Google Pixel 5 long-term review

Wrap up

The Pixel 5 was like a hybrid between the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 4. It has the efficiency and size of the Pixel 4a with the higher-end features and (one)more camera(s) like the Pixel 4. The Pixel 5 has improved battery life, 5G support, and adds reverse wireless charging.

Even the average user might never figure out that the Pixel 5 could wirelessly charge other devices. Perhaps this same person might never know that the Pixel 5 had an advanced voice recording app with live transcriptions. For this reason, the Pixel 5 isn't packed with software features and tricks that other OEMs cram into their Android skins.

We mention this because the Pixel 5 isn't meant for the person who wants the top-performing, high-end device with the newest features. It's more for the person who wants a solid phone and can afford to pay a bit higher than entry-level. This person doesn't want to pay for the top-of-the-line because they don't think they need to, and that's fine.

The Pixel 5's competition is not the Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Rather, its competition is the midrange alternatives of those flagships. The Galaxy S20 FE and the iPhone 12 mini both match their price points with the Pixel 5's $699 tag. The Pixel 5 is well-rounded in all aspects of a smartphone, and it offers enough value in its 128GB storage size, solid battery life, and great-performing camera. There isn't any specific aspect that the Pixel 5 really excels at, but it does everything well with low friction.

There's a reason this phone costs a full $200-less than what the Pixel 4XL's asking price was - Google thought it should fall back a weight class so it wouldn't have to wrestle with the heavy-weights. This phone doesn't have a dedicated zoom camera, and that's okay for most people, but if you're looking for a dedicated zoom camera, there are more expensive phones that will meet this need.

There were rumors that Google planned to release a real Pixel 'Pro' flagship. However, now that phones are arriving with the Snapdragon 888, we don't see it very feasible for Google to launch a 'Pixel 5 Pro' with a back-dated chipset.

We'd love to see a high-end Pixel done the right way and without the problems that hindered its sales in the past. For now, we enjoyed our time with the Pixel 5. It certainly is lighter and more compact than most other phones and despite its midrange chipset, it performed surprisingly well. The camera is fun and simple to use. Although HDR+ images often take a while to process, it generally takes fewer presses of the shutter button to get the shot. We're glad that we still get the more premium things like wireless charging (and even reverse charging) and we enjoy getting monthly updates, sometimes ready to install on the first day of the month.

The Pixel 5 was one of our reviewer's favorite phones of 2020 for all these reasons. Now that we're well into February, it's time to swap the SIM card to a new device, but we'll find ourselves missing the Pixel 5's friendly size, simple camera, and playful appearance.

Pros:

• Convenient, compact size with water resistance and durable plastic body
• Bright 90Hz display
• Great battery on a Pixel
• Generally snappy performance
• Frequent Android updates
• Bi-directional wireless charging
• Ultrawide camera is a welcome addition

Cons:

• High asking price
• UI doesn't feel as smooth and feature-packed as some other OEM skins
• Long HDR+ processing times mean you have to wait to see your latest photos