Google Pixel 5 officially launched: no longer a flagship
by Fabian Menzel 
on September 30, 2020, 20:00 pm | 🔥 popular | Write a comment
Among other things, Google has just officially unveiled its new Google Pixel 5. While the predecessors, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, were still equipped with last year's high-end processor, this year the Pixel 5 is taking a slightly different approach.
The Pixel 5 is more of a premium mid-range smartphone than a high-end smartphone. This is especially evident in the price and the built-in processor. With a price of 629 euros, it is not only cheaper than its predecessors, but also cheaper than its competitors from Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus and Co. As already mentioned, you have to make compromises mainly in the built-in processor. Otherwise, on paper, there are no major differences to the predecessors. You will find out all this and much more in the following lines.
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Design
Let's start with the design. Unlike its predecessors, Google doesn't use glass for the Pixel 5, but 100 percent recycled aluminum. This is quite unusual, as almost all manufacturers now use glass or plastic for their current smartphones. Aluminum definitely has its advantages over glass, for example you don't have to worry too much if you drop it. But glass also has its advantages. For example, smartphones with glass backs feel a little more high-quality and usually offer a little better grip. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves which one they prefer. It's also a matter of taste.
The beautiful front is striking, because Google has actually managed to make the chin at the bottom of the screen even smaller than on the Pixel 4a. The left, right and top edge is also pleasantly small. Google really did a great job and removed one of the biggest criticisms of its predecessors. The front camera is located in the top left of the display.
The back then looks very familiar to us. As with its predecessors, the rectangular camera module contains two cameras in the upper left corner. So far nothing new. However, if you take a closer look at the back, you can see a fingerprint sensor. The 3D face recognition from last year has been crushed again, which definitely benefits the design. However, it is incomprehensible why Google is still installing a physical fingerprint sensor on the back instead of one in the display. They probably want to save costs with it.
The Pixel 5 is available in 2 different colors: Just Black (black) and Sorta Sage (green). The images below show both colors and the front of the new Google phone:
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- Image: Google
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- Image: Google
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- Image: Google
Technical data
The 6,0-inch OLED display in 19,5: 9 aspect ratio has a sufficiently sharp resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. Unlike the one also presented Google Pixel 4a 5G, the display of the Pixel 5 supports a smooth refresh rate of 90 Hertz.
There are no differences in the processor used compared to the 4a 5G. The 5G-capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G is also used here. For the first time in a Pixel smartphone, there are 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of flash memory.
The battery is a proud 4.080 mAh and therefore significantly larger than the ridiculous 2.800 mAh in last year's Pixel 4. Google has finally improved this. If the battery should be empty, you can recharge it with the supplied 18W power supply. That is still okay, although you could expect a little more for this price. For comparison, that Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC includes a 200W power supply for a price of around 33 euros. In addition to wireless charging, it also supports reverse wireless charging.
On paper, there are no differences between the camera and the cheaper Pixel 4a 5G. Google also installs 2 cameras here, consisting of a 12,2 MP main camera and a 16 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. Videos can be recorded in 4K at up to 60 FPS. The front camera has a resolution of 8 MP and can unfortunately only record videos in FHD with 30 FPS. That is very weak for the price. Most smartphones in this price range can record videos in 4K at 30 FPS, or at least videos in FHD at 60 FPS. The approximately 200 euros cheaper OnePlus North can even record 4K videos at up to 60 FPS.
In addition, the Pixel 5 is equipped with stereo speakers, e-SIM, 5G, IP68 certification and, of course, a USB-C port.
Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G in comparison
| Model | Google Pixel 5 | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
| Display | 6,0 inch FHD + OLED display, 90Hz | 6,2 inch FHD + OLED display, 60Hz |
| Software | Stock Android 11 | Stock Android 11 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Storage | 8 GB RAM + 128 GB flash memory | 6 GB RAM + 128 GB flash memory |
| Cameras | 12,2 MP f / 1.7 main camera + 16 MP f / 2.2 ultra wide angle camera 8 MP front camera | 12,2 MP f / 1.7 main camera + 16 MP f / 2.2 ultra wide angle camera 8 MP front camera |
| Battery | 4.080 mAh, 18W fast charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | 3.800 mAh, 18W fast charge |
| Housing | 100 percent recycled aluminum | Polycarbonate |
| Other | Stereo speakers, USB-C 3.1, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, e-SIM, 5G, IP68 | Stereo speakers, USB-C 3.1, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, e-SIM, 5G, jack connection |
| Weight and dimensions | 151 grams 144,7 x 70,4 x 8,0 mm | 168 grams 153,9 x 74,0 x 8,2 mm |
Price and availability
The Google Pixel 5 can be pre-ordered now and will be available from October 15 in black and green for 629 euros.