I've now come to realize having recently purchased myself a Pixel 3XL which I love, and actually had new updates a few weeks even before the very latest Pixel 4 got them,
That, no other brand of phone is for me.
As we have come to understand, somewhat unfortunately I think we will all admit to some degree, Google seem more focused on the software than the hardware, which has bitten them in the backside to a large degree when it comes to tech reviews, that by nature focus on the hardware side.
Owning this phone for a number of weeks, and having had the very latest updates drop on it, together with a year of Google fixing all the issues that came with the Pixel 3 models upon launch, I've realized, for myself personally, having the most up to date software and features, is the most important aspect for me.
I can't imagine now going to another brand, perhaps some better hardware in some areas, but then having to wait months, year+ or perhaps even never getting the latest of what Android can offer.
As many have said, Google do almost seem to release a phone, whilst it's still hardly out of Beta in some areas, and there then follows a long process of, over many weeks, months of fixing the major issues, then polishing the finer ones, and bringing in new additions so that, almost, it seems if you buy it when the next model drops, you are almost getting the best version.
Saying all this, Looking at the latest Pixel 4, I think despite it being new, it's a hard sell over the 3
Looking at Camera comparisons there is very little if anything in it, a slight colour tone change, and tiny more zoom detail due to the admittedly not amazing zoom lens addition.
Lack of WideAngle, Battery Size, being the two weakest areas. The whole Soli radar is looking like a great concept, but I could see it dropped unless it's far better than it looks right now.
Some have suggested the Original Soli demo, which was amazing in fine finger controls was because that Soli chip was vastly larger than the version in the Pixel 4.
Whether than makes a difference, we'll see over the forthcoming year. Right now it does not seem any better than failed offerings from Samsung and LG which both used Camera's the watch for hand movements. I'd like to see it get more use, and before a valuable addition, but the jury I'd say is very much still out on this.
Pixel 5, now, logically, and I'm aware logic and GIANT companies often don't go together, given the hammering Google have got for the Small Battery, No Wide Angle, and dubious Zoom, one would think they'd be sitting round the table right now, planning next Autumns model and saying ok, these are the 3 major negatives we need to put right.
And to be honest, Taken a Pixel 4, add a 3rd Wide Angle, Perhaps a 5x zoom as is appearing elsewhere, and a good sized battery, and there would be almost nothing to moan about.
Ok, perhaps tweak the screen bezel issue, I'd still rather have a notch than a total bar, but that's personal.
I do hope they listen, and Pixel 5 is the phone where they finally get everything right.
Just sayin