Google Pixel 4

Pixel 4. © Google.

Google launched the fourth generation of its Pixel phones. The latest Pixel is free of surprises, since it has no new, revolutionary features, and the specs were leaked long ago. While the Pixel 4 is a souped-up version of the 3, the price remains unchanged: the basic model starts at CAD1,000, with the 4 XL at CAD1,130, while the price of the Pixel 3 has dropped. So, for the specs: Snapdragon 855 (up from 845), 6GB of RAM (compared to 4), 90Hz refresh rate (rather than 60), a second rear camera (16MP telephoto) and a face-recognition unlocking system similar to the iPhone’s (instead of the fingerprint reader). So, no real reason to upgrade if you’re quite happy with your Pixel 3. The only new feature that might tempt us is the Pixel Neural Core that allows real-time, off-line voice processing and transcription. Both models come in three colors: “Just Black”, “Clearly White” and “Oh So Orange”. (It seems that the latest marketing trend is to give complex names to simple colours.) Available for pre-order on Google Store, delivery as of October 24.

⇨ YouTube, “Pixel 4 and 4 XL hands-on: what the leaks didn’t tell you.”

⇨ Ars Technica, Ron Amadeo, “Google Pixel 4: 90Hz screen, next-gen Google Assistant, shipping Oct 24.”