Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL – How Do Google’s Phones Compare?

As expected, Google revealed its new flagship phones this month, the Google Pixel 4 and the Google Pixel 4 XL. The base Pixel 4 has a 5.7in screen, while the bigger Pixel 3 XL features a 6.3in screen. But surely there must be more differences than screen size, right? Let’s take a look to find out.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL Quick Comparison
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Design
- Pixel 4 – The Pixel 4 has a 5.7in OLED display and features the company’s “Face Unlock” biometric authentication system. Its industrial design features a metal frame and back rubber body and comes in a wide range of three color options: black, white, or orange.
- Pixel 4 XL – The Pixel 4 XL has a 6.3in display and features the company’s “Face Unlock” biometric authentication system. Its industrial design features a metal frame and back rubber body and comes in a wide range of three color options: black, white, or orange.
Winner? Draw – Both phones look exactly the same, except for their size.
Displays
- Pixel 4 – The Pixel 4 features an OLED display that is 5.7 and has a 2280 x 1080-pixel resolution at 444ppi.
- Pixel 4 XL – The Pixel 4 XL features an OLED display that is 6.3in and has a 3040 x 1440-pixel resolution at 537ppi.
Winner? Pixel 4 XL – Technically the Pixel 4 XL wins because its screen has a higher pixel density than the Pixel 4.
CPU/Processor
- Pixel 4 – the Pixel 4 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
- Pixel 4 XL – the Pixel 4 XL also features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
Winner? Draw – Both phones have the exact same Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
Camera
- Pixel 4 – The Pixel 4 features an 8MP front-facing camera. On the rear camera you get a dual-lens 12.2MP (wide) and 16MP (telephoto) camera. It also records 4K video.
- Pixel 4 XL – The Pixel 4 XL features an 8MP front-facing camera. On the rear camera you get a dual-lens 12.2MP (wide) and 16MP (telephoto) camera. It also records 4K video.
Winner? Draw – Both phones have the same camera set-ups.
Storage Options
- Pixel 4 – 64GB or 128GB
- Pixel 4 XL – 64GB or 128GB
Battery Life
- Pixel 4 – The Pixel 4’s battery will get you about 13 hours of battery life with mixed usage. It also features wireless charging.
- Pixel 4 XL – The Pixel 4 XL’s battery will get you about 14 hours of battery life with mixed usage. It also features wireless charging.
Winner? Pixel 4 XL – You’ll get an extra hour of battery life.
Price
- Pixel 4 – The Pixel 4 costs cost £669 (64GB) and £769 (128GB).
- Pixel 4 XL – The Pixel 4 XL costs cost £829 (64GB) and £929 (128GB).
Verdict?
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL look identical, save for the size differences. They have the same cameras and the same internal specs – RAM, CPU, and storage options. The big difference, however, is to do with battery performance – the XL is far better.
For some strange reason, Google thought it could get away with using a smaller battery in the Pixel 4 than last year’s Pixel 3. Why? I have no idea. But what I do know is this: the Pixel 4’s battery life is terrible, so if you’re gonna go the Pixel route, make sure you get the Pixel 4 XL.
Alternatively, if you want a Pixel but you don’t want to spend almost $1000, the Google Pixel 3 XL can now be had for around $500 via Amazon. And while it is the old flagship, it is still very good. The Pixel 4 range is an incremental update, nothing major. Personally, I’d probably go with the Pixel 3 XL one the Pixel 4 simply because it’s just as good from a performance and software perspective, and around $300 cheaper!
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL: Specs
Here are the specs for the Pixel 4:
- Display: 5.7in OLED display with a 2280 x 1080-pixel resolution at 444ppi
- Dimensions: 147.1mm x 68.8mm x 8.2mm
- Weight: 162 grams
- Storage: 64 or 128GB
- Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
- Front camera: 8MP camera with 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps
- Rear camera: Dual 16MP (telephoto) and 12.2MP (wide) camera; 4K video
- Battery: Up to 13 hours (video playback)
- Other: Face Unlock, Motion Sense, NFC, wireless charging, IP68 waterproof (2m)
And here are the specs for the Pixel 4 XL:
- Display: 6.3in OLED display with a 3040 x 1440-pixel resolution at 537ppi
- Dimensions: 160.4mm x 75.1mm x 8.2mm
- Weight: 193 grams
- Storage: 64 or 128GB
- Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
- Front camera: 8MP camera with 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps
- Rear camera: Dual 16MP (telephoto) and 12.2MP (wide) camera; 4K video
- Battery: Up to 14 hours (video playback)
- Other: Face Unlock, Motion Sense, NFC, wireless charging, IP68 waterproof (2m)