Is the Google Pixel 4 XL worth it in 2020?

Now that Google has introduced their latest flagship, it’s a great time to save on a newish Pixel. 

The Pixel 4 XL was an expensive phone when it launched in October 2019 — going for $899. 

Now, you can get it on Swappa for as low as $379. That’s chopping the price by more than half. 

Google discontinued the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4, and 4 XL earlier this year. Now, you can only purchase the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 4a directly from Google. The good news is you can still find these older models  on Swappa — and you can save a ton of cash by buying newish. 

Is the Google Pixel 4 XL worth it? Absolutely. Not only is the Pixel 4 XL more worth it today than it was when it launched, it’s also arguably more worth it than the phones in Google’s current lineup. The Pixel 4 XL has a more premium display, a larger screen, and a better processor than the Pixel 5. And with buying newish on Swappa being so simple and safe, why not get more for less?

Pixel 4XL Review

If you’re looking for a Google phone with face unlock and an impressive display, look no further than the Google Pixel 4 XL. This phone is a great pick for Android fans wanting a seamless, purely-Google software experience. 

Compatible with Android 11, you can also expect software updates on this device for at least two more years. Pixel devices also receive Android software updates more quickly — long before Samsung, LG, and others. So if you’re on a budget but want a premium Android device, you’ll save big if you go for a Pixel 4 XL instead. 

Another great reason to buy a Pixel is the stellar camera. Thanks to Google’s computational photography, the phone uses machine learning algorithms to deliver features like Auto-HDR, Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom. This software leads to amazing, dynamic, and accurate shots.

Pixel 5 specs vs Pixel 4 XL

It’s easy to assume that because the number 5 comes after the number 4, that the specs in the Pixel 4 series are inferior to those of the 5. This is not the case with Google Pixel phones. 

The Pixel 4 XL not only has a faster processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 855) than the newer Pixel 5, but it also has a better display. The Pixel 4 XL has a 6.3 inch, high-resolution OLED screen 537 ppi (pixels per inch). This gives the Pixel 4 XL’s display greater contrast, color depth, and brightness. 

The Pixel 4 series 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. This feature is no longer available on the new Pixels. So if you want to use Motion Sense to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music, or swipe to dismiss calls, go with a Pixel 4 or 4 XL. 

To make room for Motion Sense, the Pixel 4 XL has a larger forehead on its display. This bezel is also what allows for the phone’s face unlock feature, which is said to be faster than Apple’s Face ID. The new unlock method makes use of the powerful sensor array crammed into the top bezel to deliver speedy and secure device authentication. This feature was also discontinued by the newer Pixels, which went with a fingerprint sensor instead. 

The Pixel 4 XL has a real dual-camera setup with a 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide-angle and a 16 MP telephoto lens. The 2020 Pixel lineup went with an ultrawide camera instead, ditching the telephoto. If zooming in is important to you in a smartphone camera, you’ll want the telephoto that comes with the Pixel 4 XL. 

Battery life isn’t the Pixel 4 XL’s strong suit, however it does offer a larger battery than the Pixel 4. The phone makes up for this with support for Qi Wireless Charging and 18W fast charging via USB-C. And if a larger screen is preferred, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 4 XL is also the largest screen you can get on a Pixel. The Pixel 5 is only 6 inches and the Pixel 4a 5G is 6.2 inches. 

Another perk of the Pixel 4 series is the squeeze for assistance feature. Squeeze the phone to ask Google Assistant a question, set an alarm, take a selfie, and more. The phone is available with either 64 GB or 128 6B and in three colors: Just Black, Clearly White, and Oh So Orange.

Learn more about the Pixel 4 XL in our full Pixel 4 XL Review and Pixel 4 XL Buyer’s Guide, then see how it stacks up against other Pixel phones in our Pixel 4 XL Upgrade Guide. 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 4XL Used Price

The average price for a gently used Google Pixel 4 XL on Swappa was $482 for the month of September. That’s more than a $400 savings compared to its original launch price. 

The latest Pixel 5 is available for preorder at $699, less than what the Pixel 4 XL was at launch. Although one year has passed, it sure seems like the Pixel 4 XL was treated more like a flagship than what we’re seeing from Google in 2020. 

So if you’re looking for a high-end Android in 2020 but don’t want to pay top dollar, the Pixel 4 XL is a no brainer. You’ll get a better processer, better display, fast face unlock, and Google’s Project Soli Motion Sense features. 

As you can see, Swappa gets you so much more for less. While the latest Google Pixel 5 is still a great phone (especially if you’re looking for a 5G experience), the Pixel 4 XL offers a premium experience. You can get a phone you love for much, much less when you check the Swappa marketplace first. 

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