Google Pixel 4

Google Pixel 4 in 2024: A Nostalgic Glance or a Viable Option?

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks revisiting the Google Pixel 4, a phone that feels like a relic from a slightly simpler time in the smartphone world. Released back in 2019, it’s a far cry from the current flagships vying for our attention. Yet, there's a certain charm to revisiting older tech, and in my testing, the Pixel 4 offered some surprising insights, alongside reminders of its age. Priced in the pre-owned market at a distinctly budget-friendly level, it's worth asking: who, if anyone, should still consider this device in 2024?

A Look Back: The Pixel 4 in Context

The Pixel 4 arrived in a different era for Google. It was a period where their computational photography prowess was rapidly setting industry standards. This phone represented a specific direction, a more focused approach to the core smartphone experience. Looking back, it feels like a moment where Google prioritized camera innovation above all else. The current market is saturated with devices boasting multiple lenses and complex software, but the Pixel 4’s legacy as a photography powerhouse still resonates. The price point today makes it an intriguing option for those solely prioritizing camera quality on a shoestring budget, though this comes with significant caveats I’ll explore.

Design and Hardware: A Compact Throwback

Picking up the Pixel 4 immediately transported me back to a time before the reign of phablets. Its 5.7-inch display feels almost quaint by modern standards, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It nestled comfortably in my hand, and I found its compact size refreshing after daily-driving larger devices. The soft-touch glass back, while potentially prone to fingerprints, felt premium and offered good grip. The build quality felt solid, as you’d expect from a Google device. However, the durability question is always relevant with older phones. While the Gorilla Glass 5 on the front is respectable, the overall wear and tear on a pre-owned model is something to be mindful of. For practical daily use, its smaller stature makes it incredibly pocketable and easy to manage one-handed.

Display: Still Holding Its Own

The Pixel 4's 90Hz P-OLED display is one aspect that has aged remarkably well. Even by today’s standards, the colors are vibrant, the blacks are inky deep, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz panels. My experience consuming media on it was positive; videos looked great, and the smaller size actually made it feel more intimate. Gaming was also surprisingly enjoyable, the smoother refresh rate contributing to a more fluid experience, though the older processor does limit performance on more demanding titles. In everyday use, the brightness was adequate, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more punch outdoors under direct sunlight.

Performance: Showing its Age

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 855 chipset, while a flagship processor in its day, is starting to show its age. In my testing, for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and email, the Pixel 4 performed adequately. However, when pushed with more demanding games or heavy multitasking, I noticed occasional stutters and slowdowns. Gaming sessions, while visually decent thanks to the display, did reveal the limitations of the older hardware, with some frame drops in graphically intensive games. Temperature management was also noticeable; the phone could get warm during prolonged periods of heavy use. One notable quirk was the reliance solely on face unlock for biometric authentication. While it generally worked well, I often found myself missing the convenience of a fingerprint sensor, especially in situations where face unlock isn't ideal.

Camera System: The Enduring Legacy

The camera system is where the Pixel 4 truly shines and remains remarkably competitive. The dual-lens setup, featuring a 12MP main lens and a 16MP telephoto lens, continues to deliver exceptional image quality. My photo-taking experience was overwhelmingly positive. Even in challenging lighting conditions, the Pixel 4's computational photography magic produced stunning results. Specific shooting scenarios, like capturing sunsets or indoor portraits, highlighted the excellent dynamic range and detail. Video recording, while not as feature-rich as modern competitors, still produces high-quality footage. Compared to similarly priced smartphones in the pre-owned market, the Pixel 4's camera stands out as a significant advantage. In real-world usage, I found myself consistently impressed with the ease of capturing great-looking photos with minimal effort.

Battery & Charging: A Lingering Concern

Battery life is arguably the Pixel 4’s biggest weakness. The 2800mAh battery was considered small even in 2019, and in 2024, it's a real liability. In my observation, even with moderate usage, I often struggled to get through a full day without needing a top-up. Charging speed, while decent with the 18W fast charger, doesn't compare to the blazing-fast charging speeds of newer devices. Power management is something you'll need to actively consider when using this phone. Real-world endurance is definitely a concern, especially for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.

Software: A Bittersweet Experience

The Pixel 4 originally launched with a clean and intuitive Android experience, a hallmark of the Pixel line. However, official software support from Google ended in late 2022. While the phone likely received its final major update to Android 13, the lack of further security updates is a significant consideration. In my daily usage, the interface felt familiar and user-friendly, but the absence of the latest features and security patches is a notable drawback. The usefulness of older features remains, but the risk of vulnerabilities is something to be aware of.

Value Analysis: A Question of Priorities

Assessing the value of the Pixel 4 in 2024 is complex. Its pre-owned price makes it an attractive entry point for those seeking a capable camera on a tight budget. However, the compromises are significant. The battery life is a major hurdle, and the lack of ongoing software updates introduces security risks. This phone is primarily for someone who prioritizes camera quality above all else and is willing to manage the limitations in other areas. Those who need all-day battery life or the latest software features should definitely look elsewhere. In the competitive landscape of budget smartphones, even older models from other manufacturers might offer a more balanced experience.

Conclusion: A Niche Appeal

The Google Pixel 4 in 2024 is a phone with a very specific appeal. Its excellent camera remains a standout feature, and its compact design is a refreshing change from today's larger devices. However, the underwhelming battery life, the aging processor, and the lack of software updates are significant drawbacks. My recommendation is that the Pixel 4 is only suitable for a very niche user: someone on an extremely tight budget who values camera quality above all else and is comfortable with the inherent limitations of an older, unsupported device. For most users, the trade-offs simply outweigh the benefits, and there are likely better, more current options available, even in the pre-owned market. Ultimately, revisiting the Pixel 4 was a reminder of its photographic prowess but also a clear demonstration of how quickly technology evolves.