Google Pixel 4 XL 64GB Just Black

Product Information

Of course, both Motion Sense and Face Unlock can be improved with future software updates, and we fully expect to revise this review when that happens. The Pixel 4 XL is essentially the same dimensions as the Pixel 3 XL, with the same lock button on the right (in Oh So Orange color, in all but Just Black) and volume rocker below it. Reach detection does one more thing — it lights up the face unlock sensors right away, so it can look for your face right away and unlock just that much faster. Users can now add a bokeh effect after the fact and control it via a slider, allowing you to adjust the intensity to your liking.

Conceivably, controlling your phone with aerial hand movements is novel and a great alternative to touch inputs, especially for disabled users eager for more accessible options. This month, as I review the Pixel 4, I’m forced to admit that a forthcoming software update for the iPhone 11 Pro will bring Apple’s “Deep Fusion” algorithms to its camera and improve performance in medium-light conditions. It’s pretty apparent when taking portrait mode shots, which have admirable but obviously software-generated depth effects added after the photo is taken. But it’s mostly because the real story with smartphone cameras is computational photography — it’s all about the software.That’s reflected in the physical design, too: gone is the Pixel 3’s two-tone gloss-and-matte back, replaced with a frosted rear glass finish (except in the Just Black color) and, on the front, a full top bezel instead of a notch. Google opted to go with a 2x telephoto lens, which is the opposite of the trend of putting ultrawide lenses into phones.

But new interface improvements and a camera suite that’s better in both the hardware and software departments ensure that this phone stands up to be counted, even if it doesn't stand out from the competition.For instance, you can now safely keep Spotify, Maps, and the camera in the cache without any of them being force closed. This dim-light shot of our creative director Will Joel sums up the most important differences between the Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11 Pro.

That helps significantly with grip but also makes it stand out — the rails are black whether you have the black, orange, or white model.At launch, you can’t turn Motion Sense off while the screen is locked, which seems like a big oversight. There’s another gimmicky use, with a live Pokémon themed wallpaper that you can interact with, and that I completely eschewed because it was so unenjoyable.

This is ramped up to an extreme degree with the introduction of Astrophotography: it recognizes the user is attempting to photograph the heavens and sets for a long exposure (nearly four minutes – so bring a tripod). That’s ostensibly so it can fit both its face unlock and radar sensors up top, but I do wonder if Google just wanted to make life easier on itself this time around. Pixels have long suffered from slow-down over time, so additional RAM is very welcome here, even if it is only 6GB. The most notable difference in this and in every single comparison shot I’ve taken is in the color balance. The adaptive refresh rate is good, and felt responsive and fluid through our Google Pixel 4 XL review period.The Pixel 4’s method may be more secure than other Android-based face unlock technology, but it’s not as secure as Apple’s — yet. Pixel phones, like the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, are known for their clean Android interface, excellent cameras, and AI features. The common difference between Google phones and Apple iPhones are that Apple focuses mainly on hardware innovations, while Google focuses on software. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. The Google Pixel 4XL, even a refurbished Google Pixel 4XL, is not waterproof but it does have a water-repellent coating and has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning that any spillages or unwanted accidents will not result in a completely destroyed device generally.