Introduction
This year, Google has taken a very different approach to Pixel editing. They focus on providing a good user experience without removing specs from the processor or screen. Pixel 5 is probably this year’s Google flagship, but it’s not a respected device as we know it.
Google Pixel 5 Update
First, Google removed the finnicky radar sensors that allowed Motion Sense features on the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. Motion Sense was not as helpful as the ads were. As a result, the fingerprint scanner is back. Next, we don’t have the latest Snapdragon chipset in the Pixel, but we do get the powerful Snapdragon 765G with support for 5G networks. Finally, the Pixel 5 replaces the 2X telephoto from last year in favor of a new widescreen camera.
The overall form factor is very controllable with a 6-inch display with a fixed punch-hole selfie camera and compact size. The design of the Pixel 5 is very much based on the Pixel 4a which came a few weeks before it, but it comes with the smallest bezels we've ever seen on a Pixel phone. It also has a 4080mAh beefier battery compared to the Pixel 4 XL's 3,800 mAh. Combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 765G, the Pixel 5 should also see improvements in battery life, but we'll get to that.
Specifications
- Body: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm; 151g; Gorilla Glass 6 front, recycled aluminum enclosure reinforced with plastic; Colors: Just Black and Sorta Sage; IP68
- Display: 6.0" Flexible OLED, 1080 x 2340 px resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 432ppi; Always-on display
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm), Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver); Adreno 620 GPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 2.1 storage
- OS/Software: Android 11, 3 years of OS and security updates
- Rear cameras: 12.2 MP dual-pixel autofocus, 1.4 µm pixels, OIS, f/1.7 aperture, 77-degree fov; Ultra-wide 16MP, 1µm pixel, f/2.2 aperture, 107-degree fov, fixed focus
- Front camera: 8MP, 1.12 µm pixels, f/2.0, fixed focus, 83-degree fov
- Video capture: Rear camera: 4K @ 60fps, 1080p @ 60fps or 120fps; Front: 1080p @ 30fps
- Battery: 4080mAh; 18W USB-C Power Delivery, Qi wireless charging up to 12W, reverse wireless charging up to 5W
- Misc: rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, ambient light sensor, Magnetometer, Barometer, Spectral and flicker sensor
Images
Pixel 5 gains something new. It has houses made of recycled aluminum. However, it still supports wireless charging (and also supports recurring charging this year) - proving that smartphone makers don’t need to make delicate glass sandwiches to achieve a popular feature. Google has done this by installing an out-of-house charging coil before installing this adhesive coating and using the coil in the designated holes at the back of the chassis.
Google Pixel 5 Update
We can't help but think that Google is coming back with the Pixel 5. However, its low price and experience focus can favor Google. The need for a cheaper 5G smartphone is much more urgent than in the past and the price tag intensifies compared to the recently announced iPhone 12 Mini, OnePlus 8T, and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
Camera hardware is always the same on paper, but we are curious to see if the software has approved the development of the images. We'll always be open-minded and let you know once Google has updated its software and camera experience with the Pixel 5. Let's go into the box and see what's inside.