The Pixel 4 XL isn't just bigger than the Pixel 4. There's more

The one to get

Google Pixel 4 XL

$900 at Amazon

Pros

• Bigger screen for work and play
• Longer battery life

Cons

• Larger and heavier
• More expensive for just better battery life

Even though it's the more expensive model, the Pixel 4 XL is the Pixel to get. Both phones do all of the same things, but the 4 XL has a bigger display and battery. It's no larger than any other flagship, and it isn't as hamstrung by a weak battery like the small 4 is.

Compact lovers only

Google Pixel 4

$800 at Amazon

Pros

• Compact for one-handed use
• $100 less than 4 XL

Cons

• Incredibly weak battery life
• Small screen may seem restrictive

The Pixel 4 is a good phone, but it's good for all of the same reasons as the 4 XL. In this comparison, its only redeeming quality is its compact size for people who don't like big phones. But in order to get it, you have to take on very weak battery life, even by the already not-great standards of the 4 XL.

What's the difference between the Pixel 4 and 4 XL?

What the Pixel 4 and 4 XL are capable of is widely detailed, so I won't rehash all of their features here. It's a solid assumption that if you're choosing between the Pixel models, you're already interested in their core features — and everything Google has advertised regarding the Pixel 4 is applicable to both phones.

Unlike the Pixel 3 generation, there really are no discernable differences in the Pixel 4 and 4 XL experience outside of the physical size, screen size, and battery size. This really is the best example of "same phone, two sizes" — and that's a good thing because it reduces the number of compromises and choices involved with buying a phone.

	Pixel 4	Pixel 4 XL
Operating system	Android 10	Android 10
Display	5.7-inch OLED 2280x1080 (19:9) 90Hz	6.3-inch OLED 3040x1440 (19:9) 90Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Pixel Neural Core	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Pixel Neural Core
RAM	6GB	6GB
Storage	64/128GB	64/128GB
Expandable	No	No
Rear camera 1	12.2MP, 1.4µm, f/1.7, OIS, PDAF	12.2MP, 1.4µm, f/1.7, OIS, PDAF
Rear camera 2	16MP telephoto, 1,0µm, f/2.4	16MP telephoto, 1.0µm f/2.4
Front camera	8MP, f/2.0 90-degree lens	8MP, f/2.0 90-degree lens
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, NFC, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, NFC, GPS
Audio	Stereo speakers USB-C	Stereo speakers USB-C
Battery	2800mAh Non-removable	3700mAh Non-removable
Charging	18W USB-C PD Qi wireless	18W USB-C PD Qi wireless
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Security	Face Unlock	Face Unlock
Dimensions	147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm 162 g	160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm 193 g

The most important differentiation is battery life. The Pixel 4 XL's battery shortcomings are well documented; it can make it through a day, if just barely, and really benefits from a midday top-up if you're going to use it hard or have late-day plans. That's mangeable, but the Pixel 4's battery is nearly 25% smaller, and its battery life is subsequently terrible. You will need to do some serious optimization to get the Pixel 4 through a normal day on a charge, and frankly that just isn't worth it for most people.

The only reason to consider putting up with this battery life is if you just can't deal with a big phone.

The only reason to even consider putting up with that battery life is if you really can't deal with a bigger phone. It's true there aren't many "small" phones out there nowadays, and there are even fewer high-end small phones, so the Pixel 4 will be the phone many people gravitate toward because it's so compact. It's refreshing to use a phone that's extremely capable and has an incredible camera, but slips in a pocket effortlessly and can be used in one hand without issue. However, the Pixel 4 XL is no larger than any other modern flagship phone, and you may be surprised by how easy it is to use.

Which should you buy?

We'll take it as a given that if you're looking at a Pixel 4 or 4 XL, you see value in the phones at their respective prices and have already narrowed it down to one or the other. That makes this decision pretty simple.

Frankly, there's only one reason to buy the Pixel 4: you just love small phones. You love small phones so much you're willing to be hamstrung by charging it midday on most days. Yes, you also save $100, but that's of little consequence here. The size difference, and more importantly battery life difference, are considerable enough to be far more important than the money savings.

Strongly consider getting the Pixel 4 XL instead. You may prefer small phones, but the battery life difference really will impact your daily use of the phone.

The one to get

Google Pixel 4 XL

$900 at Amazon

The better Pixel 4 that's worth the extra money.

It may be $100 more, but the Pixel 4 XL also has acceptable battery life. It also has a bigger display to give you more room for work and play.

Compact lovers only

Google Pixel 4

$800 at Amazon

A small flagship with terrible battery life.

The Pixel 4 does everything the 4 XL does, which is a boon for small phone fans. However, its battery life is so bad that you need to think twice before buying for its size.