Google Pixel 4 XL

Revisiting a Classic: My Take on the Google Pixel 4 XL in Today's Landscape

I've spent the past few weeks revisiting the Google Pixel 4 XL, a phone that launched with considerable hype and a few notable controversies. At its original price point, it aimed squarely at the premium segment, and even now, on the used market, it represents a certain level of investment. My testing involved daily usage, pushing the camera in various scenarios, and seeing how it holds up against the current crop of smartphones. Initial impressions remain largely unchanged from its launch: a brilliant camera married to some questionable design choices. Let’s dive deeper into my experience.

Market Context: A Flagship of Its Time, Now a Piece of History

The Pixel 4 XL arrived at a pivotal moment for Google's hardware ambitions. It was meant to be a statement piece, showcasing the best of Google's software prowess and photographic capabilities. However, it launched into a fiercely competitive market already dominated by established players. Google's strategy at the time seemed focused on a pure Android experience and computational photography, betting heavily on those strengths. Looking back, the price point felt ambitious, especially considering some of the hardware compromises. While it still offers a distinct experience, it now occupies a different space – a compelling option for those seeking a top-tier camera on a budget within the used market, fully aware of its limitations.

Design & Hardware: Function Over Form, Perhaps Too Much

Picking up the Pixel 4 XL again, the design feels…distinctive, though not necessarily in a universally praised way. The large forehead housing the Soli radar and front-facing sensors is the most immediate visual cue. While it served a purpose for features like Motion Sense (which, let’s be honest, felt more like a gimmick than a necessity), it contributed to a somewhat dated look even at launch. In hand, the phone feels substantial, not overly heavy, but certainly not svelte. The soft-touch glass back, while initially pleasant, was a fingerprint magnet and raised durability concerns for some. My unit has held up reasonably well, but I've always felt a case was mandatory. From a practical standpoint, the lack of a rear fingerprint sensor, relying solely on the now somewhat dated face unlock, is a noticeable difference compared to modern devices.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

The 6.3-inch P-OLED display on the Pixel 4 XL remains a strong point. Even without the adaptive refresh rates of newer panels, the 90Hz smoothness is immediately noticeable and makes scrolling and general navigation a pleasant experience. Brightness is adequate for most conditions, though direct sunlight can sometimes be a struggle. Media consumption on this display is still enjoyable; colors are vibrant and accurate, and while it lacks the HDR capabilities of some competitors, videos and photos look fantastic. Gaming also benefits from the smooth refresh rate, making for a more immersive experience. In daily use, the display is sharp and responsive, holding up well against newer technologies, proving that a well-calibrated OLED panel can stand the test of time.

Performance: Showing Its Age, But Still Capable

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 855, while not the latest silicon, is still a capable performer for most tasks. In my testing, general navigation and app launching are smooth and responsive. Diving into gaming, I found that while it handles most titles admirably, the highest settings on graphically intensive games will show its limitations, with occasional frame drops. Multitasking is generally fine, though with only 6GB of RAM, pushing it with numerous demanding apps open simultaneously can lead to some slowdown. Temperature management is also something to note; during extended gaming sessions or heavy workloads, the phone can get noticeably warm. One quirk I've always experienced is the occasional aggressive memory management, sometimes forcing apps to reload. However, for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Pixel 4 XL still holds its own.

Camera System: The Undisputed Star

The camera system is where the Pixel 4 XL continues to shine. My recent photo walks confirmed what was lauded at launch: the computational photography prowess is exceptional. The 12MP main lens captures stunning detail and dynamic range, consistently producing excellent images across various lighting conditions. Specific shooting scenarios, like challenging backlit scenes and intricate textures, are handled with aplomb. The telephoto lens provides useful optical zoom, allowing for creative compositions without significant loss of quality. Video recording is also solid, with effective stabilization. Comparing it to market alternatives even today, the Pixel 4 XL's image processing remains impressive, often producing more natural and pleasing results straight out of the camera, particularly in challenging lighting. Night Sight, in particular, continues to be a benchmark for low-light photography. In real-world usage, this camera consistently delivers shots I’m happy to share.

Battery & Charging: The Achilles' Heel

Let's address the elephant in the room: battery life. Observed battery performance on the Pixel 4 XL was always a point of contention, and my recent testing confirms this. The 3700mAh battery simply doesn't hold up to the demands of modern usage for a full day for most users. On moderate days, I often found myself reaching for a charger by late afternoon. Pushing it harder with gaming or heavy media consumption necessitates a top-up even sooner. Charging speed with the included 18W charger is adequate but not particularly fast by today's standards. The absence of wireless charging is another omission that feels particularly glaring now. Power management can be tweaked, but ultimately, battery endurance is a significant drawback of this phone.

Software: Pure Android, But Support Nearing Its End

The software experience on the Pixel 4 XL remains a key differentiator. Running a clean and bloatware-free version of Android is a significant advantage. Daily usage is fluid and intuitive, with Google's Material Design providing a polished interface. The usefulness of features like Now Playing and the generally seamless integration with Google services are undeniable. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that official software updates are coming to an end for the Pixel 4 XL. While it received the promised three years of major OS updates, including Android 13, future feature drops and security patches will cease. This is a critical factor to consider for long-term usability and security.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Option with Caveats

Evaluating the Pixel 4 XL's value in today's market requires acknowledging its age and limitations. At its original launch price, it faced stiff competition and arguably didn't offer the best overall package. However, on the used market, at a significantly reduced price, it presents a compelling option for specific users. If photography is your top priority and you’re comfortable with managing battery life, the Pixel 4 XL delivers exceptional image quality. This phone is ideal for photography enthusiasts on a budget or those who prioritize a clean Android experience. Those who need all-day battery life or the latest cutting-edge features should look elsewhere. Competitors in the same price bracket on the used market might offer better battery life or newer features, but few can match the Pixel 4 XL's camera prowess.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Great Photography, Hampered by Battery

The Google Pixel 4 XL is a phone with a distinct legacy. Its camera remains a standout, and the pure Android experience is still a joy to use. However, the underwhelming battery life and the eventual end of software support are significant drawbacks. My recommendation is nuanced: if you are a photography enthusiast on a budget and can live with the battery limitations, the Pixel 4 XL offers incredible value on the used market. The image quality is truly impressive, and the software is clean and efficient. However, for those prioritizing all-day battery life or the latest software updates, other options will be more suitable. Ultimately, the Pixel 4 XL is a testament to Google's strength in computational photography, a reminder of its innovative spirit, and a phone that, despite its flaws, I still find myself appreciating for its core strengths.