The new Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL finally official and now available. These are almost Pixel perfect, with an array of powerful cameras on the back and sleek, fluid displays. In this breakdown, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these impressive phones and where you can buy the Pixel 4.
On October 15, Google announced their newest device, they started shipping on the 22nd, and they are officially available in stores after October 24. Here are the best Pixel 4 deals. Next, we explain features, release details, pricing, color options, shipping information, and more for potential buyers.
Important Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL Release Details
Google Pixel 4 Release Date (and Pixel 4 XL)
First of all, when can you get Google’s new Pixel phone? Well, about a week after it was announced, as we expected and similar to last year.
After a short pre-order period. It’s available from most carriers, a few retail stores, and Google’s online store.
Google has once again partnered with Verizon Wireless, the only option when paying in the Google Store. But the phone will also be sold by T-Mobile, Sprint and even AT&T. Also, the unlocked model in the Google Play Store works everywhere, including T-Mobile and Google Fi. You can also get it on Amazon, but we hear they’re way behind in shipping.
Google Pixel 4 Pre-Orders
As many Pixel and Nexus users probably know, Google’s phones run out or run out all the time. We hope that’s not the case, but you’ll still want to pre-order the Pixel 4 just in case. Even last year, the Pixel 3 saw delivery dates slipped to mid-November on the first day of pre-orders.
Available for Google’s Pixel. It ends on the 22nd and will be officially online, on your doorstep, and in stores.
Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Display
Perhaps one of the most exciting and important parts of the Pixel is the screen. As well as powerful new dual rear cameras. This year Google took a unique approach, but that’s because buyers didn’t like the notch last year.
The Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL have 5.7 and 6.3-inch screens, again at 1080p, and the larger model gets Quad-HD resolution. But both offer a new 90Hz refresh rate for fast performance and smooth user experiences. This is something we’ve seen in gaming devices or the OnePlus 7T, but not other big brands like Samsung or Apple.
Google’s new phones refresh up to 90 times per second instead of just 60 Hz (or less), making everything look and feel smoother and faster than ever before. The higher refresh rate makes a significantly noticeable difference on OnePlus phones, and we’re excited to see it in the new Pixel.
In case you haven’t noticed, Google didn’t show the phone much during the event. In case you’re wondering, yes, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have a “forehead” or bezel at the top of the screen. They’re not “frameless” like the iPhone 11 or OnePlus 7 Pro. Instead, Google placed a host of sensors and features at the top and decided to kick it up last year’s big notch.
However, the rest of the phone is all screen with very small bezels on the bottom and sides. It looks pretty great to be honest, and that’s probably a personal preference for buyers. Do you like Apple’s notches or Samsung’s punch-hole displays? If not, consider the Pixel 4.
Google Pixel 4 Specifications and Features
Featuring a better and beautiful new 6.3-inch OLED display, the massive Pixel 4 XL should look and perform great. Every aspect of these phones is better, even if they look a bit like previous models.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will be choosing between two different phones to get exactly the right one for you.
Some points to note here are that Google’s phones no longer have a fingerprint scanner. Instead, Google has added a few cameras and sensors to that bar above the screen and forehead, and it functions as a fancy facial recognition similar to Apple’s iPhone unlocking FaceID. However, Google claims that face unlock is better and faster than anything else on the market.
Using Google’s “motion detection” technology, the phone knows it should be ready to unlock when you pick it up. So the processor is already thinking and the camera is ready. Just look at the phone (better angles than most face unlock options) and it unlocks instantly, quickly and securely. The Pixel 4 does not have a fingerprint sensor.
Google Pixel 4 Price, Colors and Storage Options
How much will this new phone with a faster screen, more cameras and crazy technology inside cost? Well, same as last year. As expected, Google keeps pricing pretty reasonable while simultaneously dropping Samsung and Apple. However, they don’t have a budget model like the competition does.
So for the same price as last year, you get a significantly better and faster phone with dual rear cameras, stunning display and excellent performance. For comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro costs $999 for 64GB and $799 for the Pixel 4. Next, the larger iPhone 11 Pro Max costs $1,099 compared to Google’s $899 Pixel 4 XL price point.
You can get the Pixel 4 series in three color options: Just White, Clearly Black and “Oh So Orange”.
Pixel 4 Carrier Support
As we mentioned earlier, Google’s Pixel 4 is finally available on all major carriers in the United States. However, we’re not sure when they’ll release the devices, how much they’ll charge, or what to expect. The Google Store only has Verizon or an unlocked model for sale and makes no mention of other carriers.
Google likely has a partnership with Verizon, but other carriers may sell the phone in retail stores on Oct. Either way, you can unlock the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, or get it from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Spectrum, Google Fi, Xfinity and possibly more in the near future. We’ll update as we learn more from these partners.
Pixel 4 Comparisons, Deals, Cases & Trivia
Before we go, we wanted to share a few more things with potential buyers. The links below will take you to some of our Pixel 4 coverage and comparisons to other high-end devices so you know which phone is right for you.
Next, we’ve put together a guide on the best Pixel 4 features, Pixel 4 deals, Pixel 4 cases, and even screen protectors. That way, once you buy the phone, you’ll be ready to roll over and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Other details
In closing, we’d like to talk about a few things we’ve seen in the rumors or wondered about. No, Google didn’t mention 5G at all during the event. We’re pretty sure 5G phones are coming, but that probably won’t happen until 2020.
Then Google took the stage to announce a new set of Pixel Buds 2, which will go on sale for $179 in 2020. Alongside a new Nest Mini (Google Home Mini) smart speaker, a new Nest WiFi kit with a built-in Nest Mini is pretty neat, and they’ve announced Stadia will launch from November 19.
Another surprise of the event is a new Google PixelBook Go. A Chrome OS laptop designed from the ground up to be fast, affordable, user-friendly and easy to use. We’ll update this post as we learn more.
Are you buying the Pixel 4?