{
  "id": 11514036,
  "title": "The Pixel 4 is still my favorite Google smartphone hardware, and it holds up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/the-pixel-4-is-still-my-favorite-google-smartphone-hardware-and-it",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-02T19:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/10/02/google-pixel-4-favorite-hardware-revisit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pixel 4 remains the standout smartphone hardware in Google's 10-year lineup, despite being Google's worst-performing phones. While the Pixel 4 series faced significant criticism, it still holds a special place in my heart due to its unique design and excellent physical build quality. The mostly blank back panel with a single camera module may not be groundbreaking, but the \"Oh So Orange\" color is still a favorite for many. The forehead design, which houses the Soli sensor and face unlock hardware, was a bold move that didn't go as planned. However, the face unlock sensor still works well, even recognizing users with facial hair. The phone feels great in hand, thanks to its soft-touch matte back panel and visually contrasting side rails. Unfortunately, the Pixel 4's shortcomings, such as high price, removal of a fingerprint sensor, and poor battery life, overshadow its strengths. Despite these flaws, the Pixel 4's hardware is timeless and should be revisited in future Pixel designs.",
  "summary": "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. more…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pixel 4 remains standout hardware in Google's 10-year lineup",
    "Unique design and build quality praised despite criticism",
    "Face unlock sensor works well with facial hair, feels great in hand"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}