Google Pixel 4 XL review

The Google Pixel 4 XL is still the best Android camera phone… ish

Google Pixel 4 XL review
(Image: © Basil Kronfli / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Google Pixel 4 XL is the better of the two Pixels (especially if you’re a power user or heavy picture-taker) thanks to its sharper screen and bigger, longer-lasting battery. While its camera is very good – possibly the best point-and-shoot around for a certain type of user – the phone itself isn't without its gremlins.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent point-and-shoot camera

  • +

    Astrophotography mode impresses

  • +

    Matte glass finish feels great

Cons

  • -

    Expensive, given the hardware

  • -

    Low storage capacity options

  • -

    Occasional UI gremlins

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The Google Pixel 4 XL is a big-screened, notch-free phone with dual-camera and stargazing credentials – but at a cost of £829 / $899 for the 64GB version, is Google taking the biscuit? The short answer is yes, but there’s obviously more to it than that. And besides, it’s still the best Android camera for a certain type of photographer.

It’s a quirky, handsome phone to look at, with the matte-glass backs of the white and orange versions playing off nicely against the squircle camera surround, and repelling fingerprints like two magnets with the same polarity. It always looks flawless from the back, and that really can’t be overstated. 

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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.