Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 Xl: Which Google Phone Reigns?
Struggling to choose between the Google Pixel 4 and its larger sibling, the Pixel 4 XL? You’re not alone. Both phones boast impressive cameras and the signature Google experience, but key differences might sway your decision. We’re diving deep to help you pick the perfect Pixel for your needs.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL share many similarities, offering a clean Android experience, timely updates, and exceptional camera performance. However, the XL model offers a larger screen and a bigger battery, potentially impacting your overall user experience. This comparison breaks down everything you need to know.
Whether you prioritize portability or prefer a more immersive viewing experience, this guide has you covered. We’ll explore the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life of both the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, helping you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Resolution | 2280 x 1080 pixels | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 64GB / 128GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12.2MP | Dual 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 2800 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Glass & Aluminum | Glass & Aluminum |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 4: 5.7-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, but the smaller size might not be ideal for all users.
- Pixel 4 Xl: 6.3-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Provides a larger viewing experience, perfect for media consumption and gaming.
- Winner: pixel 4 XL
Size & Design
- Pixel 4: Compact design, easy to handle with one hand. Features a minimalist aesthetic with a prominent camera bump.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Larger form factor, offers more screen real estate but can be more difficult to manage single-handedly. Maintains the same design language.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Pixel 4: Smaller battery, typically lasts a full day with moderate use. Heavy users may need to charge before the end of the day.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Larger battery, generally provides significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day and potentially longer.
- Winner: pixel 4 XL
Camera System
- Pixel 4: Dual-camera system with excellent image processing, known for its outstanding low-light performance and portrait mode capabilities.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Identical camera system to the Pixel 4, delivering the same exceptional photo quality and features.
- Winner: Tie
Performance
- Pixel 4: Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM provide smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Identical performance specs to the Pixel 4, offering the same level of speed and responsiveness.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Pixel 4: Generally less expensive than the XL model.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Higher price point due to its larger screen and battery.
- Winner: pixel 4
Storage
- Pixel 4: Available in 64GB or 128GB storage options.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Available in 64GB or 128GB storage options.
- Winner: Tie
Speakers
- Pixel 4: Stereo speakers, offering decent audio quality.
- Pixel 4 Xl: Stereo speakers, offering the same audio experience as the Pixel 4.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | Pixel 4 XL |
| Battery Life | Pixel 4 XL |
| Portability | Pixel 4 |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, ensuring identical performance capabilities for demanding tasks and smooth multitasking.
- Camera: Both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL share the same impressive dual-camera system, offering identical photo and video quality, including features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom.
- Software: Both devices run on Android 10, delivering the same user experience with Google’s clean interface, timely updates, and exclusive Pixel features.
- Design: The phones share a similar design language with a glass back and a prominent square camera module, though their dimensions vary due to the different screen sizes.
- RAM: Both phones come with 6GB of RAM, providing ample memory for running multiple apps and handling intensive processes efficiently.
Pixel 4 Vs Pixel 4 XL Buying Guide
Display and Design
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL share a similar design language, featuring a distinctive square camera module. However, the primary difference lies in their display sizes. The Pixel 4 boasts a 5.7-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 4 XL offers a larger 6.3-inch OLED screen. Both displays offer vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The design incorporates a matte glass back, giving a premium feel. Consider the screen size preference and how it affects one-handed usability when making your decision.
Performance and Software
Both phones are powered by the same Snapdragon 855 processor and come with 6GB of RAM. This ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The software experience is identical, running on a clean, bloatware-free version of Android. Google’s software optimization is a key strength, providing a fluid and responsive user interface. The Pixel phones are known for their fast updates and timely security patches, keeping your device secure and up-to-date.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 4 and 4 XL share the same camera hardware, featuring a dual-camera system with a 12.2MP main lens and a 16MP telephoto lens. Both phones deliver exceptional image quality, known for their impressive dynamic range, color accuracy, and portrait mode capabilities. The Super Res Zoom feature allows for impressive zoom capabilities without significant loss of detail. The Night Sight mode continues to excel in low-light conditions, producing stunning photos in challenging environments.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the key differentiators between the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. The Pixel 4, with its smaller battery, typically offers a full day of moderate use. The Pixel 4 XL, due to its larger battery capacity, generally provides significantly better battery life, often lasting a full day and potentially into the next. This makes the 4 XL a better choice if battery life is a priority. Consider your usage habits and charging preferences when choosing between the two.
Price and Value
When these phones were released, the Pixel 4 XL was more expensive than the Pixel 4. This price difference reflected the larger screen and battery capacity. However, now that they are older models, pricing may vary depending on the retailer and condition. Consider the features offered by each phone in relation to the price. Weigh your budget and prioritize which features are most important to you, such as screen size or battery life, to determine which offers the best value.
Other Features
Both phones share a range of additional features. Both include stereo speakers, which deliver clear and balanced audio. They also offer fast wireless charging support. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL have Google Assistant integration, allowing you to control your phone with your voice. Motion Sense, a radar-based technology, allows for gesture controls, though its functionality is somewhat limited. Consider these extra features when deciding between the two devices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 4 If…
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable phone.
- You prioritize one-handed use and ease of handling.
- You want a flagship experience without the largest screen size.
- You’re looking to save a bit of money.
Buy Pixel 4 XL If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display for media consumption and gaming.
- You value longer battery life for extended use throughout the day.
- You prefer a phone with a more spacious feel.
- You want the best possible screen experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL?
The primary difference is the display size and battery capacity. The Pixel 4 has a 5.7-inch display and a smaller battery, while the Pixel 4 XL features a larger 6.3-inch display and a larger battery. This leads to differences in overall size and battery life, with the XL offering longer battery performance. The rest of the specs are mostly the same.
Do the Pixel 4 and 4 XL have the same camera?
Yes, both phones share the same dual-camera system, consisting of a 12.2MP main lens and a 16MP telephoto lens. This means they deliver identical image quality and features, including Night Sight and Super Res Zoom. The software processing is also identical. This ensures that you get the same great camera experience regardless of the phone you choose.
What processor do the Pixel 4 and 4 XL use?
Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM. This provides smooth performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. This chipset ensures that both phones offer a responsive and efficient user experience. The 855 processor remains a capable chip even today.
How is the battery life different between the two phones?
The Pixel 4 XL generally offers significantly better battery life than the Pixel 4 due to its larger battery capacity. The 4 XL can often last a full day or more with moderate use, while the Pixel 4 might require charging by the end of the day. This is a crucial factor for anyone who values long battery life.
Do the Pixel 4 and 4 XL support 5G?
No, neither the Pixel 4 nor the Pixel 4 XL support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices. If you are looking for a phone with 5G capabilities, you’ll need to consider later Pixel models or other smartphones that support this technology. This is a major point of difference versus newer models.
What software updates do they receive?
Both phones run on a clean, bloatware-free version of Android and receive software updates directly from Google. They are known for their timely updates and security patches. While support has ended, they did receive updates for a significant amount of time, keeping the devices secure and providing the latest features available at the time of their release.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer similar gaming performance due to the same processor and RAM. However, the larger display of the Pixel 4 XL might provide a more immersive gaming experience. The battery life is also better on the XL, allowing for longer gaming sessions. Ultimately, the gaming experience is very similar, but the XL offers some practical advantages.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL offer a premium Android experience with excellent cameras and smooth performance. While both phones share many similarities, the Pixel 4 XL distinguishes itself with its larger display and superior battery life. The Pixel 4, on the other hand, is a more compact option. The choice depends on individual preferences for screen size and battery needs.
Winner: Pixel 4 XL