Google Pixel 4 review

The Google Pixel 4 only has two lenses and doesn't have the Pixel 4 XL's big battery ... are there any redeeming features?

Google Pixel 4 review
(Image: © Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Pixel 4 is a pricey phone with poor battery life - that in itself will put many off. If you’re a power user who wants to grab loads of photos and videos, its storage options aren’t great, and while its camera is fantastic at night, this year, so is the iPhone’s. If you’ve got your heart set on a Pixel 4, go for the XL as that makes it through a day, though be warned, it also starts at a pricey $899 / £829.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent point and shoot camera

  • +

    Astrophotography mode impressed

  • +

    Matte glass finish feels great

Cons

  • -

    Poor battery life

  • -

    No ultra-wide lens

  • -

    Low storage capacity options

  • -

    Occasional UI gremlins

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A shook smartphone photography and challenged preconceptions, beating out dual, triple and quad-camera competition with its single camera. Expectations of the Google Pixel 4’s camera have been through the roof, and while there’s a new telephoto module, it’s still falling short of best camera phones on paper, with no ultra-wide option. 

Google’s also holding back on the specs front. The Pixel 4’s storage capacity options are either 64GB or 128GB, with no 256GB option, let alone 512GB. Additionally, it only packs a 2800mAh battery, which is definitely on the low side, even if its 5.7-inch screen isn’t too big. That said, this phone is about brains, not brawn, and with some new sensors, it brings secure face recognition to the table, gesture input and some smart software enhancements too.

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Basil Kronfli

Basil Kronfli is a freelance technology journalist, consultant, and content creator. He trained in graphic design and started his career at Canon Europe before moving into journalism. Basil is also experienced in video production, independently running the YouTube channel TechEdit, and during his time at Future, he worked alongside the Digital Camera World team as a senior video producer.