Google Pixel 5 (128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Google Pixel 5 is described as a "no-nonsense tool" that prioritizes simplicity and utility over the high-end, glass-clad trends of its competitors. The reviewer highlights its compact, unassuming design as a major pro, noting that its small size and "soft in the hand" metal body—coated in a unique, non-slip material—make it a dream for lovers of smaller phones. Other significant strengths include its exceptional battery life from a 4,000mAh cell that easily lasts through a day of heavy use, a reliable camera system that excels in HDR processing and low-light conditions, and a "glorious" capacitive rear fingerprint reader that outperforms modern in-display sensors. However, the review points out several drawbacks, most notably its $699 price tag, which the author argues is inflated by the unnecessary inclusion of Verizon’s 5G mmW technology. Performance is another area of concern; despite having a 90Hz display and 8GB of RAM, the Snapdragon 765G processor occasionally stutters and feels less responsive than competing devices from OnePlus or Samsung. Additionally, the 18W wired charging is considered slow by 2020 standards, and the display—while functional—suffers from...

The Laptop Mag review characterizes the Google Pixel 5 as a high-performing, $699 mid-range device that prioritizes a premium, ergonomic user experience over raw power, featuring a 6-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a unique, grippy, recycled aluminum chassis. Key strengths include, according to the review, the device's world-class camera system, robust battery life, and a clean Android interface with exclusive, useful software tools. Laptop MagHowever, the review highlights significant compromises made to hit this price point, including the use of a Snapdragon 765G chipset, which represents a performance downgrade compared to previous flagship processors. Other mentioned drawbacks include the removal of IR-based face unlock, a shift to an ultrawide lens instead of a telephoto, and underwhelming speakers that produce distorted, tinny audio at high volumes. Laptop MagUltimately, the analysis concludes that while the Pixel 5 may not satisfy performance enthusiasts, it is a highly functional, everyday device ideal for users who value usability, display quality, and photography. Despite noted concerns about potential quality control issues regarding screen-frame gaps, the phone is deemed a solid, if slightly...

The Business Insider review positions the Google Pixel 5 as a practical, value-focused 5G smartphone that pivots away from high-priced, experimental hardware to focus on core user experience. It features a refined design with a 90Hz OLED display, utilizing a capable Snapdragon 765G processor rather than a top-tier flagship chip, resulting in a more balanced, albeit less powerful, device. Key pros highlighted include exceptional all-day battery life, a stellar camera system featuring HDR+ and an ultrawide lens, and useful exclusive software like "Hold for Me". The phone's design is praised for its durable, one-handed, aluminum construction and the return of the reliable rear fingerprint sensor. Conversely, the review notes cons such as mid-range performance that cannot compete with raw flagship power and inconsistent, subpar video recording capabilities. Additionally, the removal of motion sense, face unlock, and the muffled audio from the under-display speaker are highlighted as compromises.

The Google Pixel 5 shifts to a more affordable, compact design featuring a 6-inch 90Hz display and a durable aluminum back, though it loses the Pixel 4's Motion Sense and relies on a sometimes inaccurate rear fingerprint sensor. Performance is driven by a mid-range Snapdragon 765G chipset which lags behind competitors, yet this enables significantly improved, all-day battery life. While the camera software remains a strength with the addition of a useful 16MP ultra-wide lens, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens and average low-light improvements are notable drawbacks.

The Google Pixel 5 features a durable, recycled aluminum body with a unique bio-resin coating, prioritizing a practical, ergonomic design over a traditional glass build. Its 6-inch 90Hz OLED display offers a modern, balanced viewing experience, complemented by excellent battery life that reliably lasts a full day. While the Snapdragon 765G processor is not top-tier, 8GB of RAM ensures smooth performance, but the under-display speaker provides subpar, muffled audio. The 12.2MP camera remains highly capable for point-and-shoot photography, and the inclusion of a 16MP ultrawide lens is a positive change. Ultimately, the Pixel 5 is positioned as a "sensible" device focusing on utility and software longevity at a lower price point. It is a strong, compact option that emphasizes practical, everyday performance over raw, high-end specifications.

The Google Pixel 5 prioritizes user experience over top-tier hardware, offering a balanced, compact design with a durable aluminium body and a smooth 90Hz OLED display. Key pros include the return of the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP68 water resistance, and efficient 5G performance, though it sacrifices a premium processor for the mid-range Snapdragon 765G. While the camera system excels with computational photography and a new ultrawide lens, the lack of a dedicated telephoto sensor limits zoom capabilities. Other cons include mediocre loudspeakers and relatively slow 18W charging.

According to Tom's Guide, the Google Pixel 5 is a reasonably priced phone that prioritizes simplicity with a compact design and solid battery life. While it offers an excellent camera experience with a new ultrawide lens, it uses a mid-range chipset and its 90Hz display falls short of competitors' 120Hz refresh rates. Tom's Guide notes that the Pixel 5 is outmatched in value by Google's cheaper Pixel 4a 5G, which shares the same camera and processor. Tom'

According to a review, the Google Pixel 5 prioritizes a refined and practical user experience over experimental features, featuring superior build quality with a less slippery, textured aluminum back and a functional rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. The device's primary strengths are its flawless Android 11 software and significantly improved battery life, which often lasts a full day with over 50% charge remaining. While the review notes cons like a mid-range CPU that shows minor lag in specific tasks and an aging camera sensor despite brilliant photo output, the overall user experience is considered more reliable than previous models.

According to a HotHardware review, the Google Pixel 5 shifted focus to a premium mid-range experience, featuring a 6-inch 90Hz OLED display, durable aluminum body, and a Snapdragon 765G processor that performs well for daily tasks but lags in intensive gaming. While using an older camera sensor, Google's computational photography excels with impressive Night Sight and a new 16MP ultrawide lens, though the removal of the Pixel Neural Core slows processing. The device significantly improves battery life with a 4080mAh cell, includes IP68 water resistance and wireless charging, but lacks a telephoto lens, headphone jack, and Face Unlock, ultimately appealing to users prioritizing camera and software over raw power.

According to Android Authority, the Google Pixel 5, reviewed in 2020 and updated in 2021, featured a 6.0-inch FHD+ 90Hz OLED display, a 4,080mAh battery offering up to two days of use, and a unique recycled aluminum build with bio-resin coating enabling wireless charging. While its camera retained strong computational photography features like Night Sight Portrait and introduced a 16MP ultrawide sensor, it dropped the telephoto lens and its aging 12.2MP main sensor and video quality showed limitations compared to newer phones. The phone's mid-range Snapdragon 765G processor, slow 18W wired charging, and poor under-display speaker quality were noted as drawbacks, though the device was praised for its clean software and regular updates.

Wired's review describes the Google Pixel 5 as a device that prioritizes user experience and a compact design, moving away from previous gimmicky features. Pros highlighted include the significantly improved 4,080-mAh battery, a smooth 6-inch 90-Hz OLED display, and a strong camera with new software features like "Hold for Me" and Night Sight for Portrait mode. However, cons noted are the mid-range Snapdragon 765G processor, lack of Wi-Fi 6, video quality that trails competitors, and average stereo speakers.

The Google Pixel 5 is presented as a "new kind of flagship" prioritizing software and photography over raw processing power, utilizing a mid-range Snapdragon 765G processor and featuring a durable aluminum unibody with a 6-inch 90Hz OLED display. Pros include an excellent camera system with updated color science and an ultrawide lens, long battery life, wireless charging, IP68 rating, C-band 5G support, and exclusive Android software features. Cons consist of lackluster audio quality, the absence of Wi-Fi 6, and the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, making it a "fine alternative" that faces stiff competition from more powerful devices at a similar price.

According to CNET, the Google Pixel 5 is a "back-to-basics" flagship that swaps raw processing power for better battery life and a lower $699 price point. Key pros include a significantly improved 4,000-mAh battery lasting over 21 hours and a smooth 90Hz display, though a major con is the mid-range Snapdragon 765G processor, which lags behind competitors. Furthermore, while the camera system remains capable, the removal of the telephoto lens in favor of an ultrawide, along with aging hardware, means its photo dominance is shrinking, particularly in low-light, according to CNET.

In a review for Ars Technica, the Google Pixel 5 is criticized for an unwise allocation of its budget, particularly the inclusion of expensive mmWave 5G hardware that adds cost without significant user benefit, while using an older camera sensor. The phone is praised for its compact design, 90Hz OLED display, significantly improved battery life, recycled aluminum body, and clean Android software with guaranteed updates. Despite strong computational photography, major drawbacks include poor speaker quality, a heavily throttled processor, and potential quality control issues like a screen gap, making it feel outclassed by similarly priced competitors.