Google Pixel 4: The Main Features You Need To Know
Historically speaking, the Google flagship line of smartphones hasn’t always lived up to the steep price tag that they charge. With the 4th iteration of the Pixel, however, it seems the search giant has finally found its stride with phones.
For instance, the Pixel 4 is the first edition to include a front and a back camera. While it’s competitors have been on this feature for a while, when you consider the less-than-flashy additions to the flagship, it isn’t as far behind as it seems at first.
Brightness Nits
Phone screen brightness gets measured in units called nt. or “nits,” which is a silly-sounding way to discuss pixel lighting. And with the new Night Sight, while not as vibrant or focused as competing versions, does create a comparable experience.
The Pixel 4 boasts a screen nit of 625, outpacing many other brands of smartphone displays on the market now. What that means in layman’s terms is that, while not as bright or clear, the Pixel 4 filters photos better.
While the “pro” versions of similar smartphones may offer increased nit levels, standard editions can’t hold a candle to Google. If you’ve been thinking of updating your phone, the Pixel 4 is an excellent alternative to other competing phone brands.
Contrast Ratio
This little-known metric by which screen clarity gets measured often proves one of the more vital display comparisons to discuss. A phone’s contrast ratio defines how well it shows bright lights, dark pixels, and balanced reflective light sources as well.
The Pixel 4 easily beats out similar standard smartphone models, boasting an impressive 200,000:1 ratio versus a typical 1400:1. And while you can find more expensive models that are in the two million range, you will certainly pay more.
If you’re only looking for standard smartphone models, the Pixel 4 offers a better display despite relying on OLED hardware. However, if you absolutely need the most superior photos possible, you’ll want to buy other competing pro editions of phones.
No Fingerprint Scanner
If you are tired of your phone not recognizing your thumb to unlock the screen, Google ditches the feature altogether. Rather than having a dedicated sensor, you simply allow the screen’s front-facing camera to scan your facial features each time.
In addition to convenient screen unlocking, the facial scanner will likely get used for Android app store purchases also. And with Google Pay remaining as the Android’s version of Apple Pay, you can look forward to face-based shopping soon.
A lack of a front finger button may seem like an odd choice, but the screen still has the “forehead.” Chances are, Google didn’t want too many things cutting into the overall display screen’s usable space by not including buttons.
Speed & Performance
At first, it may seem as though Google has somehow slipped into the unwanted title of slowest new smartphone model. However, with screen refresh rates topping out at 90 Hz, the Pixel 4 is surprisingly faster than you initially think.
Unfortunately, the improved top speed becomes a variable amount, and that number could unexpectedly fall closer to the baseline amount. The phone “guesses” what settings it should use, and when you need to save on battery, it recalibrates to 60.
It also seems that sometimes, Google Chrome becomes a culprit in slowing your Pixel 4 down while using the Internet. However, when it does run at its peak condition, it outperforms competitors at every turn despite its OLED display screen.
Price Tag
In the past, purchasing a Pixel felt like taking out another mortgage, but by today’s standards, it’s an affordable purchase. In fact, you can look forward to at least a $200 savings by selecting Google’s model over other smartphone brands.
And by buying the new Pixel 4, you aren’t sacrificing nearly as many features as you may think at first. It has impressive baseline RAM storage, quality camera lenses, water resistance ratings, and lots of other design elements to love.
Durability
One thing that many potential buyers want to know is how tough is this phone? Any smartphone carries a decent-sized price tag. Users want to know if their investment is going to remain safe. In durability testing, the Google Pixel 4 faired well in comparison to similar products. The phone is constructed primarily of Gorilla Glass 5 so it is tough. However, it is still glass so incidental bumping, bruising, or scraping is a possibility. You’ll still want a case to protect against accidental drops, dings, and dents.
Thankfully, the MNML slim phone case is the world’s thinnest phone case which provides a sleek, protective cover for your Google Pixel 4 without adding unnecessary bulk to your pocket or purse.
Bottom Line
For the average user, Google’s Pixel 4 should solve all your daily needs. Considering how many Android features get cloned anyway, you’re already ahead of the pack with the new Pixel flagship.