This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:13:33
The video provides an in-depth review of the Google Pixel 4 XL, highlighting its strengths and areas where it falls short. Key updates include a sleek frosted glass design, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, and the introduction of Motion Sense and face unlock features. The 6.3-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user experience, although it struggles with brightness under certain conditions. The camera system, comprising a 12.2 MP main camera and a 16 MP telephoto lens, is praised for its consistent, high-quality performance, particularly in low-light and astrophotography scenarios.
However, criticisms arise regarding the Pixel 4 XL's battery life, which is considered insufficient for a flagship model, requiring users to disable some features to prolong usage. The lack of included earbuds or a headphone jack is also noted. The pricing at $900 for 64 GB storage is viewed skeptically against competitors like the OnePlus 7T, which offers better value with more storage and RAM for a lower price. The video calls for improvements in future iterations, suggesting enhancements in battery life, display brightness, storage capacity, and the inclusion of an ultra-wide camera to better compete in the smartphone market. The reviewer concludes by questioning whether the Pixel 4 XL's features are compelling enough to drive significant sales and invites viewers to share their opinions.
00:00:00
In this segment, the video discusses the new Google Pixel 4 XL phone, which is popular among Android enthusiasts. Key updates include a RAM increase, new motion-sense hardware, face unlock, and a 90 Hz display, all encased in a sleek frosted glass design. It now features a Snapdragon 855 processor and is available across all US carriers, although its starting price is $900 for 64 GB of storage, prompting questions about its value against strong competition. The unboxing reveals the phone, a SIM tool, a USB-C transfer adapter, and an 18-watt USB-C charger, but no earbuds or dongle. The design is praised for its sturdy and comfortable grip, with a frosted glass back that hides fingerprints well. It retains IP68 water resistance and features a 6.3-inch OLED display with a QHD+ resolution and a slightly taller 19:9 aspect ratio. The display profiles are balanced, and Google added an ambient EQ option to adjust white balance based on surroundings, similar to Apple’s True Tone display.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the reviewer discusses multiple key aspects of the Pixel 4 XL. Firstly, the display is praised for its comfort and consistency, but its brightness falls short compared to Samsung and iPhone models. The 90 Hz smooth display is acknowledged for a fluid experience, yet its limited implementation above a certain brightness is criticized.
Google has shifted from dual front-facing speakers to a new configuration involving a bottom-facing speaker and an earpiece performing dual roles, which performed well in loudspeaker tests. However, the absence of a headphone jack and adapter or earbuds in the box is noted.
The Pixel 4 XL’s new face unlock feature, employing an infrared Dot projector and motion sensors, is described as fast but occasionally too quick, skipping the lock screen immediately. Motion Sense allows for various interactions, like silencing alarms and engaging with wallpapers, but its limited and sometimes unreliable features were seen as a drawback.
Battery life is another concern, with the phone scoring 73 hours in endurance tests, lagging behind other flagship models. The reviewer concludes that the battery performance is insufficient, sometimes necessitating the disabling of the 90 Hz display or Motion Sense to prolong usage, which is deemed inconvenient.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter highlights several key features and improvements in the new Android device, particularly focusing on the gesture controls that now resemble those of the iPhone. The introduction of a new dark mode, which could benefit from an automatic switch option like Samsung’s, is also discussed. Google Assistant can now be accessed from the lower corner or via the active edge squeeze feature. Enhanced control over app permissions, location access, and notifications are emphasized.
The video then shifts to the focus on the Pixel’s dual camera setup, featuring a 12.2 MP main camera and a 16 MP telephoto camera, both stabilized. New camera features include Live HDR+ to preview images with HDR processing, individual exposure sliders, and an astrophotography mode for capturing night skies. The main camera improvements show better noise reduction and balanced exposures, though sometimes struggle with HDR scenarios when compared to competitors like the OnePlus 17. The telephoto camera’s performance and further camera comparisons are also touched upon.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses the camera performance of the Pixel 4 XL. They describe how the camera takes high-quality shots with consistent exposure, colors, contrast, and detail. The main and portrait modes produce excellent images, with the portrait mode creating a smooth and convincing bokeh effect that rivals DSLR cameras. The 8-megapixel selfie camera delivers good contrast, skin tones, and details, though it may not be ideal for those who prefer a softer look.
The Pixel 4 XL performs well in low-light conditions, offering true-to-life exposure and an astrophotography mode that requires stabilization and longer capture times to produce impressive results, though this feature may be less practical for city dwellers due to light pollution.
Video performance is also highlighted, with the Pixel 4 XL offering stable, detailed footage even at 60fps and in 4K resolution. Lastly, the video touches on the phone’s pricing at $900 with 64GB of storage, suggesting it as a good choice for those who prefer a pure Android experience, distinctive Pixel camera quality, and hardware from Google.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the drawbacks of the Pixel 4 XL, stating that while features like face unlock, the 90 Hertz display, and Motion Sense are appreciated, they were not well-executed, and the battery life falls short compared to other flagship phones. He suggests that for the price, there are too many compromises, particularly given the strong competition. The OnePlus 7T is recommended as a better alternative, offering double the base storage and eight gigabytes of RAM at a lower cost, and also featuring a 90 Hertz display suitable for gaming. The speaker calls for improvements in the next iteration of the Pixel, including fixing Motion Sense, enhancing battery life, increasing base storage, providing a brighter AMOLED screen, and adding an ultra-wide camera. Concerns are raised about whether the hype around the Pixel 4 XL will convert into sales. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the Pixel 4 XL and their alternative choices.