Ahead of the upcoming Pixel 5 launch, Google has discontinued its Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL smartphones, despite their relatively recent release. Similar to its discontinuation of the Pixel 3a earlier this year, there is no current replacement for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL models -- but they are still available from certain retail stores while supplies last.
Part of the Pixel line, which launched in 2016, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL were first released in October of 2019, with pre-orders going live on October 16 and the full release taking place on October 24. The Pixel 4 started at $799, while the 4 XL started at $899, and both offered a variety of features, including wireless charging. The Pixel 4 boasted a screen size of 5.7 inches, while the 4 XL was a little bigger at 6.3 inches.
As reported by The Verge, Google has made the decision to discontinue the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, despite the fact that the Pixel 5 won’t arrive until later this year. While consumers won’t be able to purchase either model on the Google Store -- they are labeled as out-of-stock from Verizon and Google Fi -- it seems that they will both remain available from other retailers, while supplies are still available. Furthermore, software and security updates will continue to be provided for anyone who currently has a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL for the same period as any other Google phone - three years after the models first launched. Although the Pixel 4 series is now gone, consumers will only have to wait a few more weeks for another Google phone.
The Pixel 4a (& Pixel 5) On The Way
Pixel customers won’t be left in the lurch for very long as the Pixel 4a is set to launch on August 20. The Pixel 4a is Google’s budget option, with a price tag of $349 (or $14.54 per month over a two-year period). While it seems to offer a good battery life, one drawback is that there's no wireless charging. The Pixel 4a comes with 128 GB storage and Google has already confirmed that a 5G version is in the works, due to be released around the same time as the Pixel 5. All in all, between the affordable price and respectable tech specs -- like a rear camera which enables users to take (good) pictures in low lighting -- it looks like the Pixel 4A will be a solid option until the Pixel 5 lands.
With the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5 both launching before 2020 is out, it isn’t a total surprise that Google has decided to discontinue the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL. Although it does seem quick, considering how long they've been available, it may just be time for these two models to be put out to pasture, in order to make room for the new Google Pixel phones.
Source: The Verge