Google Pixel has evolved tremendously over the years, with some radically different designs showing up between generations. As the lineup turns 10, the Pixel 4 remains the one that stands out as my favorite smartphone hardware Google has made yet, and it’s not just about the looks.
Elephant in the room: The Pixel 4 series is objectively the worst pair of smartphones Google ever released. Funny, given that the beloved Pixel 4a came out of it, but it’s impossible to argue that Google nailed it here. Following up on its Pixel 3 series which, at the time, was the first launch that really started gainig traction, the Pixel 4 took a big swing in practically every way and it did not work.
But for all of its failings, the Pixel 4 remains my favorite piece of hardware overall.
I think this is the most unique smartphone Google made, and also the one most meant for actual people to use it. The looks themselves aren’t exactly groundbreaking. The mostly blank back with a single square camera module is relatively generic by today’s standards. I’ll still vouch for “Oh So Orange” any day – and still actively regret not keeping mine – but I’d also argue there’s beauty in the simplicity here. It’s timeless.
Of course, less timeless is that big forehead over the display. Used to house the Soli sensor and face unlock hardware, this was another place where Google made a big swing that didn’t work out. Fundamentally, I don’t think Google made a mistake here. The face unlock sensor still works, and even recognized me with a beard that I didn’t have 7 years ago when I was actively using this phone. Impressive! I still think I prefer Google’s forehead design to Apple’s iPhone notch of the time, but the cleverness of Apple’s Dynamic Island is way better than Google’s solution here. But with newer Pixels splitting the difference between security and hardware on face unlock, I think we’re in a pretty good spot nowadays.
But what really lets the Pixel 4’s hardware live rent-free in my head is how it feels.
Again, for all of this phone’s failings, the physical hardware is truly just so nice. The soft-touch matte of the back panel hasn’t been replicated, and the visually contrasting side rails not only look great, but feel incredible in the hand. These really feel like they were born out of Google’s cozy, human take to product design of the time and I wish the company had continued down that path.
Don’t get me wrong, the modern Pixel design is gorgeous. I’m a big fan of the camera bar and Google’s approach to color, but the aesthetic of the Pixel 4 is something that I wish we’d seen more of. It was such a great foundation that felt not just unique, but better at the time.
Of course, that was largely ruined by the shortcomings. Pixel 4’s legacy is largely around being too expensive, ditching a fingerprint sensor at exactly the wrong time, and truly atrocious battery life.
Still, if I had any influence whatsoever over the next 10 years of Pixel design, stop number one would be revisiting some of the core design ideas behind the Pixel 4.
What do you think?
More on Google Pixel:
- Google Pixel can use Tensor as long as it wants; it’s all the other specs I’m jealous of
- September 2026 Pixel Drop: VIPs widget redesign, more Pixel Watch gestures
- Pixel 11 lets you make any Camera Look default with this buried setting
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