Pixel 4 buyers can’t upload unlimited photos without compression
Google is not offering buyers of Pixel 4 smartphones unlimited online storage for photos and videos without compression. With the Pixel 3, Google did that for a period of a number of years. It remains possible to upload unlimited photos in ‘high quality’.
On the specification page of the Pixel 4 smartphones, Google now advertises unlimited online storage of high-quality photos and videos. That applies to all Google Photos users, regardless of which smartphone they use. Photos are stored with compression in a resolution of up to 16Mp and the maximum video resolution is 1080p.
With the Pixel 3 devices, Google gave buyers the option to upload unlimited photos and videos in original quality, without any form of compression. The fine print did state that this was an offer that was valid until June 31, 2022. After that, the space used would count towards the storage space that the user has available in his Google account.
The Pixel 4 smartphones are only available in versions of 64GB or 128GB and it is not possible to expand the storage space with a memory card. The ability to upload unlimited photos and videos in original quality was seen as a plus of the Pixel 3 smartphones. Google still offers unlimited storage in original quality for these models.
If Pixel 4 owners upload photos and videos in original quality, that will be deducted from their storage space with Google. Users get 15GB for free, after that they have to pay for more space. That costs 2 euros per month for 100GB, 3 euros per month for 200GB or 10 euros per month for 2TB. With annual payment, that costs 20, 30 and 100 euros respectively.
Pixel 4 (left) vs Pixel 3