Pixel 4 vs iPhone 11: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield. With countless options, features, and price points, it’s easy to get lost. If you’re currently torn between two popular choices, you’re in the right place.
This in-depth comparison pits the Google Pixel 4 against the Apple iPhone 11, two titans in the mobile world. We’ll delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide which phone best suits your needs and preferences. Prepare for a comprehensive analysis of design, performance, camera capabilities, and more.
Get ready to uncover the ultimate champion in the pixel 4 vs iphone 11 showdown. We’ll explore everything from the user experience to the overall value proposition of each device. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone deserves a spot in your pocket.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pixel 4 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | OLED | LCD |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP + 16MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery | 2800 mAh | 3110 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 10 | iOS 13 |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Pixel 4: Features a premium glass back with a matte aluminum frame. It has a distinctive square camera module. Pros include a sleek look and feel; cons include potential for fragility.
- iPhone 11: Boasts a glass back with an aluminum frame, similar to the pixel 4. It’s known for its durable build and IP68 water resistance. Pros include durability; cons include a slightly thicker profile.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Display
- Pixel 4: Equipped with a 90Hz OLED display offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Pros include excellent visual quality; cons include a smaller overall screen size compared to the iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11: Features a Liquid Retina LCD display known for its accurate color reproduction. Pros include a large and bright display; cons include the lack of OLED technology and a lower resolution compared to some competitors.
- Winner: pixel 4
Camera System
- Pixel 4: Utilizes a dual-camera system with excellent image processing capabilities, particularly in portrait mode and astrophotography. Pros include exceptional image quality; cons include the absence of an ultrawide lens.
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with both wide and ultrawide lenses, providing more versatile shooting options. Pros include versatile shooting capabilities; cons include slightly less powerful image processing compared to the Pixel 4.
- Winner: pixel 4
Performance
- Pixel 4: Powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor and offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Pros include fast performance; cons include the smaller RAM capacity compared to the iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, providing exceptional speed and efficiency. Pros include blazing-fast performance; cons include the closed ecosystem.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Software & User Experience
- Pixel 4: Runs on stock Android, offering a clean and intuitive user interface with timely updates. Pros include a bloatware-free experience and quick updates; cons include a lack of customization compared to some Android skins.
- iPhone 11: Runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness and ecosystem integration. Pros include ease of use and a robust app ecosystem; cons include limited customization options.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Pixel 4: Battery life is a weakness, often requiring charging before the end of the day. Pros include fast charging; cons include a smaller battery capacity.
- iPhone 11: Offers significantly better battery life compared to the Pixel 4, easily lasting a full day of use. Pros include excellent battery life; cons include a slower charger in the box.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Price
- Pixel 4: Was initially priced at a similar level to the iPhone 11. Now can be found at a lower price point, especially used. Pros include lower cost, cons include being a few years old.
- iPhone 11: Had a competitive price point at launch and holds its value well. Now available at a lower price as well. Pros include good value; cons include still more expensive than Pixel 4.
- Winner: pixel 4
Biometrics
- Pixel 4: Introduced Face Unlock for secure unlocking. Pros include fast and convenient unlocking; cons include issues at launch.
- iPhone 11: Utilizes Face ID, known for its speed and security. Pros include secure and reliable facial recognition; cons include limited use cases in certain conditions.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 11 |
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 4 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Software | Tie |
| Value | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, offering a convenient way to top up the battery.
- Fast Charging: Both devices support fast charging, allowing for quick power replenishment.
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 are water-resistant, protecting them from splashes and brief submersion.
- Dual Cameras: Both phones feature dual-camera systems, enabling wide and ultrawide shots.
- Solid Performance: Both phones offer smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, thanks to powerful processors.
Pixel 4 Vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Camera Performance
The Pixel 4 excelled with its computational photography, particularly in low-light conditions. Its Night Sight mode produced stunning images. The iPhone 11, while offering excellent image quality, especially with its wide and ultrawide lenses, didn’t quite match the Pixel 4’s low-light prowess. The Pixel 4’s Super Res Zoom also provided clearer zoomed-in shots. Both phones offer great overall camera experiences, but the Pixel 4 had a slight edge in pure image quality and computational photography features.
Display Quality
The Pixel 4 featured a vibrant OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 11 had a bright and sharp LCD display. While the iPhone 11’s display was excellent for its technology, the Pixel 4’s OLED panel and higher refresh rate offered a more premium viewing experience. The smoother animations on the Pixel 4 gave it a noticeable advantage for everyday use. Both screens are great, but the Pixel 4’s was objectively better.
Performance and Speed
The iPhone 11, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivered incredibly fast performance and responsiveness. The Pixel 4, with its Snapdragon 855 processor, provided smooth performance, but it sometimes lagged behind the iPhone 11 in demanding tasks and app loading times. The A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 was consistently faster. The software optimizations on the iPhone 11 contributed to its overall speed and responsiveness.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 had superior battery life compared to the Pixel 4. The Pixel 4’s battery was often a point of criticism, struggling to last a full day with moderate use. The iPhone 11, with its larger battery capacity and efficient software, easily lasted a full day, and sometimes even longer. Battery life is a crucial factor for many users, and the iPhone 11 provided a significant advantage in this area.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 4 ran on stock Android, offering a clean and intuitive user experience with timely software updates. The iPhone 11 ran on iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Both operating systems are well-designed, but they cater to different preferences. Android offers more customization options, while iOS provides a more streamlined and integrated experience. The choice is a matter of personal preference.
Price and Value
At the time of their release, the price difference was a significant factor. While the initial pricing was comparable, the Pixel 4 generally offered a better value due to its advanced camera and display technology. The iPhone 11 offered a good value as well, especially considering its performance and battery life. However, depending on sales and offers, the price could vary, and buyers should consider their priorities to determine the best value for their needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 4 If…
- You prioritize a compact phone size.
- You value Google’s software features and updates.
- You want advanced camera features like Night Sight.
- You prefer the Android operating system.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You prefer a larger display.
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- You want longer battery life.
- You prefer the iOS operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in camera capabilities?
The Pixel 4 excelled in computational photography with its Night Sight mode, providing superior low-light performance and image processing. The iPhone 11 offered excellent image quality with wide and ultrawide lenses, but the Pixel 4’s software delivered sharper images in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 4’s Super Res Zoom also offered a more capable zoom functionality. Both phones had great cameras, but they differed significantly.
Which phone has better performance?
The iPhone 11, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, consistently outperformed the Pixel 4. The iPhone 11’s chip delivered faster app loading times and smoother performance in demanding tasks. While the Pixel 4’s Snapdragon 855 processor was capable, it wasn’t as optimized as the A13 Bionic. The iPhone 11 offered a more responsive and fluid overall experience.
How does battery life compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 11 had significantly better battery life than the Pixel 4. The iPhone 11’s larger battery capacity, coupled with the efficient iOS software, allowed it to easily last a full day and often longer. The Pixel 4’s battery was often a point of concern for users. This difference made the iPhone 11 a clear winner in battery life.
Which phone offers a better display?
The Pixel 4 featured a vibrant OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 11 had a bright and sharp LCD display. The Pixel 4’s OLED panel and higher refresh rate offered a more premium viewing experience. While both had great screens, the Pixel 4’s display was objectively better.
What operating system does each phone use?
The Pixel 4 ran on stock Android, offering a clean and intuitive user experience with timely software updates directly from Google. The iPhone 11 ran on iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Both operating systems cater to different preferences, with Android offering more customization and iOS providing a more streamlined experience.
How does the price compare?
The price was a factor, especially considering the time of release. Both phones had similar initial pricing. The Pixel 4 was often seen as offering better value due to its advanced camera and display technology. The iPhone 11 was a good value as well, particularly considering its performance and battery life. Pricing varied depending on sales and promotions.
Which phone is better for photography?
The Pixel 4 excels in computational photography. Its Night Sight mode and overall image processing gave it an edge in low-light situations. The iPhone 11’s camera was excellent, but the Pixel 4 produced slightly sharper images in challenging lighting. It also provided better zoomed-in shots. Both phones offer excellent photography capabilities, but the Pixel 4 is better for photography.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 4 impressed with its exceptional camera performance, particularly in low light, and a vibrant display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. However, the iPhone 11 offered superior battery life, faster overall performance, and a more polished user experience. Considering the importance of battery life and performance for most users, the iPhone 11 emerges as the better choice overall.
Winner: iPhone 11