Google’s iPhone Retort: More Cameras and AI in New Pixel Phones

  • Pixel 4 models add radar, face unlock and a smarter Assistant
  • Last year’s Pixel 3 smartphone line didn’t sell very well
The Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XLPhotographer: Mark Gurman/Bloomberg
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Google on Tuesday showed how it will attempt to get its high-end Pixel phones out of their rut: A combination of familiar Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. technology, the addition of juggernaut carrier AT&T Inc. and cutting-edge camera and digital-assistant features that showcase the company’s lead in artificial intelligence.

The new models -- the 5.7-inch Pixel 4 and 6.3-inch Pixel 4 XL -- have redesigned cases with a new camera bump and an additional lens alongside a much-improved display with smoother animations and facial recognition to replace yesteryear’s fingerprint sensor. Google also increased the memory to 6GB, addressing a pervasive complaint about overly frugal specs on last year’s devices.