Google Pixel 4, 4 XL launched with possibly best-in-class dual cameras

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have probably been tech world’s worst kept secrets, but w that Google has officially launched m, turns out y’re even more exciting than what rumor mills h you believe. Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are quite literally same phones differing in only a couple of parameters – like last year. But while Pixel phones in past have been – more - about ir picture-perfect cameras, this year’s Pixel phones have ar key highlight – Soli-based motion sensing. 

Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL cameras 

Let’s start with those cameras though. Speaking of specs, both Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come with same 12MP dual-pixel main camera with optical im stabilization (plus electronic im stabilization) - that’s more like last year’s Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and this year’s Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL. But wait, re’s also a new 16MP telephoto camera for 2x optical zoom in Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL – which is a first for any Pixel phone. Google has been able to pull off some too good to be true photography chops with one camera on its Pixel phones for years w, at a time when rival brands have started opting more and more versatility – meaning more cameras. Google may be playing catch up here, but make mistake, what we’re looking at here, may be best-in-class dual cameras out re, on any smartphone.  

Much like every Pixel phone, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will also rely a great deal on computational photography to make a selling. Google says it has simplified software this year and redesigned Google Camera app for seemingly faster point-and-shoot. Google’s Night Sight is also getting an update so it will seemingly be able to shoot night sky – ala astrophotography. re's a new live HDR+ feature that approximates HDR in real time in viewfinder itself and dual exposure to better control exposure in photos.  

On front, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come with an 8MP camera. 

Being Pixel phones means, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL also support Google’s unlimited photo stor (at original quality).   

Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL motion sensing 

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are world’s first commercially available devices with Soli – Google’s in-house motion sensing tech that uses a miniaturized rar capable of sensing small motions around device. Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, to that effect, pack a wide array of sensors at top of screen (which explains ir thick forehes) - including a new Soli chip that brings motion sense features to se phones, allowing you “to skip songs, soze alarms, and silence phone calls, just by waving your hand.” 

Soli also brings vanced face unlock to Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, with a combination of dedicated face unlock hardware including a pair of IR cameras and flood illuminator. Google claims that Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will be able to offer a face unlock experience that’s easier, faster, and more secure than rivals, such as iPhone’s Face ID – which has become gold standard to beat in industry. Google is touting two aspects that make its face unlock more convenient (and faster) - Google’s tech seemingly “won’t require you to lift device all way up, pose in a certain way, wait for it to unlock, and n swipe to get to home screen,” and it will “work in almost any orientation - even if you're holding it upside down.” 

That said, Google’s motion sense techlogy won’t be available in markets like India – at least at launch. 

Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL core specs, price 

In terms of core hardware, while Pixel 4 has a 5.7-inch screen, Pixel 4 XL comes with a bigger 6.3-inch display. While Pixel 4 screen has a 1080p+ resolution, Pixel 4 XL has a sharper QHD+ panel – both use OLED and boast of a 90Hz refresh rate like OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro. 

Under hood, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor paired with 6GB RAM and up to 128GB stor (n-expandable). Both phones run Android 10 software with ‘minimum’ 3 years of OS and security updates. While Pixel 4 comes with a 2,800mAh battery, Pixel 4 XL has a larger 3,700mAh battery with 18W USB -C fast charging.  

design is hallmark Pixel, meaning a glass and metal body with a dual tone finish. re are differences though – this time, back has a single colour, while frame gets a different hue. Also new is a square-shaped camera module that matches frame colour. Speaking of which, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will be available in Just Black, Clearly White and a limited edition Oh So Orange. 

Elsewhere, both phones are water and dust resistant and support wireless charging. re's hephone jack, but both phones have stereo speakers.  

Pixel 4 starts $799 (roughly Rs 57,000) and will be available for buying in US from October 24. India price and availability details are awaited.

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