Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

Google Pixel 5 review

8.4/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5
...


8.4/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel 5 currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 68 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Great camera software
  • Nice metal case
  • Clean Android interface

What's bad

  • Slow image processing
  • Weak panel speaker

Google brings back simplicity in the unassuming Google Pixel 5. It’s not flashy; it doesn’t have bells and whistles. But sometimes less is more. Does this unassuming new release from Google have what it takes to compete with the best in its price range?

Design

Google went for an all-metal finish, giving the phone a premium feel. At a glance, it seems simple and even a little bit dull but reviewers felt the design’s simplicity is a strong point. The Google Pixel 5 sports slim bezels, a decent screen, and the right size for one-handed use -- everything you need in 2020 but nothing extra to distract.

Display

The Google Pixel 5 has an OLED screen. Reviewers found it had decent coloration and contrast., calling it “just right.” The screen itself runs a little warm color-wise but it’s not enough to make the phone hard to use. Instead, it’s just enough to take the edge off the mobile phone’s screen.

Performance

The phone is not the fastest or zippiest but it does what you need it to do and can multitask in a pinch. It doesn’t really play the big games well, and the image processing is really slow, but that was the biggest gripe reviewers had.

Software & Storage

The phone ships with Android 11 and a promise of updates for a good long while. The Google Pixel 5 is locked in at 128GB without an external expansion option.

Cameras

The Google Pixel 5 does great with photos. Some reviewers even stated the camera was better than the iPhone 11. While that’s not the newest phone on the market, it’s still a photography powerhouse by mobile standards. Reviewers stated that the range of options, filters, and tweaks available are seemingly endless -- including a filter that allows you to adjust the light source of a picture adding shadows and highlights in real-time.

Battery Life

Battery life was a strong point for the Pixel 5. With frequent use, media watching, and multi-tasking, it still managed to pull nearly 10 hours of time before needing a charge for reviewers. Whether you’re a power user or just looking for something affordable when you need it, the phone should last the day for you with little issue.

Audio

The panel speaker on the Google Pixel 5 failed to impress reviewers. Many called the audio experience shallow and tinny. There’s also no headphone jack, so if you want to escape the weak speakers, you’ll need a pair of Bluetooth headphones or an adapter to the plugin in your traditional 3.5mm cans.

Specs at a Glance

  • Aluminum chassis
  • 6-inch OLED display
  • Octa-core 2.4 GHz Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G processor
  • 8GB of RAM
  • Android 11
  • 128GB of storage
  • Rear-facing 12MP lens and 8MP selfie camera
  • 4080mAh battery

Bottom Line

Google was not aiming to take over the market or to change phone history. The Pixel 5 is meant to be an affordable phone with a focus on simplicity and uncomplicated design. The phone functions well and it does what it promises. This could be the sort of gem someone is looking for amidst all of the flashy full-featured phones out there running for twice the price.

Tech Radar says, “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”

Android Authority states, “The Google Pixel 5 may not be the high-end Pixel we were expecting, but it's a pretty compelling mid-range option. Google is going back to basics with the Pixel 5, ditching higher-end features like face recognition and the quirky Motion Sense gestures.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.4 GHz
6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
12+ MP, f/1.7
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.7
4080 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The Pixel 5 doesn't pretend to compete with the most powerful phones on the market, because it doesn't have to. It's perhaps the most balanced Android phone to date, not to mention a great choice for those after a capable small phone, 5G phone or camera phone.

- Alex Walker-Todd, Tech Advisor
Android Central
Android Central

Google didn't shoot for the moon, but it landed among the stars anyway. The Pixel 5 is one of the best and most accessible phones of 2020, offering most people everything they want and nothing they don't.

- Daniel Bader, Alex Dobie, Android Central
DxOMark
DxOMark

Although Google engineers have done a terrific job optimizing the software and default settings, the Pixel 5’s battery performance was lagging behind its less-expensive competitors — and particularly so when on the go. Its biggest weakness, however, is in charging, with an 18W charger that was not e...

- Lynn Anderson, DxOMark
Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide

The Google Pixel 5 is a charming and reasonably-priced premium phone with an amazing camera and good battery life. But it's far less powerful than other options in its price range, and completely outmatched in value by Google’s cheaper Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 4a.

- Adam Ismail, Tom's Guide
TechWeLike
TechWeLike

I do think the list price of the Pixel 5 is a bit high, it’s great that it’s not at $1000 like flagships of other manufacturers. The Pixel 5 isn’t the most exciting phone, by any means, but it continues fixing its features, such as the smooth and clean Android experience, excellent pictures, and rel...

- Analie Cruz, TechWeLike


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Google backs up the Pixel 5 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Pixel 5 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



Ask the Community


No questions for the moment.


Resources


Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The Google Pixel 5's screen size is 6 inches with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm) Octa-core 2.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 11 (Update Available: 12) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.7 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
128 GB

Internal memory is 128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
4080mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 4080 mAh battery. Google's performance ratings are 1557 minutes, 761 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Pixel 5 Specs

Overview
Release Date October 29, 2020
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 11 (Update Available: 12)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm) Octa-core 2.4 GHz
Internal Storage 128 GB
RAM 8 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.96 W/kg
Body: 1.39 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.7
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, 2nd camera feature (16 MP, F2.2, Ultra-wide)
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.0
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology OLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels
Pixel Density 432 pixels
Size 6 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 4080 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 1095 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 761 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1557 minutes
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Just Black, Sorta Sage
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.47 x 7.04 x 0.8 cm (5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 in)
Weight 151 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 68
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Minimum 3 years of OS and security updates

Related Links Google Pixel 5 Reviews
Where to buy Google Pixel 5
Suggest a correction