Google Pixel 5

the Best Phone on the Market?

Google^® Pixel^® 5 — the Best Phone on the Market?

With the release of the recent Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL — and now the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 — Google has proven itself a top contender on the smartphone market.

So far, much of Google's focus has been on producing top-quality mid-range phones, rather than pumping all of the latest and greatest features into a single expensive device. This strategy has served them well, as demonstrated by the generally positive reception of the 4a, which boasts an impressive camera set-up and screen-forward design for a fairly low price. 

Their latest announcement, the Google Pixel 5, sits at the top of the mid-range spectrum, coming in at about $699. Despite the mid-range status, the 5 is Google's final and most premium flagship offering of the year. They've even discontinued last year's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL to make room for the new devices. 

About the Google Pixel 5 

The Pixel 5 was released today, keeping the Android world buzzing with excitement for the highly anticipated phone. With the new 5 design, Google made some interesting choices to keep costs low, like eliminating the popular face unlock feature and downgrading the Snapdragon® processor compared to last year's Pixel releases. Despite these changes, they've made immense strides in terms of design, battery life, durability and overall functionality that packs a punch for a moderately priced device.

All new devices ship with a power adapter, USB-C cable, SIM tool, quick switch adapter and start guide. Unlike other popular releases on the market, there is currently only one variation of the Pixel 5, and no word of a future 5 XL yet.

Performance

One of Google's most surprising moves with their upcoming release is the step back from Snapdragon 855, instead offering a device powered by Snapdragon 765G. The change in processing power is likely due to their efforts to keep costs low — something that's proven a challenge for most 5G-enabled releases. Despite the change, the Snapdragon 765G is still a powerful processor. It's considered the premium selection for mid-tier processing and stands up to standard mobile gaming. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 5 will have no problem supporting your daily tasks or streaming video. The new phone also includes a single nanoSIM and eSIM with 128GB of storage.

The phone will ship with Android® 11 and is expected to get Android 12 and Android 13 in 2021 and 2022. As is the case with all Pixel devices, the 5 comes with a minimum of three years of operating system and security updates from Google.

Some of the most impressive features listed in the upcoming release are the Pixel 5's battery life and charging capabilities. Users familiar with previous Pixel models will appreciate the massive boost from the Pixel 4's 2,800 mAh battery to the Pixel 5's improved minimum 4,000 mAh, backed by your choice between 18W fast charging or wireless charging. The Pixel 5 is also equipped with reverse charging, so you can place compatible wireless devices on top of your charged cell phone and wirelessly charge them with ease.

Of course, we can't talk about performance without mentioning 5G® connectivity. Though 5G coverage depends on your network carrier and location, both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G connections promise faster speeds, less latency and smoother overall performance. The Pixel 5 can accommodate both types of 5G, as well as standard 4G LTE. You can even set your Pixel 5 up as a 5G hotspot for other compatible devices. 

Camera

As is the new standard for smartphone photography, the Pixel 5 comes ready with three separate lenses — two on the back and one on the front. The front-facing selfie cam captures 8 MP images with an 83-degree field of view and fixed focus. Both rear lenses are more powerful than the front, coming in at 12.2 MP and 16 MP. One is a 77-degree field of view lens with dual-pixel autofocus and phase detection, and the other offers an ultrawide lens and expansive 107-degree field of view.

Have your choice of video recording quality with 4K recording in the back and 1080p recording in both the front and back. Stereo speakers feature three powerful mics with noise suppression that will help you achieve even more professional footage.

Pixel 5 camera features include some old and new faces. You get all the same great Google image options, including the following: 

•  Night Sight 
  
•  Top Shot 
•  Portrait Mode
  
•  Motion Auto Focus
  
•  Frequent Faces
  
•  Portrait Light 
  

You'll also enjoy upgrades to existing features, including a newer and better HDR+ with brighter frames and exposure bracketing for clear, vivid photos. You can even edit old portraits with improved illumination.

The addition of Super Res Zoom technology enables you to zoom as close to your subject as you need without any blurring or loss of detail. It's similar to the device's audio zoom feature, which lets you keep audio clarity while zooming in and out. For advanced video recording options, you now have a choice between three stabilization modes — locked, active and cinematic pan. The latter gives you slow, Hollywood-esque drama, while locked and active offer more straightforward stability. 

Security

The Pixel 5 offers superior water and dust resistance with IP68 protection. IP68 refers to the Ingress Protection level. The number eight means that the phone has withstood some water submersion tests without sustaining any noticeable damage. Google also kept the same Titan M security chip that has served their previous Pixel releases well against malicious modifications and apps. The phone ships with Android 11, which has seen a few crucial security upgrades, including temporary and one-time app permission settings, blocked permissions, safer storage and improved call screening.

Internal security options have seen improvement as well. Though there is no face unlock feature this time around, Google has kept the Pixel Imprint and placed it on the back for fast, secure unlocking. 

Design

Google stays true to the style of previous Pixel models with a sleek, minimalist design, slightly rounded edges and thin bezels. Instead of a polycarbonate body, the 5 has an all-metal composition made of 100% recycled aluminum. Aluminum phones are known for their high-quality appearance. Because millions of tons of aluminum make their way to landfills each year, this design is a good move for both consumers and the environment. Paired with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6, your device should be safe from minor damages and falls. The body is available in either black or a gray-toned sage green.

Dimensions for the Pixel 5 are: 

•  Height: 5.7 inches
  
•  Width: 2.8 inches
•  Thickness: 0.3 inches
  
•  Display: 6 inches
  
•  Weight: 5.33 ounces

The camera module on the back of the phone is square, with a small hole-punch for the front-facing lens. One significant deviation from previous Pixel models is the lack of a top bezel. This adds more screen-to-body ratio but is probably why your new device will not come equipped with face unlock or a gesture radar. However, it is worth noting that Google has plans to include these features again in the future. There is no audio jack on the new device.

The screen features a vivid Flexible OLED and FHD+ touchscreen display with HDR support, Always-On Display, Now Playing and Smooth Display up to 90 Hz, the phone's set refresh rate. A 90 Hz refresh rate means your screen refreshes 90 times per second for a seamless streaming and scrolling experience. 

Features

Google has made several usability improvements to its apps, like a more intelligent transcription service on the Recorder app and improved call screening. The Pixel 5 also includes the following features:

•  ARCore: ARCoreTM is Google's augmented reality platform, and it's no stranger to the Pixel lineup. Users will get access to standard ARCore features, including motion tracking, environmental understanding and light estimation, so you can turn your device into a handy tool for measuring, designing or education.
  
•  Hold for Me: Google's Hold for Me feature is here to help you save valuable time. Active this feature while you're on hold and, once the person on the other line returns, Google will let you know.
•  Google Duo: Google DuoTM now includes the ability to share your screen with the person on the other side of your video chat, ideal for gaming or long-distance movie nights.
  
•  Extreme Battery Saver: The Pixel 5 has superior battery life compared to others in Google's lineup, but sometimes you're away from home, and it's impossible to charge your device when you need it. Prolong battery life with Extreme Battery Saver, a Pixel 5 function that will allocate your battery to specific apps you place on your whitelist.
  
•  Google Wellbeing: Google Wellbeing aims to help users take control of their time, especially in relation to using technology. Wellbeing will help you track your daily habits, including how much time you spend on apps and browsing the internet. You can set things like bedtime mode or daily app limits, or pause distracting apps from interfering with your workflow. Customize your notification settings with do not disturb and snooze functions, so you can choose when and how often you use your cell phone.

How the Google Pixel 5 Measures up to Other Popular Smartphones

Now that you know more about what to expect from Google's next Pixel release, how does the Pixel 5 stand up against other popular devices on the market? While the decision ultimately comes down to your budget, brand preferences and overall wants and needs for your smartphone, the Pixel 5 can certainly hold its own against Apple's iPhone 12 and Samsung's Galaxy Note20 5G.

Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4

Though there have been a few mid-range releases since then — including the popular Pixel 4a released in August — the Google Pixel 4 is the direct predecessor to the Pixel 5. Released in 2019, the Google Pixel 4 cost about $100 more than the Pixel 5 when launched.

Here's how Google's two heavy hitters compare: 

•  Design: At 5.7 inches, the Pixel 4 had a slightly smaller display size than the 5, though the 4's display included Active EdgeTM while the 5's does not. The Pixel 4 launched in both a black and white variation. The 5 subs out a white body for a soft sage green. Both devices have an aluminum frame.
  
•  Performance: The largest departure from the Pixel 4 is the Pixel 5's ability to support 5G networks. Remember that big jump in battery life? While the Pixel 5 has a minimum 4,000 mAh battery, the Pixel 4 had only a 2,800 mAh one. The Pixel 4 did not offer reverse wireless charging. The 4 operated with a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 855 chip. Both devices have Smooth Display up to 90 Hz.
•  Durability: While the Pixel 4 XL had the same IP68 water and dust protection as the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4 did not. The Pixel 5 also has better screen protection, with Gorilla Glass 6, an improvement over the Pixel 4's Gorilla Glass 5.
  
•  Cameras: Both devices have three cameras, but the Pixel 5 replaced the Pixel 4's telephoto rear lens with an ultrawide lens. The Pixel 5 also has the Super Res Zoom feature for better video recording and up-close photography.
  
•  Features: As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 5 is missing the Soli radar and face unlock feature that users enjoyed with the earlier variation.

Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12

After the announcement on the iPhone 12 earlier this month, many experts consider it a main competitor for the Google Pixel 5, thanks to their similar high-end specifications and late 2020 release dates. The mini version of the iPhone 12 will hit the market at a similar price point. Advanced versions of the iPhone 12, like the standard and Max models, are more expensive. With the release of these models, Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 Mini are considered to be the battle of mid-range devices.

Here's what the iPhone 12 release revealed to us and how it will differ from Google's Pixel 5: 

•  Design: The Pixel 5 will not come in any variant sizes, while the iPhone 12 was released with four different models, including a Mini, standard, Pro and Pro Max. At 5.4 inches, the iPhone 12 is set to be Apple's smallest cell phone in recent history, and much smaller than Google's 6-inch Pixel 5 display.
  
•  Performance: The iPhone 12 operates on the A14 Bionic processor, making it the fastest smartphone to date. Compared to the Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765G, the A14 Bionic processor is a little bit faster and better for mobile gaming. The iPhone also has multiple storage options, while the Pixel will boast a superior battery life and charging abilities. Of course, you also have all of the fundamental differences between Android 11 and iOS to consider, including access to Google AssistantTM or Apple's Siri®.
•  Durability: The iPhone 12  boasts a new Ceramic Shield design that makes it far more damage-resistant than previous designs.
•  Cameras: Apple has a reputation for delivering phones with great camera quality, and the iPhone 12 isn't an exception. The new lineup of phones actually has three new camera setups. 
  
•  Features: The new iPhone device continues to integrate Apple's Face ID® unlock feature, which we know the Pixel 5 will not have. This is in addition to all Apple and iOS-specific apps and features, like integration with other Apple devices, AirDrop® and FaceTime®.

Pixel 5 vs. Galaxy Note20 5G

The Pixel 5 is a premium mid-range offering, while the Galaxy Note20 5G makes no attempt to stay within the mid-range. It's a premium-priced device with top-tier features. It's hard to pit the two against one another, as each one serves a different purpose and targets a different user demographic.

If the price difference isn't a determining factor for you, here's a brief breakdown of how these two devices differ:

•  Design: While both devices offer a metal frame and a green color option, that's where the design similarities end. The Pixel 5 has a minimalist, modern design with small curves and thin bezels. The Galaxy Note20 has a heavier, more luxurious appearance with a larger 6.7-inch screen-to-body ratio and virtually no bezels at all. The Galaxy Note is available in three color variations, including bronze and gray, while the Pixel 5 has black and sage.
  
•  Performance: Despite their different features and price points, both devices have a surprisingly similar battery capacity and intelligent battery adaptation. They are each 5G compatible, operate on an Android OS and have the same RAM and internal storage space.
•  Durability: Samsung equipped its Galaxy Note20 with Gorilla Glass Victus, the strongest Gorilla Glass protection currently available for cell phones, though both devices boast the same dust and water resistance.
•  Cameras: The standard Galaxy Note20 5G has four camera lenses, including three on the rear and one in the front. This extra lens gives the Note a slight advantage over the Pixel, though both support HDR video and have advanced stabilization technology. The Samsung Note can also record 8K videos, making it a great fit for filmmakers and vloggers.
  
•  Features: Most notably, Samsung's Note20 5G comes with the standard Note S-Pen, which allows you to transform your smartphone into an interactive notebook or sketchpad. The Galaxy Note is also ideal for mobile gaming, thanks to its new integration with Xbox controllers and its large, vivid display.

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With excellent battery life, reverse wireless charging, a sleek display and a premium aluminum body, the Google Pixel 5 is a great mid-range phone. Whether it's the best fit for you depends on what you're looking for. While it's a vastly different device from something like the Galaxy Note20 5G, it's an equal contender to other mid-range releases, including the upcoming iPhone 12.

The Pixel 5 has all the features you've come to love and expect from both a Google platform and Android operating system, and the Sorta Sage color offering is an attractive color addition to the Pixel lineup. The Pixel 5's impressive photo and video capabilities, including Google's array of professional picture and illumination modes, make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a social-media friendly device with endless photography options.

There's also the matter of 5G. Though it's not yet available across the map, those with a 5G-enabled device will be among the first in the country to experience the network's lighting fast speeds and smooth video streaming.

Excited about the possibilities of a mid-range 5G Pixel? When you're ready to switch, ecoATM is here to take your old device off your hands. Trade-in your old cell phone and we'll give you cash on the spot - or properly recycle devices with no monetary value! Find an ecoATM kiosk near you to get started. 

ecoATM is not affiliated with nor authorized, sponsored or otherwise endorsed by any manufactures in this article.