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When Google introduced the Pixel 5 alongside the Pixel 4a 5G at its Launch Night In event on September 30, I was stumped. On paper and in pictures, the $ 699 Pixel 5 made little sense compared to the $ 499 Pixel 4a 5G, not to mention the Pixel 4 XL. I had a hard time understanding why Google made a smaller phone with very similar specs for more money.
I could have rushed a bit. After spending a few days testing the Pixel 5 alongside the Pixel 4a 5G, Google’s game plan is much clearer. I’m still not convinced that Google needs two 5G phones in its lineup, and I’d like the Pixel 5 a lot more if it were $ 100 cheaper, but I’m no longer sure that the Pixel 5 is the superfluous model. The Pixel 4a 5G may seem like an obvious purchase for $ 200 less than the Pixel 5, but the difference between the two phones is far greater than a couple of gigs of RAM and some aluminum.
Michael Simon / IDGA hole-punch camera helps Google keep the bezels nice and even on the Pixel 5.
I also understand what Google is trying to do. Google calls it “the ultimate Google 5G phone,” but its focus isn’t on gimmicky features like Motion Sense or Active Edge, or even specialized camera tricks that showcase Google’s AI prowess. Rather, the Pixel 5 is about taking the high-end Pixel experience and turning it into a smart, stylish package that defies the very definition of a flagship.
An uncompromising design
Like the Galaxy S20 and S20 FE, the Pixel 5 and 4a are extremely similar phones. They both have a small hole-punch camera in the upper left corner that looks much better than the giant forehead of the Pixel 4 or the notch of the 3 XL.
The Pixel 5 has subtle improvements that give it an almost luxurious feel. The aluminum back, Simply Sage color, and chrome power button add a touch of luxury compared to 4a plastic. It doesn’t feel as metallic as the original Pixel duo in paint over wireless charging compatible plastic, but it does have a very nice texture. It’s downright Apple-like, a comparison I never thought I’d make for a Pixel phone. It’s like the iPhone 11 versus the Pro or the XR versus the XS.
Michael Simon / IDGCamera bump is much less uneven on the Pixel 5.
The Pixel 5 is also the first Android phone I’ve used to have even bezels around the screen. Google is using a flexible OLED to fold the screen under itself and lower the chin, surprising and impressive engineering for a phone that doesn’t cost a thousand dollars. While it seems like a small thing, once you turn it on for the first time, you won’t see another Android phone the same way. Even the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra doesn’t have the same visual appeal after switching from the Pixel 5.
In total, the $ 699 Pixel 5 is the first phone Google has ever made that truly feels like a premium device. At just $ 200 more than the Pixel 4a 5G, it’s a smart addition to the lineup.
My only criticism is that it might be a bit small for some buyers. The Pixel 5 has a 6-inch screen, which is actually two-tenths of an inch smaller than the 4a 5G, and more in line with the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 12. It doesn’t feel too small, but the makers of Android phones have conditioned us to equate bigger with premium, and Google is defying the trend with the Pixel 5.
The same but different
The Pixel 5 has the same Snapdragon 765G processor as the Pixel 4a 5G, but overall, the Pixel 5 feels like the fastest phone. That’s because it has a bit more RAM (8GB vs. 6GB) and a faster screen (90Hz vs. 60Hz), more seemingly small changes that make a big difference.
Michael Simon / IDGThe chrome power button adds a touch of class to the Pixel 5.
In benchmarks, the 5 and 4a 5G have very similar single-core and multi-core scores, around 580 and 1600, respectively, but the Pixel 5’s extra RAM pushes it slightly forward. I’ve only used it for a few days, but out of the box, the Pixel 5 feels as fast as my Pixel 4 XL, and not much slower than the Galaxy S20.
But what really gives the Pixel 5 its edge over other phones in its class (and more, to be honest), as always, is its camera. The Pixel 5 has the same general dual camera set as the Pixel 4 XL, although the secondary telephoto lens has been swapped out for an ultra-wide one. It’s a matter of preference, although I personally wish they were both on the Pixel 6. But even with a different lens, the results are not categorically different from the Pixel 5 versus the 4XL. Photos take a bit longer to process due to the slower CPU, but for the most part the experience is very similar to previous pixels.
Michael Simon / IDGThe back of the Pixel 5 isn’t entirely metallic, but it does have a nice texture.
That is good. Pixel fans will lament the lack of a jump year after year, but with the 4a and 5 pixels, Google continues to prove that it can deliver a top-notch camera experience with less hardware, and now a smaller chip, than its competitors. . . I’ll go into the details of each in my full review, but assuming this is the new Pixel philosophy, Google may have finally found a winning formula that plays to its own strengths, rather than catching up with the premium giants.
The feature is Android
Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 5 ships with Android 11 on board, and it feels like Google designed it strictly for the newer Pixels. Gesture navigation feels better than ever with less bottom bezel, and optimizations make the Pixel 5 feel like a phone with a much faster chip and a much larger battery. A new extreme battery saver mode will help your Pixel last up to two days by disabling features, speeding up the processor, and limiting notifications by prioritizing apps.
Michael Simon / IDGThe Pixel 5 dispenses with the ugly chin that previous Pixel phones had.
With Pixel 5, Android is the premium feature. It reminds me of the last great Nexus phone, the Nexus 5. At the time it was the launch device for Android 4.4 KitKat, and it featured the new design, improved performance, and Google Now Launcher. It wasn’t flashy or over the top, but it got the job done.
And so it is with the Pixel 5. I’ll get into the camera and performance in my full review, but on a high level, Google dispensed with the gimmicks and focused on the things that matter. Finally we have a true alternative to the Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 that relies on the things that Google does best. It could lead to some really awesome phones to come.
