Buzz
This is my review of the Pixel 4XL after 6 months of using it as a secondary phone. I bought it for 8 million VND. Hope this review is helpful for anyone considering buying it. Feel free to comment with any questions.
General Overview of Pixel 4XL After 6 Months as a Backup Device
After switching from Google Pixel to some Xiaomi and Oppo devices as secondary phones, I ultimately returned to Google Pixel because of its long-term operating system support, excellent camera, and clean, fast, and smooth stock Android experience. After some research, I chose the Pixel 4XL for various reasons, including its camera, operating system, and pricing at that time, which was much more reasonable.
Having extensively used Pixel phones as secondary devices, I've journeyed through various iterations from Pixel 1 to 3XL. Yet, after prolonged exposure to Pixels, I found myself gradually losing interest in the pure Android experience. Consequently, I decided to explore devices from Xiaomi and Oppo. However, it was only when I delved into using Xiaomi and Oppo phones that I began to truly appreciate the simplicity of stock Android on Pixel devices.
Subsequently, I opted to purchase the Pixel 4XL, partly driven by the desire to experience Android 12 Beta. It was during that period that I acquired the device, coinciding with the time when Android 12 Beta was at its most stable, offering the opportunity to explore the latest features exclusive to Google's Pixel lineup.
Design and Exterior Appearance
The device boasts excellent craftsmanship, providing a solid grip. Crafted from glass and aluminum alloy, the Pixel 4XL features a matte finish that enhances grip and prevents fingerprint smudges on the back panel. The matte coating applied across the entire body maintains the device's pristine appearance and minimizes scratches from light drops or contact with items like keys when stored in pockets. This approach contrasts with other flagship devices that prioritize glossy, luxurious designs, showcasing Google's divergent philosophy. However, Pixel users are likely drawn not by aesthetic opulence but by the device's user-friendliness and its operating system. In my view, none of the Pixels prior to the Pixel 5 boasted exceptional design and aesthetics.The back of the device features a square camera module in black, initially leading many to assume the presence of three cameras. However, within this black square module lies only one primary camera, one telephoto lens, a depth sensor for improved bokeh effects, and a dual-LED flash.The front of the device sports a rather prominent 'forehead' due to the inclusion of the front-facing camera, as well as the integration of a 3D facial recognition sensor and Motion Sense technology (unfortunately not usable in Vietnam). Nonetheless, I've grown accustomed to the unconventional design of Pixel devices, accepting their aesthetic quirks without hesitation.Speaking of the facial recognition sensor on the Pixel 4XL, there's nothing to complain about—it's fast and highly responsive. However, the most regrettable aspect here is that the Pixel 4 and 4XL do not support banking apps or payment apps, necessitating the use of passwords. This is something users should take note of.
Display
When it comes to display quality, the Pixel XL series needs no introduction. Google consistently delivers the finest, highest-quality displays across their Pixel XL lineup. The display on the Pixel 4XL features a 2K+ panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, combining crispness and beauty. In reality, the Pixel 4XL's display is immersive, vibrant, and remarkably impressive given its current price range. However, my dissatisfaction with all Pixel devices lies in the lack of full-screen support for some apps, which can be quite inconvenient at times.The Google Pixel 4XL's display tends to be dim indoors and requires near-maximum brightness outdoors to be usable, a common trait across Pixel devices.
Photography
I believe one of the main reasons people opt for Google Pixel devices, aside from the pure Android experience, is undoubtedly its camera prowess. Google's camera AI remains a force to be reckoned with in today's smartphone landscape, a feat that many other manufacturers have yet to match. Even though the Pixel 4XL was released two years ago, I am confident that its camera capabilities still hold up against current flagships. Front Camera: Featuring an 8MP resolution with portrait mode support and autofocus, enhancing portrait photography. Rear Camera: The rear camera setup on the Pixel 4XL comprises two lenses—a 12.2MP primary sensor and a 16MP telephoto sensor. Both cameras support optical and electronic image stabilization. Once again, Google diverges from the smartphone norm by omitting a wide-angle lens. The telephoto lens on the Pixel 4XL provides rational portrait perspectives, ensuring a harmonious and natural feel to photographs.When it comes to image quality in normal lighting conditions, I believe there's not much to say because flagship devices generally perform well in such situations—the image quality remains consistent across the board. It's in low-light conditions that the Pixel 4XL truly shines. In low-light scenarios, the Pixel 4XL delivers outstanding image quality with a distinct character that sets it apart. Everything from color reproduction to detail and contrast is exceptionally good.With the recent update from Google on the Pixel, along with Android 12, I personally noticed that the image processing speed after capturing a photo on the Pixel 4XL has improved significantly. It's now incredibly fast, with the AI on the Pixel 4XL completing its tasks in less than a second after capturing a photo.When it comes to video recording, the Google Pixel lineup doesn't offer a great experience, something long-time Pixel users will understand.
Power & Performance
Using Google Pixel is no different from using an iPhone; most users don't care much about the hardware specifications, and I'm no exception. With this Pixel 4XL, I couldn't care less about which chip it runs on or how much RAM it has. With Google's pure Android, the device is always ready to respond when I touch the screen.And because it's a Google product, it always receives the latest Android updates. I've installed Android 12 Beta as well as the official version on this device. I must admit that Material You on Android 12 is stunning—the experience is simply fantastic.As for gaming, I didn't bother testing it because I believe most Pixel users aren't using their devices for gaming purposes.
Battery Life
The Pixel 4XL is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, which, in reality, struggles to support its high specifications and display. However, for someone using it as a secondary device for light tasks such as chatting, checking emails, and reading books, it can still meet their needs for a day. In fact, I only need to charge it once every two days.
