What's good
- Great camera software
- Nice metal case
- Clean Android interface
What's bad
- Slow image processing
- Weak panel speaker
Google brings back simplicity in the unassuming Google Pixel 5. It’s not flashy; it doesn’t have bells and whistles. But sometimes less is more. Does this unassuming new release from Google have what it takes to compete with the best in its price range?
Design
Google went for an all-metal finish, giving the phone a premium feel. At a glance, it seems simple and even a little bit dull but reviewers felt the design’s simplicity is a strong point. The Google Pixel 5 sports slim bezels, a decent screen, and the right size for one-handed use -- everything you need in 2020 but nothing extra to distract.
Display
The Google Pixel 5 has an OLED screen. Reviewers found it had decent coloration and contrast., calling it “just right.” The screen itself runs a little warm color-wise but it’s not enough to make the phone hard to use. Instead, it’s just enough to take the edge off the mobile phone’s screen.
Performance
The phone is not the fastest or zippiest but it does what you need it to do and can multitask in a pinch. It doesn’t really play the big games well, and the image processing is really slow, but that was the biggest gripe reviewers had.
Software & Storage
The phone ships with Android 11 and a promise of updates for a good long while. The Google Pixel 5 is locked in at 128GB without an external expansion option.
Cameras
The Google Pixel 5 does great with photos. Some reviewers even stated the camera was better than the iPhone 11. While that’s not the newest phone on the market, it’s still a photography powerhouse by mobile standards. Reviewers stated that the range of options, filters, and tweaks available are seemingly endless -- including a filter that allows you to adjust the light source of a picture adding shadows and highlights in real-time.
Battery Life
Battery life was a strong point for the Pixel 5. With frequent use, media watching, and multi-tasking, it still managed to pull nearly 10 hours of time before needing a charge for reviewers. Whether you’re a power user or just looking for something affordable when you need it, the phone should last the day for you with little issue.
Audio
The panel speaker on the Google Pixel 5 failed to impress reviewers. Many called the audio experience shallow and tinny. There’s also no headphone jack, so if you want to escape the weak speakers, you’ll need a pair of Bluetooth headphones or an adapter to the plugin in your traditional 3.5mm cans.
Specs at a Glance
- Aluminum chassis
- 6-inch OLED display
- Octa-core 2.4 GHz Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G processor
- 8GB of RAM
- Android 11
- 128GB of storage
- Rear-facing 12MP lens and 8MP selfie camera
- 4080mAh battery
Bottom Line
Google was not aiming to take over the market or to change phone history. The Pixel 5 is meant to be an affordable phone with a focus on simplicity and uncomplicated design. The phone functions well and it does what it promises. This could be the sort of gem someone is looking for amidst all of the flashy full-featured phones out there running for twice the price.
Tech Radar says, “The Google Pixel 5 loses some of the more advanced features of its predecessor in order to keep the cost down, and the result is a streamlined phone with great camera software and a clean Android interface”
Android Authority states, “The Google Pixel 5 may not be the high-end Pixel we were expecting, but it's a pretty compelling mid-range option. Google is going back to basics with the Pixel 5, ditching higher-end features like face recognition and the quirky Motion Sense gestures.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Alex Walker-Todd, Tech AdvisorThe Pixel 5 doesn't pretend to compete with the most powerful phones on the market, because it doesn't have to. It's perhaps the most balanced Android phone to date, not to mention a great choice for those after a capable small phone, 5G phone or camera phone.
- Daniel Bader, Alex Dobie, Android CentralGoogle didn't shoot for the moon, but it landed among the stars anyway. The Pixel 5 is one of the best and most accessible phones of 2020, offering most people everything they want and nothing they don't.
- Lynn Anderson, DxOMarkAlthough Google engineers have done a terrific job optimizing the software and default settings, the Pixel 5’s battery performance was lagging behind its less-expensive competitors — and particularly so when on the go. Its biggest weakness, however, is in charging, with an 18W charger that was not e...
- Adam Ismail, Tom's GuideThe Google Pixel 5 is a charming and reasonably-priced premium phone with an amazing camera and good battery life. But it's far less powerful than other options in its price range, and completely outmatched in value by Google’s cheaper Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 4a.
- Analie Cruz, TechWeLikeI do think the list price of the Pixel 5 is a bit high, it’s great that it’s not at $1000 like flagships of other manufacturers. The Pixel 5 isn’t the most exciting phone, by any means, but it continues fixing its features, such as the smooth and clean Android experience, excellent pictures, and rel...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Google backs up the Pixel 5 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Pixel 5 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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