Google Pixel 4 XL In Late 2020! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

Google Pixel 4 XL struggles to meet flagship expectations despite some solid features.

Transcript

well if you guys remember not too long ago actually a year ago we had our hopes and dreams all set aside for this specific phone the google pixel 4 xl and this was the time i think this was the turning point of the pixel lineup especially when it came down to the camera standpoint when this phone first came out i mean all the rumors and everything ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 The Pixel 4 XL faced backlash for not living up to high expectations, particularly in the camera department, which was previously a stronghold for Pixel devices.
• 🥺 Limited storage options without microSD support disappointed many users who expected flagship devices to lead in expandable storage capabilities.
• 🏛️ Despite its shortcomings, the Pixel 4 XL still featured an appealing design, including wireless charging and a decent build quality, which contributed to a premium feel.
• 🖤 The performance of the Pixel 4 XL, powered by a Snapdragon 855 and 6 GB of RAM, was mostly satisfactory but lacked standout features compared to competitors.
• ☠️ Its 90Hz refresh rate made for a smooth user experience, although it didn't fully compensate for the device's other limitations.
• ❤️‍🩹 By the end of 2020, the Pixel 4 XL was often viewed as overshadowed by rivals like the Galaxy S10 and OnePlus 7 Pro, which offered better features for a similar price.
• 🙈 The need for dual camera setups in modern smartphones was highlighted, as the Pixel 4 XL was seen as falling behind in innovation despite previous successes by the Pixel lineup.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the key expectations for the Google Pixel 4 XL when it was released?

Upon its announcement, the Google Pixel 4 XL was marketed as a leader in smartphone photography and a top-tier device. With strong anticipation built from previous Pixel successes, many expected it to continue the trend of excellence, especially in camera quality, given that the Pixel lineup had historically set industry standards for photography.

Q: How did the Pixel 4 XL's camera performance compare with its rivals?

The Pixel 4 XL featured a 12.2 MP wide-angle and a 16 MP telephoto camera. However, despite initial promise, it lacked versatility, as it didn’t include an ultra-wide sensor—a feature many competitors offered. Its inability to shoot 4K video at 60fps was a significant shortfall, particularly as many rivals had situated that capability as standard.

Q: What were some hardware limitations of the Pixel 4 XL?

The Pixel 4 XL was criticized for its storage limits, capped at 128 GB without expandable options via microSD. While considered acceptable by older standards, competitors offered significantly higher capacities at launch. Additionally, its battery capacity of 3,700 mAh was deemed small in comparison to the flagship offerings available during its time.

Q: In terms of software, how did the Pixel 4 XL perform?

The Pixel 4 XL came with stock Android, which many praised as an asset due to its clean interface and minimal bloatware. The device started with Android 10 and has since received subsequent updates, ensuring longevity in software support, which is generally appreciated by users who prefer timely software updates.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Google Pixel 4 XL was expected to excel in photography but ultimately fell short, reflecting diminishing returns in recent Pixel models.

• Key disadvantages included limited storage options and a camera that underperformed compared to competitors in the flagship category.

• While stock Android and performance were appreciated, many users found better alternatives that offered more features for similar prices.