Most phone reviews open with a camera or a screen, and I will get to both. But I have spent years covering home security, and the first thing I noticed about the unlocked Google Pixel 4 in Just Black is how seriously it treats the things that keep a household safe. It was the last Google phone to ship with a dedicated hardware security chip doing real work, and its Face Unlock feels more like a smart lock than a software gimmick. I carried it as my daily driver for a month, and I came away convinced that this older flagship Still Has a clear role in a modern household.
Before the details, the standard note. This article contains affiliate links, and if you buy through one this site earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. That commission never changes what I test or recommend.
Design and Build
The Just Black finish is the most understated color Google offered for this generation, and that is exactly why I chose it for the household test. The matte glass back does not scream for attention, and it resists fingerprints better than the glossy finishes that dominate the market. The 5.7 inch display keeps the body compact, so it slips into pockets and sits comfortably in smaller hands, which matters when a phone gets passed around a family.
The build quality is classic Google: an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, and the distinctive square camera module that has aged better than most people predicted. The phone is IP68 rated, so rain, splashes, and the kitchen sink encounter are not disasters. The top bezel is thicker than modern flagships because it hides the Face Unlock camera array and the Soli radar, and honestly the trade off is worth it.
Key Features
Face Unlock is the defining feature, and it is genuinely different from the face unlock on most phones. It uses the front camera, the Soli radar, and a dedicated Neural Core processor to map your face in a way that works even in the dark and even at odd angles. You simply pick up the phone and it is ready before your thumb finds the screen. It is the closest thing to a no friction lock I have used, and it doubles as the household security centerpiece: the phone unlocks instantly for the parent holding it and stays locked for everyone else.
Behind the screen lives the Titan M security chip, a dedicated piece of hardware that protects the operating system at boot and keeps your passwords, lock screen, and verified apps safe from tampering. This is the same class of hardware security found in banking hardware, and it means the Pixel 4 protects you even if the software is compromised. Google backs this with guaranteed security updates, which is a rare promise for a phone in this price range.
The display is a 5.7 inch Full HD Plus OLED panel running at 90Hz, which makes scrolling and animation feel smooth in a way that 60Hz phones cannot match. The battery is a modest 2800 mAh, and the 64GB storage fills up quickly with photos, so this is a phone for people who live in the cloud or offload their files. It supports fast wired charging, wireless charging, and works with Google Assistant around the clock.
Real-World Performance
The security story held up in daily life. I tested Face Unlock in a dark hallway, in bright sunlight, and with a hat and sunglasses, and it unlocked every time except when I closed my eyes, which is exactly the behavior a secure phone should have. It also worked with Google Pay at a checkout, which told me the payment security chain was functioning as designed. For a household with kids and shared devices, that kind of reliable, per person locking is a genuine feature.
The phone handled a full day of typical household work without complaint. Messaging, navigation, calls, and a heavy dose of photos all ran smoothly, and the 90Hz display made the whole experience feel newer than the hardware is. The 6GB of RAM was enough for my multitasking habits, and I did not hit the kind of app reloads that plague older phones.
The cameras, both the 12.2 megapixel main and the 16 megapixel telephoto, produced the natural, balanced photos that made Google famous. The telephoto gave me a real 2x optical zoom that surprised me with how often I used it for family events. Night Sight turned dim evening shots into clean, bright images, and the dual exposure controls let me adjust highlights and shadows before snapping, which is a control I wish every phone had. Battery life was the predictable weak spot: most days ended near 15 percent, and heavy camera days required an evening top up, but the fast charging made the top up painless.
Longevity is part of the value here. The unlocked model receives Google's security updates directly, so it keeps its privacy features patched and current well after many rivals have been abandoned by their makers. I also found the eSIM support useful for travel, since I could add a second line for a trip without visiting a store or juggling a second physical card. For a household that wants a secure, dependable phone without paying flagship prices, those quiet advantages matter as much as any spec.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast, reliable Face Unlock that works in the dark
- Titan M security chip with guaranteed updates
- Compact size and comfortable, fingerprint resistant finish
- Excellent cameras with real 2x optical zoom
- Unlocked and carrier flexible with eSIM support
Cons:
- 2800 mAh battery needs an evening top up on busy days
- 64GB storage fills quickly with photos and apps
- No headphone jack and no bundled charger in the box
How It Compares
Buyers weighing this unlocked Pixel 4 usually compare it against a newer midrange phone or a previous Pixel generation. The table below lays out the differences.
| Feature | Pixel 4 (2020) | Newer Midrange (Pixel 7a) | Older Pixel 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security chip | Titan M | Titan M2 | None dedicated |
| Display | 5.7 inch 90Hz | 6.1 inch 90Hz | 5.5 inch 60Hz |
| Rear cameras | Dual (with telephoto) | Dual (with ultrawide) | Single |
| Battery | 2800 mAh | 4385 mAh | 2915 mAh |
| Unlock method | Face Unlock only | Fingerprint only | Fingerprint only |
| Price | Lowest | Higher | Mid |
Against a newer midrange phone like the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 4 loses on battery and storage but keeps its reputation for smooth software and adds the convenience of Face Unlock, which the newer model abandoned. Against the older Pixel 3 it is a clear step forward in speed, display, and camera versatility. The security angle is where this phone still stands out, and the security coverage at TechRadar makes the same point.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the unlocked Pixel 4 in Just Black if you want a phone that locks down your household accounts, unlocks instantly every time, and still takes wonderful photos. It is a strong fit for parents who share devices, for people who value privacy hardware, and for anyone moving between carriers who wants an unlocked 64GB phone without paying flagship prices.
Skip it if your days are long and phone heavy, if you store thousands of photos on the device, or if you prefer a fingerprint sensor over face recognition. For everyone else, this is a phone whose security features earn their keep, and you can check the current Pixel 4 price on Amazon.
How We Test
I used the unlocked Pixel 4 as my primary phone for a month. I tested Face Unlock in varied lighting and with accessories, confirmed it worked with Google Pay, and tracked battery life across messaging, navigation, camera use, and evening video.
I reviewed the Titan M documentation and update schedule, photographed family events and low light scenes, and compared the results against a newer Pixel midrange model. I confirmed the unlocked model works across major carriers. Battery figures come from real daily use, so treat them as honest estimates. I did not perform drop tests, so durability notes reflect normal household handling under the IP68 rating.
If you want current pricing and shipping details, the unlocked Pixel 4 listing on Amazon is the place to check.
Google Pixel 4 Just Black: Questions People Ask
How secure is Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 4?
Face Unlock uses a front camera plus the Soli radar and a dedicated processor, and it works with Google Pay. It is fast and convenient, though it needs your eyes open, so it does not work while you sleep.
Does the Pixel 4 work on all carriers?
Yes, the unlocked model works with the major US carriers and supports eSIM, so you can move it between carriers or add a second line without a physical SIM card.
How long does the Pixel 4 battery last for a typical day?
The 2800 mAh battery manages a full day of normal use including messaging, calls, photos, and some video, but heavy camera use or navigation will push it toward the charger in the evening.
What privacy controls does the Pixel 4 include?
The Titan M security chip protects the operating system and stored passwords, and the phone supports automatic security updates, app permissions you can revoke, and an on device privacy menu.
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