About the Google Pixel 5
In this guide
- What is the Google Pixel 5 phone?
- What models of Google Pixel 5 are available?
- What are the Google Pixel 5's main features?
- Is the Google Pixel 5 compatible with 5G?
- Google Pixel 5 – best providers
- Alternatives to the Google Pixel 5
- Frequently asked questions
Google's Pixel 5 smartphone launched in the UK in October 2020 as the flagship phone in the Pixel phone range. It is notable for supporting 5G mobile phone technology. Launching at the same as the slightly upgraded Google Pixel 4a 5G, the Pixel 5 is the slightly more fully featured of the two phones.
With the Pixel 5, Google made the decision to introduce a mid-priced phone that forgoes competition with features of the high-end Samsung, Huawei and Apple phones. Instead the Pixel 5 offers 5G, a 12.2 MP main camera/16MP ultra-wide second camera, and a highly competitive price for what you get. We'll look at its main features in this guide.
What is the Google Pixel 5 phone?
The Google Pixel 5 has been replaced by the Pixel 6 as Google’s flagship smartphone, but that doesn’t negate its usefulness. It features 5G compatibility and is actually lower in price at launch than the Pixel 4a that preceded it. In order to launch at that lower cost, the Pixel 5 has a smaller screen size than the Pixel 4a 5G, but it is also lighter. It has no 3.5mm headphone socket (it uses a USB Type-C socket and Bluetooth for accessories) but it does have an under-screen speaker.
Basically Google has launched the Pixel 5 phone to compete in the market for people who want excellent camera quality, a decent amount of storage, plenty of connectivity via a USB Type-C, at a mid-range price.
What models of the Google Pixel 5 are available?
The Google Pixel 5 is a standalone, flagship phone in the Pixel phone range. However, you could be fooled into the thinking that the Google Pixel 4a 5G that launched at roughly the same time as the Pixel 5 has more than kinship in common. The two phones differ in price and some specifications that we look at in this guide.
What are the Google Pixel 5's main features?
The Google Pixel 5's standout features are its mid-range price, reverse wireless charging, and the fact that it has no 3.5mm headphone socket – it uses Bluetooth v5 and a USB Type-C connection for accessories. It is also 5G compatible.
- Size – The Google Pixel 5 is 5.7 inches (144.8mm) tall, 2.77 inches (70.4mm) wide, and 0.31 inches (8mm) deep. This makes it slightly smaller than the Pixel 4 that came before it
- Processor chip – the Google Pixel 5 comes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Octocore, 765G SM7250-AB processor. This chip support 5G networking and Bluetooth version 5
- Screen – in terms of screen size, the Google Pixel 5 offers a mere 151mm (6") measured diagonally with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px at 432 ppi.
- Operating system – the Google Pixel 5 ships with the Android 11 operating system, but you can update it to the Android 12, which is the latest version.
- Cameras – what the Google Pixel 5 may have sacrificed in terms of size and processing power, it seeks to make up for with its cameras. It's rear-facing camera array features an impressive 16 megapixel ultra-wide angle lens alongside its 12.2 megapixel standard lens. It's selfie (front-facing) camera uses an 8 megapixel punch-hole lens.
- Memory and storage – the Pixel 5 comes with 8GB of system memory (that's what you need to run apps). It also has a healthy 128GB of memory storage. The Pixel 5 has no capability to expand its memory
- SIM type – the Pixel 5 comes with a single SIM slot that takes a nano-SIM. However, it is also eSIM compatible meaning that it may be possible to run multiple eSIM 'cards' stored on your Pixel 5
Is the Google Pixel 5 compatible with 5G?
Indeed it is. It is one of two Pixel phones that come with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Octocore, 765G SM7250-AB processor ready to go.
Alternatives to the Google Pixel 5
The most notable competitor for the Google Pixel 5 might surprise you, in that it's an upgraded version of itself; the Google Pixel 5a. However, we'll also look at some other notable adversaries now:
- Google Pixel 5a 5G – Launched in August 2021, The Pixel 5a is a slight upgrade from the Pixel 5. It has a bigger 4,860mAh battery cell, compared to 4,000mAh on the Pixel 5. It’s also considerably cheaper at 0 compared to 0 for the Pixel 5. But, both phones share many features, including the processor and camera system.
- OnePlus 9 – For a close price (9) to the Pixel 5, OnePlus 9 offers a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, bigger battery (4,500 mAh), and a much better camera (48-megapixel resolution).
- Apple iPhone 11 – More expensive than the Google Pixel 5 but with more storage options, a faster processor and dual-SIM capability. The Apple iPhone 11 is aimed at the mid-to-high range phone market. If you're already using Apple software and hardware, then the iPhone 11 is your best alternative
- Xiaomi 12 – For a slightly higher price (9), the Xiaomi 12 smartphone offers up to 256GB of storage (double the Pixel 5), a bigger battery (4,500mAh), and a triple rear camera (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP telephoto macro).
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Pixel 5 compatible with 5G?
Yes, they are. Google Pixel 5 phones use the octacore
Are Google Pixel 5 phones any good?
If you're on the look out for a mid-priced, lightweight, 5G-compatible phone with enough storage to handle the photos you'll take with an impressive camera.
Can I connect Google Pixel 5 phones to my TV?
Yes. You can mirror the screen on your phone onto a to your TV using Google's own Chromecast add-on. You can also use the Nexus Player or other device that can cast. You can also show your phone's screen and audio on a TV using an adapter (USB-C to HDMI) to connect the phone to any other type of television, provided it has an HDMI port.
Can I get Google Pixel 5 phones SIM-free?
Yes. Most providers will sell you a Google Pixel 5 handset without demanding you take out a contract.
Can I buy refurbished Google Pixel 5 phones?
Yes, you can buy refurbished Google Pixel 5 phones, given they’ve been around for about two years. You can buy them directly from Google or through reputable marketplaces like Back Market.
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