Google Pixel 5 5G

Less bezel, more screen, more pocketable

Snapdragon 765G performance is severely handicapped in this phone

Google's implementation of Android 11 on the Pixel 5 is smooth and consistent - perhaps the best stock Android has ever gotten. It will be interesting to see Google's next step from here, but the Pixel 5 is a great first move for a lineup that's bound...

Compact and lightweight ; Detailed 90Hz screen ; Highly capable camera ; Two-day battery life

Dull design ; Missing that special quirky Google feature

Camera software is better than ever ; Metal case is refreshing change from glass ; Clean Android interface

No telephoto camera ; Middling night photography

The Google Pixel 5 loses some of the more advanced features of its predecessor in order to keep the cost down, and the result is a streamlined phone with great camera software and a clean Android interface. But without some of those premium perks, like...

Excellent cameras ; Top-notch software experience ; Durable build ; Long battery life ; Approved for C-band connectivity

Lackluster audio quality ; Unimpressive processor for the price

The Google Pixel 5 delivers 5G connectivity, excellent cameras, long battery life, and an outstanding Android software experience for a relatively affordable price.

Punchy, clear OLED screen ; Class-leading camera ; Ergonomic, waterproof design

Lacklustre sound ; No zoom lens

Google’s budget-friendly approach has changed the competition, but arguably not its place in the pecking order

Excellent photos, especially in the dark ; Clean, simple Android software experience ; Good battery life

Slow image processing ; The mmWave tax increases the price ; Panel audio “speaker” is weak and tinny for video and games

The new Google Pixel 5 is $699, and it has 5G. It’s also a return to Google’s technology tricks: a great camera and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The slower processor means this isn’t a flagship phone, but it’s still quite good.

IP68 dust/water protection ; Great display ; Plenty of power ; Free from bloat ; All-round camera performance

Its larger sibling - the 4a 5G - is cheaper and much the same ; Speaker quality is poor ; No zoom camera

Google's 2020 flagship is something of an oddball. Sure, it's a very competent phone with the power, camera, performance and build quality. But there are downsides - such as the poor ear speaker, and the larger and cheaper Pixel 4a 5G being much the...

Aggressively priced ; Android 11 runs smoothly & gets latest Google features ; Excellent camera performance ; Battery life holds up to all-day use

No optical telephoto ; No headphone jack ; Other phones support faster charging