The Pixel 3 has landed, but what can we expect from Google’s next flagship smartphone?
Google’s Pixel 3 smartphone has been launched, which means only one thing: it’s officially old news. Rather than dwell on devices past, here at Expert Reviews we prefer to look to the future and, in this case, the Google Pixel 4.
It may seem a long way off, but we can already speculate when the Pixel 4 will be released, how much it will cost and what it will feature. For good measure, we’ve also compiled a list of things we’d like to see from the next addition to the Pixel series.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 4.
Google Pixel 4 release date: When will it be launched?
In terms of a release date, it’s hardly surprising that we’ve had no official word from Google, what with the Pixel 3 still hot off the press.
We can, however, speculate on when we’ll be able to see the Pixel 4, based on the release dates of previous models. The original Pixel, Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 were released 20 October 2016, 19 October 2017 and 18 October 2018 respectively. Going by this (admittedly rather simplistic) pattern, we’d put our money on one release date: 17 October 2019.
Of course, a year is a long time in the world of tech, so an awful lot could change between now and then. We’ll be updating this page as and when we receive information on the Pixel 4’s release date.
Google Pixel 4 price: How much will it cost?
Again, we currently have no official information regarding how much the Pixel 4 will set you back. What we do know is that Pixel handsets usually appear towards the more affordable end of the luxury smartphone spectrum.
£739 for a base 64GB Pixel 3 model is comparatively reasonable when pitted against rival handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (£869) and the iPhone Xs (£999). As a result, we anticipate that the next entry to the Pixel series won’t be cheap, but shouldn’t set you back more than £1000. Time to start saving.
Google Pixel 4 features: What would we like to see?
A top of the range camera
Don’t get me wrong, the Pixel 3’s camera is more than adequate. In fact, it’s good. Very, very good. The Pixel 3 features a dual 12-megapixel camera with f/1.8 aperture on the back, in addition to two 8-megapixel front-facing snappers. This setup is supported by impressive AI flash and autofocus technology.
So this isn’t a case of Google fixing something that’s broken with the Pixel 4. Rather, how does it build on its camera technology to make it even better?
Perhaps more focus could be placed on the Pixel 4’s video capabilities. Although the camera in the Pixel 3 is amongst the best in terms of still capture, videos suffer from some hyper-saturated colours and soft detail capture.
The iPhone Xs recently debuted with one of the most impressive video cameras we’ve seen. Its algorithms allow for detailed 4K capture and smooth adaptation between light and dark areas. Google would do well to bring the Pixel 4’s video camera up to speed with its photo camera, and knock Apple off its perch in the process.
Increased battery size
One of the more surprising aspects of the Pixel is the relatively small battery size. It sports a 2,915mAh battery that Google reckons should be good for 11 hours. This isn’t too bad, but doesn’t live up to the standards set by equivalent handsets such as the OnePlus 6 (which will give you upwards of 17 hours) and Huawei’s P20 Pro (over 14 hours).
The message is simple, then. A bigger battery = longer battery life = improved user experience. For this reason, the former is a must on the Google Pixel 4.
Expandable internal storage
The Pixel 3 is available in 64GB and 128GB models but, crucially, there’s no microSD slot. This means no expandable storage and a maximum limit of 128GB.
Rivals such as the Galaxy Note 9 and iPhone Xs offer 512GB models, so the Pixel 3 pales in comparison in this regard. Of course, 128GB is enough storage for most people, but it’s the lack of choice which really holds the Pixel 3 back here. If you need lots of apps or are keen to use your smartphone for photography you may well need the extra storage, and would have no choice but to opt for a rival smartphone. A microSD slot would therefore be a welcome addition to the Pixel 4, to solve this particular problem.
More power
In a similar vein, the Pixel 3 offers precious little in terms of RAM. 4GB is the one and only option, and the impressive Snapdragon 845 processor is unable to reach its full potential as a result.
6GB or even 8GB RAM would be a significant boost for the Pixel 4, and would bring it up to speed with the most powerful smartphones available right now. The question is: will Google be able to pack more power into their Pixel, whilst maintaining its affordable price point?
Diverse colour options
Every year a new Pixel is released, and every year it’s available in an uninspiring range of colours. The two-tone design of the handset is good, but by no means beautiful. A wider range of colours might help to put an end to this – we’d like to see a few more options than Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink.
Make sure you stay tuned to this page for all the latest news and rumours about the Google Pixel 4.
Source: expertreviews.co.uk