Google Pixel 4 release date: New Google handsets are out now

UPDATE: The Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL are out now. You can take a look at our early previews of both handsets using the links below.

• Google Pixel 4 preview
• Google Pixel 4 XL preview

The original article continues below.

The Google Pixel 4 is mere hours away. Like last year, however, the launch might as well not be happening; thanks to an unmanageable number of leaks, we now know everything anyone could ever need to know about both the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL.

We’ve swept every tidbit of information into one place to save you some hassle. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 4.

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Google Pixel 4: Everything we know so far

Google Pixel 4 features and specs: What’s inside?

Specifications

Both Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy Canada have now leaked a complete list of specs for both the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL. Rather than waffle on, here’s a table detailing what you can expect from the new Google handsets.

There are a few disappointments worth noting here. The Snapdragon 855 isn’t quite the latest chip, although admittedly, the 855 Plus only improves upon its predecessor in the gaming department. And oh my, is that a SMALLER battery than the already underwhelming one found in the Pixel 3? Fortunately, the 3,700mAh battery inside the Pixel 4 XL might help make it the preferred choice.

Features

Let’s begin with some exciting new stuff. Spoiler: It’s not a particularly long list.

• Project Soli: Google’s hands-free technology will make snoozing alarms and activating voice assistants that much simpler. The full depth of Soli’s capabilities is currently unknown, although it will reportedly notice when you move towards your phone and, in response, ready the selfie camera, Google assistant and always-on display.
• 90Hz display: Pretty much confirmed at this point, a 90Hz display means in simple terms that animations, transitions and even some recorded video will appear smoother – hence, “Smooth Display”. You’ll be able to choose whether the phone dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 60Hz and 90Hz, at the expense of battery life.

• Astrophotography mode: In brief, Google’s Night Sight is getting an upgrade. The new photo mode allows you to capture the night sky like a pro, which is useful if you live somewhere where light pollution isn’t really an issue, like it is in all major cities.
• No fingerprint sensor: It seems likely that Google is trying to ditch the fingerprint sensor, like Apple, and replace it with facial recognition. As such, the new front sensor will unlock your phone regardless of orientation, which means you don’t have to hold the Pixel 4 in a very specific way to unlock it with your ugly mug.
• 5G: Rumours suggest that Google will be launching a 5G Pixel 4. Whether we can expect to see it launch alongside the standard handset is another story, however; the phone is reportedly still being tested in China, which might indicate that we’ll be waiting a bit longer.

Otherwise, you can expect the latest version of Android 10, plus a USB Type-C charging port and – sadly – no 3.5mm headphone jack. Reports indicate that you won’t receive a pair of headphones in the box, but that’s hardly a game-changer.

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Google Pixel 4 design: What will it look like?

As you will notice from the image at the top of this page, the fingerprint sensor has surreptitiously vanished, although the power button remains, as it ever has, on the right-hand side of the device. The controversial two-tone rear panel has gone, which will either delight or disappoint you depending on your stance (everyone has a stance). 

^ images courtesy of Nextrift

We can see that the Pixel 4 XL features a thick bezel and a much smaller chin bordering the display, rather than the ever-popular notch or hole-punch. The top bezel in the image seems to house a single rear camera and Soli sensor, whilst the rear camera array contains 2 cameras arranged within a square block. 

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL will come in Just Black, Clearly White and Oh So Orange, according to an enormous billboard that went up on Times Square not so long ago.

Google Pixel 4 release date: When will it launch?

The handset will make its debut on 15 October – as we predicted – at Google’s hardware event, although it’s safe to say we don’t expect many more surprises considering this has been the most leaked phone of the year. The first Pixel launched in October 2016; the Pixel 2 arrived exactly one year later; and the Pixel 3, a year after that.

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Google Pixel 4 price: How much will it cost?

Ever-so-reliable Twitter leaker Evan Blass is at it again and gives us the low-down on the prices we should expect from the new handset.

With Blass having received pricing information for the smartphone in Canadian currency, we work out that the Google Pixel 4 should come to £640 for the 64GB storage model and £731 for its 128GB variant. Upsize to the Pixel 4 XL and you may have to fork out £731 for 64GB and £830 for the higher storage model.

The original Pixel cost £599 for 32GB of storage at launch, with the 64GB option demanding an extra £100 on top. The new handset may not have the hefty price tag we thought it would, but there are no complaints on our side. Nevertheless, these prices aren’t set in stone just yet.

We will continue to update this page as more leaks flow our way. Stay tuned.