars and night sky, meaning now you can take astrophotography images with your phone!

4. Security

   While Face Unlock and Soli motion-sensing radar can make our lives so much easier, they also pose a security threat. Thankfully, all the information needed to use these two features are processed and stored on your Google Pixel 4, so it never leaves your phone. A security chip called Titan M securely stores your data.

5. Other Specs We’re Excited About

   If that’s not enough, the Google Pixel 4 and 4XL also ups it’s graphic and animation processing with Smooth Display. This technology was introduced with last year’s OnePlus 7 Pro and showcased a faster screen refresh for a crisp experience. It also incorporates the following features:

   • 64GB / 128GB of storage
   • Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor
   • 5.7-inch / 6.3-inch 90Hz display (which, according to Techradar, received an A+ rating from DisplayMate)
   • 2, 8000 / 3,700mAh battery life
   • Stereo speakers
   • A faster Google Assistant with Android 10

Think the Google Pixel 4 or 4 XL is right for you? Be sure to repair your current phone at your local CPR store before you trade it in! And, if your new phones suffers damage, be confident know that our expert technicians offer a variety of Google Pixel repairs to keep your phone in tip-top shape.