Google Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL boasts first radar-based depth-sensing functionality

Posted:
in General Discussion edited October 2019
Google has updated its Pixel smartphone lineup with the launch of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, a pair of smartphones that include a radar sensor to enable in-the-air gestures and to detect the user's presence.




The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL largely differ due to their size, with the Pixel 4 using a 5.7-inch Full HD+ OLED display while the XL packs a 6.3-inch Quad HD OLED screen, both billed as a "Smooth Display" with Ambient EQ and a 90Hz refresh rate.

A key addition is a radar sensor on the front, which helps Google provide experiences reminiscent to the iPhone's TrueDepth camera array's depth detection functionality, by detecting motion near to the device. The "MotionSense" motion tracking it offers allows it to activate before being picked up, to turn off if the user goes away, and to understand gestures like swiping.





On the back of each is a square camera bump, which contains a 12-megapixel "Dual-Pixel" camera along with a 16-megapixel telephoto lens, a microphone, and a flash.

Inside both models is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip, along with the "Pixel Neural Core." Following after the use of the "Neural Engine" used by Apple in the A-series chips for the iPhone, Google's implementation is a replacement of its Visual Core chip that works to perform intensive image processing on a device, as well as to assist with machine learning tasks.

Both handsets also have 6GB of RAM to help assist the processor. The devices also have options for 64GB or 128GB of storage capacity, stereo speakers, and USB-C connectivity.

One missing element from the device is Google's usual offer of unlimited cloud storage for original-resolution photographs. While earlier models provided storage at that resolution, the Pixel 4 is offered with "unlimited online storage with Google Photos" at no charge, however the disclaimer advises photos and videos "uploaded in high quality may be compressed and resized," meaning original resolution images aren't catered for anymore under the offer.

For security, the custom-built Titan M chip is used to protect data and to ensure operating system integrity. Google also pledges monthly security updates for the device for three years.

The Pixel XL uses a large 3,700mAh battery to go with its large display, whereas the Pixel 4 has a 2,800mAh version. Both benefit from an 18-Watt USB-C charger that is included in the box, allowing for a quick charging experience.

Available to preorder today and shipping from October 24, the Google Pixel 4 costs $799 for 64GB and $899 for 128GB, while the XL costs $899 and $999 for the respective capacities. New for this generation is the availability of the Pixel 4 range on all major carriers in the United States, making it easier for consumers to acquire the devices. Third-party retailers, such as B&H and Best Buy, will also stock the Pixel 4 line.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 23
    huh, I thought literally copying a design was solely owned by Samsung. I wonder if Samsung is going to sue Google?

    Someone was going to call it out. It might as well be me. :wink: 
    edited October 2019 magman1979zhiromatrix077watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 23
    Could iPhone depth sensor by used for something like tho swipes as well? Just curious.
    cy_starkman1983watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 23
    magman1979magman1979 Posts: 1,301member
    Now who's tried this in-the-air gesture sensing tech before, and how spectacular of a catapult POOP dud was that???

    Oh, and nice job ripping off MOCKUPS of the iPhone 11 and the MacBook Air/Pro there Google, real classy, as usual.

    Fucking garbage.
    sdw2001lollivermatrix077
  • Reply 4 of 23
    Now who's tried this in-the-air gesture sensing tech before, and how spectacular of a catapult POOP dud was that???

    Oh, and nice job ripping off MOCKUPS of the iPhone 11 and the MacBook Air/Pro there Google, real classy, as usual.

    Fucking garbage.

    Profanity is not necessary to describe Google,

     

    Ah, What the hell!!!


    d_2watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 23
    tzeshantzeshan Posts: 2,351member
    Google showing/teaching Apple how to design a smartphone? 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 23
    bigtdsbigtds Posts: 167member
    Here we go again with the copying crap from the usual suspects.
    magman1979watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 23
    yagamigrayyagamigray Posts: 1unconfirmed, member
    No fingerprint? what the phuck?
  • Reply 8 of 23
    sdw2001sdw2001 Posts: 18,039member
    tzeshan said:
    Google showing/teaching Apple how to design a smartphone? 

    Um, judging by the fact that previous Pixels were garbage next to an iPhone, I'd say not.  
    ArloTimetravelerStrangeDayslollivermagman1979macxpresschiawatto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 23
    Nice camera bump!
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 23
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 4,038member
    Wait- now we’re all going to get cancer from being bombarded with radar, just like we’re getting cancer from the infrared LED on the iphone! /s
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 23
    fallenjtfallenjt Posts: 4,056member
    SweeTango said:
    Nice camera bump!
    I love Pixel camera bump and hate iPhone 11 bump...😂😂😂
    lolliverchiawatto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 23
    given the leap out of the gate when google first released the pixel phones, this seems a very slight upgrade. are they not interested?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 23
    tzeshan said:
    Google showing/teaching Apple how to design a smartphone? 
    Where?
    lollivermagman1979chiawatto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 23
    kevin keekevin kee Posts: 1,289member
    the Google Pixel 4 costs $799 for 64GB...


    Why?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 15 of 23
    gatorguygatorguy Posts: 24,649member
    kevin kee said:
    the Google Pixel 4 costs $799 for 64GB...


    Why?
    Software.
  • Reply 16 of 23
    kevin keekevin kee Posts: 1,289member
    gatorguy said:
    kevin kee said:
    the Google Pixel 4 costs $799 for 64GB...


    Why?
    Software.
    This is just greedy.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 17 of 23
    So no mention of 5G in these new phones, eh?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 18 of 23
    Did any phone before the iPhone 11 have the square camera bump? I recall seeing phones with 3 cameras, but they were always linear.
    magman1979watto_cobra
  • Reply 19 of 23
    Did any phone before the iPhone 11 have the square camera bump? I recall seeing phones with 3 cameras, but they were always linear.
    I think only Chinese OEM had such camera. But the trend started about 2 years ago. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 20 of 23
    gatorguygatorguy Posts: 24,649member
    So no mention of 5G in these new phones, eh?
    Nope. It's too early and there's not many places to use it yet and...
    Oh you know the drill. 
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