Click here for the best deals, brought to you by HP and PhoneArena

You can't blame those who pre-ordered the Pixel 4 for being upset with Google

by Alan Friedman / Nov 21, 2019, 7:00 AM

You can't blame those who pre-ordered the Pixel 4 for being upset with Google

One reason why Google should move the launch of its Pixel handsets to earlier in the year is that the release date is too close to Black Friday. Why would anyone pre-order a Pixel 4 for a late October launch if Google was planning to put the units on sale just about four weeks later? This year, Google gave those early adopters $100 of Google Store credit that would hit their account in 6 to 8 weeks. Considering this offer, many felt that Google had no plans to discount its newest handsets for Black Friday. But that line of thinking turned out to be wrong.

As it turned out, Google decided to take $200 off of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL starting on November 24th for Black Friday. That not only throws those who pre-ordered the Pixel 4 under the bus, by the time they get their $100 Google Store credit, the holiday shopping season will be pretty much over. And those who waited for Black Friday ended up rewarded with a better deal than those who pre-ordered one of the Pixel 4 models. Doesn't Google think that these loyal customers are going to remember how they got screwed over this year when Pixel time comes again next year, or even the year after that?

As usual, there were several issues with the Pixel 4 at launch

Last year, Google gave those who pre-ordered a Pixel 3 $50 in Google Store credit. But it started handing out the credit in 4 to 6 weeks. Sure, it might have hurt those early buyers when Google reduced the Pixel 3 by $150 and the Pixel 3 XL by $200 for Black Friday, but by then Google had already started handing out the $50 Google Store credit reducing some of the pain.

Historically Pixel models have had several issues at launch that required a software update. Take the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launch of 2017. The latter suffered from screen burn-in and with the Pixel 2, some users could hear strange clicking and whistling sounds on phone calls. This year, the Pixel 4 lineup had a few issues on launch day. The rear camera's white balance algorithm was off, causing the lighting to come out wrong in some photos. Additionally, a metronome-like ticking could be heard on the audio of some videos.

The sensors for the Pixel 4's Face unlock are found in the phone's large forehead

The November monthly update included some patches for the Pixel 4 line that fixed the problem with the cameras and made a change to the models buttery smooth 90Hz refresh rate. To save battery life, the Pixel 4 will automatically drop the refresh rate down to 60Hz on some content where the faster refresh rate won't make a difference. But when the screen goes back and forth between 60Hz and 90Hz, it will flicker at lower screen brightness levels. So Google set up the Smooth Display feature to be disabled whenever the brightness level dropped under 75%. But that set off howls of protest from Pixel 4 buyers. So with the November update, Google eliminated the restriction for the Pixel 4 XL entirely. And with the Pixel 4, the threshold dropped to 42%; if the screen on that model stays above 42%, the refresh rate will stay at 90Hz.

Other updates are coming. One will allow Pixel 4 users to request that their eyes be open for the Face unlock biometric feature to unlock the phone. Right now, without this option, those with the device can, in theory, have their phone unlocked by someone who puts it up to their face while they are sleeping. Under a scarier scenario, a bad actor could knock a Pixel 4 user unconscious just to unlock the handset. Google has said that in a future update it will add an option allowing device owners to require that their eyes be open in order for Face unlock to open the phone.

Related phones

View Full specs

PhoneArena Rating:

9.0

Read Full Review

User Rating:

9.0

Based on 2 Reviews

Display 5.7" 1080 x 2280 pixels

Camera 12.2 MP / 8 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, Octa-core, 2840 MHz

Storage 64 GB

Battery 2800 mAh

View Full specs

PhoneArena Rating:

9.0

Read Full Review

Display 6.3" 1440 x 3040 pixels

Camera 12.2 MP / 8 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, Octa-core, 2840 MHz

Storage 64 GB

Battery 3700 mAh

FEATURED VIDEO

Options

48 Comments

11. sunnyfpy

Posts: 293; Member since: May 12, 2013

Why would u want it in the first place? Mediocre except for camera!

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 1:08 AM 8

16. Georgio

Posts: 292; Member since: Nov 21, 2016

Just because you can't afford it? Haha how pathetic. This one of the best phone out there.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 6:11 AM 2

23. RevolutionA

Posts: 474; Member since: Sep 30, 2017

After iPhone. Of course you can't afford the best of best

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 9:47 AM 0

48. Georgio

Posts: 292; Member since: Nov 21, 2016

You and all the girls have an iphone now hahaha

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 10:54 AM 0

36. Phyzzi

Posts: 2; Member since: Nov 20, 2019

Probably in the top 50 at least!

posted on Nov 20, 2019, 7:36 PM 0

49. Cingano

Posts: 17; Member since: Aug 20, 2018

It all depends on what is important to you in a phone but in my eyes the pixel is overpriced software on junk hardware, and it's not a matter of affordability, I have an s10+ 1tb ceramic white. Pixel releases closer to the s11 with a new processor than it does to the s10. It has less ram, less storage, no sd card, no headphone jack, bad and buggy launches, less features, not as nice of a screen, more bezels, less than premium materials, less deals (free galaxy buds in my box). So where is the value in this phone? Some niche software features?

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 11:39 AM 1

37. Alex_12

Posts: 61; Member since: May 30, 2018

Camera, AI, face unlock, 3 years instant updates. After having Pixel, can't go back to OEMs, it's either iPhone or Pixel.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:06 AM 4

50. LordDavon

Posts: 179; Member since: Sep 19, 2011

I can agree with this. I've had nothing but issues with Samsung phones over the past few years. My S7 Edge has a battery that swells every year needing to replace it and the back, my S8+ kept complaining of moisture in the port when it was never wet and needed replacing, and my Note 9 would overheat in my pocket causing it to blank the screen when I received a call and couldn't answer it or complain of slow charging due to the heat. Every time I needed to do a warranty exchange. So, I finally got an iPhone 11 Pro Max (main) and Pixel 3 XL (work) to replace my 2 Samsung phones. I haven't had them long, but am never going back to Samsung. I have noticed that my Pixel 3 XL runs much smoother than my Note 9 ever did. I am really impressed with it. Makes me wonder if I should get a Pixel 4 XL for my work phone.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 12:05 PM 0

51. Cingano

Posts: 17; Member since: Aug 20, 2018

I like how I have a comprehensive list of things most people care about and that was your retort.. Samsung camera is very comparable and I prefer the wide angle lens on the s10+, it also has face unlock, in screen finger print scanner, I'm not sure what you mean by ai? The Google assistant that comes with any phone? Having costitent updates is your only valid point if you care about that. Which I don't.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 6:14 PM 0

12. DBozz

Posts: 111; Member since: Sep 19, 2019

as usual, s**tty pixels from google thinking that they are the apple of android!

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 2:46 AM 4

38. Cottofaro9

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 19, 2019

Oh look another person who doesn't even use pixel. It's definitely not Samsung they're barely even open source and are filled with bloatware. Oooh 3 more hours of battery life for an Android phone that no one wants there's a reason everyone switches from Apple to pixel not any other Android and I'm one of them

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:06 AM 3

52. Phyzzi

Posts: 2; Member since: Nov 20, 2019

I mean, I have to agree about Samsung. Never again (and I jumped ship on the 6). But that still leaves some nice phones from LG and Motorola (LG may not always have the best QC but they are nice and their design is good). I mean, I got a Moto G7 power and now, instead of my wife constantly harassing me about how quickly my battery dies, I can use my phone for two days without a charge, and that's heavy use. Honestly, the big deal breaker / swing and miss for Pixel are the small batteries. A twice as thick phone n!! I j+rj=,

posted on Nov 25, 2019, 2:24 AM 0

41. Alex_12

Posts: 61; Member since: May 30, 2018

With all the benefits of Android. I prefer to have the best camera, AI and instant 3 years updates then Samsung which has no support and full of irrelevant apps.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:09 AM 2

21. Vancetastic

Posts: 1754; Member since: May 17, 2017

I don't understand why anyone ever pre-orders anything.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 9:28 AM 7

39. Cottofaro9

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 19, 2019

Because you can trade in and get the phone half off just with any pixel?

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:06 AM 0

22. Vega007

Posts: 92; Member since: May 18, 2017

They do this every year. If people are upset, they should only be upset at themselves.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 9:47 AM 3

24. sarts81

Posts: 1; Member since: Nov 19, 2019

Android 10 using gesture control on the Pixel is brilliant. One of the best features. Once you get used to it, using the phone is even easier.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 10:35 AM 4

28. Ampo2412 unregistered

You mean it costs extra to get the new device first? No kidding Sherlock.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 12:46 PM 1

29. Cottofaro9

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 19, 2019

Firstly have you checked Reddit the most popular post is everyone loving their new phone and pointing out how many reviews like yours were giving it such a bad name. The phone is great and the 450 dollar trade in from Verizon made it the best phone purchase I've ever made.

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 3:10 PM 2

31. speedingcheetah

Posts: 93; Member since: Jul 22, 2017

People never learn....always wait for Black Friday sale if u want to save money. Launch day issues be resolved by then. Let those early adopters with money to burn test out phones for a bit, but people that want a smooth experience and pay less. Got my Pixel 3 for $200 off on Black Friday last year. Dont care for the P4 at all. No finger print or dual front facing speakers....

posted on Nov 19, 2019, 8:15 PM 1

34. saboken

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 11, 2018

Google is growing to fast I purchased a Nexus 5x, a Pixel 1 and the Pixel 3 xl 128, each has disappointed me over time with issues! There warranty service Sux!!! My P3 will probably be my last Google phone!! After reading the specs on the P4 and what they would give me on a trade for my P3 was a insult!

posted on Nov 20, 2019, 6:08 PM 0

42. Alex_12

Posts: 61; Member since: May 30, 2018

Trade never been a good option. If you have Pixel 3 then why would you buy Pixel 4? It only has an improved display with 90hz, a little bit better camera and face unlock.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:13 AM 0

35. witoham unregistered

What's the weather like on your planet? I got $450 off the P4 XL by trading in my 3 year old OG Pixel XL. Great deal and great new phone.

posted on Nov 20, 2019, 6:09 PM 1

40. Cottofaro9

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 19, 2019

Exactly I spent less on my pixel 4xl than my pixel 2 in 2016

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:07 AM 0

45. saboken

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 11, 2018

They offered me $250 for my Unlocked 128 gig Pixel 3 XL ! Not going to happen that's about 1/4 what I paid for it new about 5 months ago!!!!

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:34 AM 0

43. Stayfly2407

Posts: 81; Member since: Dec 15, 2011

I got my orange Pixel 4 for $500 flat, my daily driver when not using my Galaxy Fold.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:26 AM 0

44. MsPooks

Posts: 234; Member since: Jul 08, 2019

You can certainly blame them. They knew the deal when they preordered. They're getting what they agreed to. It's like the story Jesus tells of the field workers hired at different hours of the day. Those hired earliest worked longer than those hired late in the day, but each gets what THEY agreed to work for. Then they complain because the late-hired workers got the same pay, which is what they too had agreed to. What does the owner tell them? "You got what you agreed to; how is that unfair?"

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 7:30 AM 1

46. japkoslav

Posts: 1552; Member since: Feb 19, 2017

There is not a rule "not to blame stupid people", so I don't see a reason to "You can't blame those who pre-ordered the Pixel 4".

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 8:01 AM 1

47. spasticpat

Posts: 112; Member since: Dec 18, 2012

I'm not upset at all. I bought my 4 XL because I upgrade every two years. I sold my 2XL for $250 on Swappa and put it towards it. My wife's had a huge crack in the screen from dropping hers so we used Google's tradein for that to get $90 back but she needed a new phone due to the crack so it worked out for us. We both knew full-well going in that there'd be Black Friday sales but with my 2XL sold and her phone having a huge crack, we both pre-ordered and couldn't be happier.

posted on Nov 21, 2019, 9:23 AM 0

* Some comments have been hidden, because they don't meet the discussions rules.

view all comments