Google Pixel 5

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.”