Is the Google Pixel 4 worth it?

Released in late 2019, the Google Pixel 4 is known for its impressive camera and premium, high-refresh rate display. At launch, the phone was pricey — retailing for $799. Now in 2020, that same phone is available for as low as $329 on Swappa. 

Google is expected to announce the newest Google Pixel 5 flagship on September 30, which means the cost of a Pixel 4 is about to get even lower. If you didn’t pick one up last year, now might be a great time to give the Pixel 4 a try.

Is the Pixel 4 still worth it in 2020?

The Pixel 4 is arguably even more worth it in 2020 than it was at launch in 2019 — especially when you buy newish on Swappa. Google discontinued the Pixel 4 and 4 XL earlier this summer, so they are hard to find. On a safe, friendly marketplace like Swappa (where you can actually trust the tech you buy), grabbing a Pixel 4 for about $399 (August average) is a no-brainer. We’re talking about paying 50% less than the original retail price, only one year later. 

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL were critically acclaimed for their image processing technology, and touted as having one of the best smartphone cameras of 2018. The Pixel 4 built on that momentum, offering an even better camera. Google also included a better processor (Snapdragon 855) and bumped up the RAM from 4 GB in the Pixel 3 series to 6 GB in the Pixel 4.

Pixel 4 Review

If you’re looking for a smaller Android with a great camera, you can’t go wrong with a Pixel 4. 

Especially if you’re on a budget and can’t afford to pay $1,000 for a current Android flagship — the Pixel 4 still packs a punch, with software updates expected up until October 2022. 

Compatible with Android 11, all Pixel devices receive Android software updates quickly — long before Samsung, LG, and others. 

Design

The phone is available in three colors: Just Black, Clearly White, Oh So Orange. To make things pop, they each have a colored power button and a matte black finish all the way around the device.

Camera

Let’s talk about the camera. How does it compare to the renowned Pixel 3?

The Pixel 4 got rid of its predecessor’s dual selfie-camera, ditching the 3XL’s notch and front-facing ultrawide lens in the process. However, a second camera was added to the rear. The Pixel 4 features a 12.2MP f/1.7 wide-angle lens and a 16MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. This difference is readily apparent when you flip the phones over.

Yes, the Pixel 4 camera hardware is slightly better. The aperture on the Pixel 4 lens lets in a little more light than the Pixel 3. But the hidden magic of the Pixel camera is really in the software. Google’s advanced computational photography uses machine learning algorithms to deliver Auto-HDR, Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom — leading to amazing, accurate shots. 

However, if wide-angle selfies are your thing, consider grabbing a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead — both of which are still worth it in 2020.

Security

Google said goodbye to the fingerprint reader on the back of the Pixel 4. In its place, we have a new face unlock feature that is said to be faster than Apple’s Face ID. Google’s new unlock method makes use of the powerful sensor array crammed into the top bezel to deliver speedy and secure device authentication. This also makes use of Google’s new Motion Sense technology to begin verifying your identity before you even pick up your device.

Motion Sense

The Pixel 4 introduced Motion Sense, which is the culmination of the Google’s futuristic Project Soli. Motion Sense is a combination of radar hardware and innovative software, bringing the most advanced motion sensing features and gesture recognition ever seen on a consumer device. This creates a bubble of awareness around the Pixel, which allows for touchless gestures and more. That means you can easily swipe between tracks while listening to music, or swipe to dismiss calls or snooze an alarm — and it’s also what helps turn on the face unlock sensors before you even touch your phone.

Google Assistant

The Pixel 4 brings a supercharged Google Assistant. Squeezing the bottom half of your Pixel 4 pulls up the Assistant, allowing you to search Google, take a selfie, start a voice recording, and more. Another perk is the Pixel 4’s high-tech voice memo app that transcribes everything you say in real time. 

Battery

Battery life isn’t the Pixel 4’s strong suit, but it makes up for this somewhat with support for Qi Wireless Charging and 18W fast charging via USB-C. The Pixel 4’s 2800mAh battery is a bit smaller than the 2915mAh battery in the Pixel 3, and much smaller than the Pixel 3 XL’s 3430mAh battery. If you’re a power user or worried about battery life, that’s another reason you might consider the cheaper, older Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. 

Pixel 4 vs 5 Specifications

Learn more about the Pixel 4 in our full Pixel 4 Review and Pixel 4 Buyer’s Guide, then see how it stacks up against the Pixel 5 in our Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4 Comparison Guide. Still not sure which Pixel is right for you? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones compare.

Pixel 4 Used Price

As mentioned before, you can get a gently used Pixel 4 for a great price on Swappa. In addition to the software, camera, and high refresh rate screen — one of the most attractive features of the Pixel 4 is its price.

On Swappa, you can currently find the Pixel 4 for as low as $329. In August 2020, the average Swappa price for a Google Pixel 3 64 GB was $423, and $458 for the 128 GB version. Due to the upcoming Pixel 5 release, the price is dropping. The current average price for a Pixel 4 is $399. The best listings go fast. So as always, check the Swappa marketplace often to get the best deal on a Pixel 4.

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