Say hello to Google’s latest flagship smartphone: the Pixel 5.
With 8 GB of RAM and wireless charging, there are some distinct improvements from last year’s Pixel 4. But perhaps the biggest thing to look forward to in the latest Pixel is the addition of 5G capabilities.
This means users will be able to take advantage of faster data speeds for downloading videos and streaming games, and lower latency for video calls. The Pixel 5 supports millimeter-wave 5G and sub-6GHz 5G — allowing for faster speeds than LTE for most of the US.
Table of Contents:
Pixel 5 release date
Retailing at $699, the Pixel 5 was released on September 30, 2020. The phone was announced alongside the cheaper Pixel 4a 5G. Google’s “Launch Night In” livestream event also debuted the new Chromecast with Apple TV and Nest Audio, Google’s latest smart speaker.
About the Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 doesn’t have the same high-end specs that you’d see in the latest and greatest Apple or Samsung devices; it’s aimed at the regular consumer. However, with a high-refresh rate display and an impressive camera, the Pixel 5 offers a good experience for the price.
Pixel 5 design and features
Protected by a strong Corning Gorilla Glass 6 panel, the Pixel 5 comes with a nice, medium-sized 6-inch screen. It’s available for purchase in just two colors: black and sage green. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed on the back of the device. Other perks include wireless charging and IPX8 water and dust resistance.
Thanks to the hole-punch camera and a prominent screen, the Pixel 5 no longer has the same large forehead seen on the previous-generation Pixel 4. That’s because Google said goodbye to Project Soli and Motion Sense — a combination of radar hardware and innovative software that brought gesture recognition to its predecessor. That feature allowed you to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music, or swipe to dismiss calls or snooze alarms. While the phone (and Motion Sense) is discontinued by Google, you can still buy a Pixel 4 on Swappa.
Pixel 5 camera
Pixel devices are known for their excellent cameras, and the Pixel 5 doesn’t disappoint. This has less to do with the actual camera hardware and more to do with Google’s machine learning imaging software.
Google introduced new camera features with the Pixel 5, making Portrait Mode even more powerful in low light situations. Google’s HDR is also improved, bringing more vivid photos and upgrading their photo editing software.
The Pixel 5 also ditched the telephoto lens and instead brought a wide-angle lens. (If wide-angled selfies are your thing, also consider grabbing a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL instead — both of which are still worth it in 2020.)
Pixel 5 specs
| Google Pixel 5 | Google Pixel 4a 5G | Google Pixel 4a | Google Pixel 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inch | 6.2 inch | 5.8 inch | 5.7 inch |
| Network | 5G | 5G | 4G | 4G |
| Display | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Flexible OLED at 432 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 413 ppi Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) |
| Battery | 4080 mAh Fast wireless charging Battery Share | 3885 mAh | 3140 mAh Fast charging | 2,800mAh Wireless charging |
| Water resistant? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core | QualcommSnapdragon 765G with Octa-Core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP telephoto |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Camera features | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Super Res Zoom Motion Auto Focus Live HDR+ Frequent Faces Dual exposure controls Cinematic Pan Ultrawide Lens Portrait Light | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Super Res Zoom Motion Auto Focus Live HDR+ Frequent Faces Dual exposure controls Cinematic Pan Ultrawide Lens Portrait Light | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Live HDR+ Dual exposure controls Motion Auto Focus Super Res Zoom Group Selfie Cam Frequent Faces | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Live HDR+ Dual exposure controls Motion Auto Focus Super Res Zoom Group Selfie Cam Frequent Faces |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers Headphone jack | Headphone jack | Stereo speakers |
Learn more about the Pixel 5 in our Pixel 5 Buyer’s Guide, then see how it stacks up against other Pixel phones in our Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Comparison Guide. Not sure which Pixel is right for you? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones compare.
Pixel 5 price
While the Google Pixel 5 is a great deal and a great phone, you can get a lot of the same Pixel features for less when you buy an older model on Swappa.
Pixels are known for their excellent camera and seamless Google experience. Compatible with Android 11, all Pixel devices receive Android software updates quickly — long before Samsung, LG, and others. If you can do without 5G for now, you can get basically the same camera with last year’s Pixel 4 for about $458 on Swappa. Or if you want a larger phone, the Pixel 3 XL (about $275) or Pixel 4 XL (about $525) are also great choices.
| Google Pixel model | Avg price (August 2020) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $423 |
| Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $458 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (64 GB) | $525 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (128 GB) | $525 |
| Google Pixel 4a (128 GB) | $399 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (64 GB) | $275 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (128 GB) | $318 |
Whichever Pixel you go with, make sure to check the Swappa marketplace before you buy. You’ll quickly see how easy it is to save a ton of green when you shop gently used. As Google has discontinued the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and the Pixel 3a — these phones are hard to find, and offer a lot of the same perks you’ll find in the latest Pixel 5. No matter your budget, there’s a Pixel with a great camera for you.
