Google Pixel 5 review second opinion: Battle of the bargains

Google took a cheaper approach to smartphone design this year. The Google Pixel 5 costs $ 100 less than last year’s Pixel 4, sacrificing some of its high-end features in the process. Even so, the phone offers a typical Google experience and has received high praise from experts, including in Android Authority own assessment.

I’ve spent a lot of time taking pictures with the latest phone from Google, and I’ve used it solidly for the past week as well. Overall, my opinion on the Google Pixel 5 is a bit mixed. The phone works very well, but it still feels like things could have been better. Whether it is for you boils down to a few small elements of the phone design.

Our verdict: Google Pixel 5 Review – The Best Premium Pixel

Nail down the essentials

This is a bit strange to say, but the Google Pixel 5 is a refreshingly honest handset. It doesn’t pretend to revolutionize the mobile formula or duplicate gimmicks to stand out from the crowd. The Pixel 5 is designed for work. It’s a huge hit in that regard and at $ 699 it won’t break the bank to do so.

This approach results in a product that meets all the basics of the smartphone. The great 90Hz display and Snapdragon 765G processor are great for surfing the web, checking emails, watching videos, etc. More demanding apps and heavy games are power limited, but the Pixel 5 is for all of yours perfect for daily activities. Likewise, the battery life is solid enough to last a full day and longer with your typical apps without any problems. This is a departure from Google’s earlier phones, which saw usability compromised for niche battery-draining features. Although 5G mmWave networks drain the newest pixel’s battery a little faster when you are on a supported network.

The Pixel 5 shows that benchmarks are increasingly being separated from everyday performance requirements.

If the hardware package falls into the “good enough” category, Google’s software is clearly top notch.

The Pixel Launcher is quick and easy. The integration of Google Assistant is ready to open apps, make appointments, send messages and much more. Google’s software promotes tight integration with other apps and services and underscores the power of the company’s growing hardware and software ecosystem. New Android 11 touches bring Google up to date with some previously missing features of many Android skins (e.g. screen recording) and further refine the formula. I like the way Google has redesigned the user interface controls and notification history. Android 11 is a welcome improvement on an already pretty good operating system.

Connected: The 10 best Google products you can buy

It is also important that Google guarantees software updates and support for at least three years. While you would expect Android’s Gatekeeper to offer the very best in software support, there aren’t many manufacturers that offer long-term update guarantees for the cheaper segment of the smartphone market.

Overall, I can’t disagree with David’s judgment from our review: “Google Pixel 5 is really a joy to use.” That said, it’s not perfect.

Mess up the details

I am not convinced of the design of the Pixel 5. It’s certainly better than the endless stream of glass sandwich clones. I have nothing against the robust “bio-resin” plastic backing. However, it is less smooth than the glass used in previous Pixel designs. The rear fingerprint scanner and overly rounded display edges look dated. The buttons are a bit flat and don’t offer the feedback you find on other phones.

The design of the phone is perfectly functional and pleasant to use compared to today’s larger models. Compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Mini with a similar price and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the Pixel 5 is rather simple and uninspiring. It’s more functional than a fashion statement.

Speaking of competing phones, this works nicely on the camera. Google’s camera technology remains one of the best in the business when it comes to color, exposure, and night shots, especially at this price point. But the older hardware is slowly showing its age. This is most notable when compared to the flexibility and consistency that triple camera packages offer, which are also becoming increasingly affordable.

The TD; LR is that the Pixel 5’s camera remains a good, often great, shooter. But it’s no longer the absolute best package in the business. It is high time that Google added great hardware to its great camera software. The newly introduced ultra-wide camera isn’t exactly convincing either and may not be worth the compromise of losing the telephoto zoom lens.

Even so, Google earns my goodwill by continuing to provide at least one solid camera instead of three or four, all of which underperform. At this price point, the Pixel 5’s images certainly won’t disappoint. Check out our detailed insights into the Google Pixel 5’s photo capabilities:

The puzzle of pixels 4a 5G

Despite my grips, the Pixel 5 is a great package. But it doesn’t exist in isolation either. There are definitely a few alternatives to consider, including an extremely similar competing phone from Google.

The Pixel 4a 5G offers the same performance, software features, 5G networks, and photography setup, and costs $ 200 less. Though you’ll be missing out on the Pixel 5’s fancier features and 5G mmWave capabilities. Unless you choose Verizon’s Pixel 4a 5G UW version with mmWave support. This variant costs $ 599, which is only $ 100 cheaper than the Pixel 5. Talk about a confusing product portfolio.

Even so, the Pixel 5 only really comes into its own if you use wireless and reverse charging, or are interested in an IP68 rating and the 90 Hz display. I would have liked faster loading and a more flexible camera setup. However, this is more of a personal preference than a major complaint about Google’s decisions.

See also: Google Pixel 5 Vs Pixel 4a 5G Vs Pixel 4a: Which Should You Buy?

In the US, the more expensive mandatory addition of mmWave 5G hardware may be harder to miss. Access to the mmWave spectrum remains quite limited even in the Verizon network. Other porters have few roads worth supporting right now and that won’t change anytime soon. With little benefit to most consumers in the here and now, mmWave feels like an unnecessary premium feature applied to an otherwise affordable mid-tier phone.

At least with wireless charging, you can buy an accessory if you want to use the feature. You cannot guarantee that network operators will strengthen their 5G network in your region in the next year. Budget-minded consumers will therefore likely prefer the Pixel 4a 5G or even the Pixel 4a 5G UW, while the Pixel 5 isn’t tall enough to compete in the premium class. This doesn’t diminish the handset’s strengths, but it does leave the Pixel 5 looking for a market that can be filled.

Google Pixel 5 Review Second Opinion: Is the Price Right?

The Google Pixel 5 is more of a value proposition than an ultra-premium flagship and should be rated as such. The phone offers one of the best camera packages for its price, enough power for everyday tasks, and a selection of high-end features like wireless charging and a 90 Hz display. It’s pretty good all around and pretty exceptional in terms of software. However, the design and the older camera package will no longer convince fans as they used to.

Google’s Pixel 5 is very good value for money in the UK and Europe. The £ 599 / € 629 price tag feels fair given the phone’s high-end features and is very competitive compared to its competitors. The Pixel 4a 5G is still awkwardly close at £ 499, but some may justify the extra cost of wireless charging and a nicer display.

See also: The best Google Pixel 5 alternatives

In the US, the price of $ 699 is not that cheap. Apple’s iPhone 12 Mini starts at $ 699, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is available for just $ 599. There’s also the OnePlus 8T for the same price if you’re looking for a bigger phone with more processing power and ultra-fast charging.

Ultimately, the added cost of mmWave support in the US makes the phone more difficult to sell. Verizon is currently the only network with usable mmWave coverage, but even that is a limited experience. Yes, the US model is a little future-proof, but faster and more efficient 5G phones will be available when mmWave is ubiquitous. If you don’t want mmWave, the Pixel 4a 5G will save you $ 200 while delivering most of Google’s flagship experience. It is probably a better choice.

While the hardware is just good enough, Google’s software is clearly top notch.

The Google Pixel 5 is a good phone that is great. However, at $ 700, there is stiff competition preventing Google from starting a home run. The small differences between Pixel 5, 4a 5G UW and 4a 5G result in a tight portfolio that requires clearer differentiation. I want Pixel 6 to be a notable step up from Google’s mid-ranger over the next year, even if Google stays on that sub-flagship course.

European and global customers should definitely consider the Pixel 5 on their next purchase. In the US, I would consider the Pixel 5 more seriously if you can pick it up at a discount.