The camera
Unfortunately, there’s only so much we can test about the camera in a crowded demo area, but one thing I can definitely say is that Google’s implementation of zoom is extremely impressive. Last year, Google used computational photography to account for the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens like its competitors have, but this year Google added a second lens and paired it with its AI smarts. At first glance, it’s an impressive combination. You don’t ever need to worry about switching between the Pixel 4’s two back lenses, you just slide the zoom bar to where you like, shoot the photo, and Google’s software takes care of the rest.
Google’s implementation dual sliders to let you capture more detail in both dark and light parts of a frame is simple in practice but should be very handy for anyone who wants a little more flexibility in how they shoot. Other features, like shooting a night sky to capture a dark, detailed star field we’ll obviously have to try out on our own.
Everything else
That Recorder app: I’ve long relied on an AI transcription app called Otter.ai to do the exact same thing the Pixel’s new Recorder app does, and Google’s live transcriptions work well enough that I just might have to cancel my Otter subscription. Sorry guys, no hard feelings!
These batteries: Reports published prior to event claimed the smaller Pixel would pack a 2,800mAh battery, and that the XL would use a 3,700mAh cell. I haven’t been able to confirm that just yet, but if true, we could be looking at another year of disappointing Pixel battery life. There’s no word yet on how much power the Soli radar requires, but driving these displays at 90Hz is no small feat, and devices like the OnePlus 7 Pro and Razer Phone 2 with similarly fast screens pack bigger batteries to cope. This would also mean the Pixel 4 has a slightly lower capacity battery than last year’s Pixel 3, which, yeah, doesn’t feel great.
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