The Google Pixel 4 will have its last major Android update this year and that’s it. Some colleagues agree that the end is far too early here. Google only guaranteed new Android versions for the Pixel 4 for three years and might want to reconsider that.
This opinion is reinforced by the performance of the devices because what came after was weaker. It was only with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro that devices at a higher performance level were available again. The Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 were below the Pixel 4 phones and were also cheaper.
Too expensive and good for the early update end
Google installed a telephoto camera in the Pixel 4 series for the first time, albeit with very little zoom. For the camera, there was also the Pixel Neural Core – a separate chip. The Pixel 4 XL display has a QHD+ resolution and is therefore quite high – like the Pixel 6 Pro. It was also 90 Hz fast.
Last but not least there is the Soli hardware for hardware-assisted face unlock and motion sensors. Although these sensors were only available on the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, they ultimately drove prices above 700 euros.
Sustainability is often mentioned, but little practiced
It’s always about sustainability and in our industry that includes long update support. So that the devices are up-to-date for as long as possible. On the hardware side, there shouldn’t be anything wrong with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL – performance would be there.
Especially since Google only worked with Qualcomm a while ago to ease long-term support for new Android updates. Samsung has also partially introduced its update guarantee retrospectively. Google should be able to do the same.
Google will also turn a deaf ear there. It’s a pity really because extending the Pixel 4 and 4 XL update guarantee would be a big PR stunt. But that would have to follow suit for Pixel 5 to Pixel 6.
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