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MagyarGoogle Pixel 5 smartphone review: Powerful mid-range with Android 11
Courage to do without! This could have been the motto Google used when designing the Pixel 5, since as the new Google smartphone flagship, the successor of the Pixel 4 does some things differently than the top models from other manufacturers. It focuses on the essential, you could say.
In contrast to previous years, Google now limits itself to a single top model in its new smartphone series. This makes the choice easy, since the Pixel 5 is only available in a single fixed configuration – but at least you can still choose from among two case colors. Otherwise the name of the game is to do without: what is not there anymore is the neural core chip that has been supporting the processing of photos since the Pixel 2, as well as the motion sensor for the gesture control. Unlocking via face recognition is also gone.
The next surprise is that the Pixel 5 limits itself to a display size of 6 inches, countering the trend that top models among smartphones have to be as large as possible. In addition, there is no high-end SoC below the 2340 x 1080 resolution OLED display with 90 Hz, but only the mid-range Snapdragon 765G. In exchange, that includes an integrated 5G modem. This is accompanied by 128 GB of internal storage and 8 GB of RAM.
Comparison Devices
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Drive | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.6 % | 10/2020 | Google Pixel 5 SD 765G, Adreno 620 | 151 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.00" | 2340x1080 | |
| 86.5 % | 09/2019 | Apple iPhone 11 A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU | 194 g | 64 GB SSD | 6.10" | 1792x828 | |
| 85.7 % | 11/2019 | Google Pixel 4 SD 855, Adreno 640 | 162 g | 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 5.70" | 2280x1080 | |
| 85.8 % | 04/2020 | Google Pixel 4 XL SD 855, Adreno 640 | 193 g | 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.30" | 3040x1440 | |
| 83.6 % | 07/2020 | OnePlus Nord SD 765G, Adreno 620 | 184 g | 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.44" | 2440x1080 | |
| 84.2 % | 10/2020 | Vivo X50 Pro SD 765G, Adreno 620 | 181.5 g | 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.56" | 2376x1080 | |
| 84 % | 08/2020 | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G SD 765G, Adreno 620 | 192 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.57" | 2340x1080 | |
| 83.8 % | 10/2020 | ZTE Axon 11 5G SD 765G, Adreno 620 | 168 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.47" | 2340x1080 |
Case - Very slim and compact, as well as IP68 certified
No glass back, no shiny metal frame, no popup camera, and no XXL form factor: The design of the Google Pixel 5 is pleasantly moderate, completely foregoing any visual gimmicks. The punch-hole webcam and color choice are also fitting. The small webcam is integrated so inconspicuously in the top left display corner that you won't even notice it after a while. The Pixel 5 is available in "Just Black" as in our test unit, or alternatively in "Sorta Sage," a sage-green color tone.
The modesty comes to an end when considering the workmanship and quality of the materials. Below the matte plastic surface hides an aluminum case that transitions almost seamlessly into the OLED display, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 6 and framed all around by very slim bezels. This gives the Pixel 5 a very slim and elegant appearance.
Together, the aluminum case and glass front form a stable unit that can hardly be warped or pressed in. At the same time, the Pixel 5 is also dust and water resistant according to IP68 and despite its aluminum case also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
The Pixel 5 also convinces in terms of its haptics. The back is covered by a slightly rubberized layer that offers good support to the grip. This is complemented by the practical form factor. With its dimensions of 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 millimeters (~5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 in) and light weight of 151 grams (~5.3 oz), the smartphone is extremely comfortable to hold in everyday usage. Its robust and non-slip exterior does not make it absolutely necessary to get the optional fabric case, which looks very elegant, but costs almost 44 Euros (~$52).
Equipment - A speaker hidden underneath the display
In terms of the physical connections, the Pixel 5 remains faithful to its frugal theme, and they are limited to a USB-C port (USB-C 3.2 Gen.1) and a Nano-SIM slot. Unfortunately, the Pixel 5 does not offer a slot for a microSD card, so that you are limited to the internal storage. In the state of delivery, about 111 GB of that are still available to the user.
While the Pixel 5 has a stereo speaker system, you can only see one of them on the bottom, next to the USB-C port. The second speaker is hidden underneath the display.
Software - Android 11 for the Google Pixel 5
With Android 11, the newest Android version is already running on the Google Pixel 5 when it arrives. This is "pure" Android 11, so a system without any bloatware or apps from third-party vendors. Since Android 11 is brand new, the Android security patches were also at the newest level (October 5, 2020) during our test.
Google's update policy is definitely an argument for purchasing the Pixel 5. The manufacturer promises to update its smartphone at least for 3 years with Android's newest operating system and security patch versions. The 3-year time frame started when the Pixel 5 became available in the Google Store in the USA, which was in mid-October.
Communication and GPS - Fast WLAN despite the lack of WiFi 6
Across short distances, the Pixel 5 communicates via Bluetooth 5.0 LE and NFC. In terms of WLAN, it only uses the now aging WiFi 5 (WLAN 802.11ac) instead of WiFi 6. However, as our test with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router shows, it does not need to hide behind the competitors with this.
At an average of 625 and 483 Mb/s respectively when receiving and sending, the Pixel 5 is almost as fast in the WLAN net as the Apple iPhone 11, and it also scores with stable transfer rates.
The Pixel 5 determines its current location using the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellite navigation systems. During our test, it succeeded in this both outdoors and indoors with an accuracy of 3 meters (~10 ft).
When moving around, the precision also remains high. While compared to the Garmin Edge 500 professional navigation device, it does not always determine its current position quite as accurately, it is accurate enough for the daily app usage.
Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - 5G and eSIM
The Pixel 5 offers a slot for a Nano-SIM card and besides VoLTE also supports WiFi Calling, as long as the service provider also supports this. In addition, you can activate an eSIM. With 4G, both of the SIMs can work at the same time, but for 5G you have to deactivate either one.
In our test, the Pixel 5 produces a good voice quality. However, it can become a little difficult to understand our conversation partner in loud surroundings, since voices are not transferred very loud. The communication via speaker phone works flawlessly.
Cameras - Simple dual camera with strong performance
The Pixel series has been an assured producer of good photos and video recordings until now, and the Pixel 5 with its dual-camera system is no exception here, even if the technical specifications don't sound spectacular. What makes the difference is the camera software Google uses to get the maximum out of the rather simple hardware.
The main camera uses the Sony IMX363 sensor that already took good photos in the Pixel 2 and also offered its services in the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. The IMX363 has a resolution of 12.2 MP, with a pixel size of 1.4 µm, an f/1.7 aperture, and a viewing angle of 77°. It operates with a two-phase autofocus and optical as well as electronic image stabilization. The camera duo of the Pixel 5 is completed by a 16-MP ultra-wide angle lens (f/2.2, 1.0 µm) that covers a viewing angle of 107°. The selfie camera has an 8-MP resolution and uses a fixed focus (f/2.0, 1.12 µm, 83°).
In daylight, the Pixel 5 takes excellent pictures that convince with natural colors, crisp image sharpness, and a balanced dynamic. The camera software is able to compensate well for the lack of a telephoto lens. Even at 5x zoom, it still succeeds in delivering fairly usable results, as in our test pictures.
The smartphone automatically adjusts for bad light conditions, changing into night mode, with which it still succeeds in taking surprisingly good pictures. The same goes for the Astro photo mode, which is included again as already in the Google Pixel 4 XL. The selfie camera and video function also achieve a good image quality. The latter is able to record 4K videos at up to 60 frames per second, which is a first for a Pixel smartphone.
What is new in the camera software is the portrait illumination, allowing you to insert a light source into portrait photos after the fact, to show the pictured person in a better light, so to speak. For video recordings, you can add the stabilization effects called "Locked," "Active," and "Cinema Effect." The Locked mode can be used for recordings where the camera is hardly moved, while the Active mode is designed for exactly the opposite. The Cinema Effect slows down camera panning like in a Hollywood movie.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Tageslicht-Szene 1Tageslicht-Szene 2Weitwinkel5-facher ZoomLowlight-Umgebung
Under controlled light conditions, the fact that the Pixel 5 reproduces colors far too bright in weak light (top color card) becomes noticeable, but in good light conditions (bottom color card) the colors are close to the ideal.
The smartphone is able to reproduce the test chart sharply. Only close to the lower edge, there is some slight brightening of the image. However, many professional cameras also have to struggle with the same problem.
Accessories and Warranty - Pixel 5 with an 18-watt charger and OTG adapter
The box of the Pixel 5 includes a modular 18-watt USB-C charger, a USB cable (Type-C to Type-C), an OTG adapter, a SIM tool, and a quick start manual. In its web shop, Google also offers the fabric-covered Pixel 5 case, the Pixel Stand wireless charger, and the Pixel Buds Bluetooth earphones.
There is a 24-month warranty on the Google Pixel 5.
Input Devices and Operation - A fingerprint sensor but no face recognition
With its 90-Hz touchscreen, the Pixel 5 can be operated very smoothly. The smartphone implements all the touch inputs without any noticeable delays. The proven Google Gboard is used as the standard keyboard.
In terms of biometric unlocking, the Pixel 5 only offers the fingerprint sensor on the back, but that works very reliably.
Display - A bright 90-Hz panel with excellent image quality
The 6-inch OLED panel of the Pixel 5 has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, achieving a pixel density of 432 PPI, which guarantees a sharp image.
With an activated brightness sensor, the very evenly illuminated OLED panel achieves a brightness of 635.9 cd/m² on average, and without the support of the sensor the maximum is 485 cd/m². However, with evenly distributed light and dark image areas, the brightness increases up to 782 cd/m². On the other extreme, the brightness can be reduced down to 2.27 cd/m².
The OLED flickering occurs at a relatively low frequency range (188 - 367.6 Hz) in the Pixel 5 and should not be noticed as an annoyance by most users.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 635 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.8 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
97.4% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.23
| Google Pixel 5 OLED, 2340x1080, 6.00 | Apple iPhone 11 IPS, 1792x828, 6.10 | Google Pixel 4 OLED, 2280x1080, 5.70 | Google Pixel 4 XL P-OLED, 3040x1440, 6.30 | OnePlus Nord AMOLED, 2440x1080, 6.44 | Vivo X50 Pro AMOLED, 2376x1080, 6.56 | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G AMOLED, 2340x1080, 6.57 | ZTE Axon 11 5G AMOLED, 2340x1080, 6.47 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6% | 5% | -116% | -60% | -93% | -16% | -99% | |
| Brightness middle | 635 | 679 7% | 554 -13% | 557 -12% | 529 -17% | 784 23% | 584 -8% | 603 -5% |
| Brightness | 636 | 671 6% | 550 -14% | 555 -13% | 531 -17% | 780 23% | 583 -8% | 608 -4% |
| Brightness Distribution | 97 | 93 -4% | 94 -3% | 95 -2% | 94 -3% | 97 0% | 97 0% | 92 -5% |
| Black Level * | 0.68 | |||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.8 | 0.8 -0% | 0.8 -0% | 3.9 -388% | 2.53 -216% | 3.5 -338% | 1.17 -46% | 3 -275% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.2 | 2.4 -9% | 1.4 36% | 6.1 -177% | 4.52 -105% | 6.4 -191% | 2.95 -34% | 6.2 -182% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.7 | 1.1 35% | 1.3 24% | 3.5 -106% | 1.7 -0% | 3 -76% | 1.7 -0% | 3.8 -124% |
| Gamma | 2.23 99% | 2.24 98% | 2.22 99% | 2.18 101% | 2.249 98% | 1.99 111% | 2.231 99% | 2.21 100% |
| CCT | 6492 100% | 6610 98% | 6213 105% | 6127 106% | 6462 101% | 6666 98% | 6341 103% | 7242 90% |
| Contrast | 999 |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 367.6 Hz | ≤ 99 % brightness setting |  |
The display backlight flickers at 367.6 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 99 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 367.6 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
The Pixel 5 delivers the best color reproduction in the "Natural" color mode, where it impresses with exemplary image parameters. In addition, the smartphone scores in each of the three color modes – the others being "Increased" and "Adaptive" – with its OLED-typical, excellent contrast ratio.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1.6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 1.6 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 9 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 6.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 3.6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 3.2 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 14 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms). | ||
The Pixel 5 brings an ample amount of brightness reserves for usage outdoors, so that it should not become a problem to read the display contents even in bright sunlight.
There is nothing to complain in terms of the viewing angle stability, and the image contents remain easily recognizable even from steep viewing angles. At times, the colors can shift slightly toward blue, but this does not interfere with the readability.
Performance - Google Pixel 5 with a mid-range SoC
The Snapdragon 765G mid-range SoC is an unusual choice for a smartphone flagship model. However, its power is easily sufficient for smooth operation, and you might only notice in very demanding apps or with many apps opened simultaneously that its power is limited.
In the synthetic benchmarks, the Pixel 5 is slightly slower overall than the OnePlus Nord, Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G, and Vivo X50 Pro, although those use the same SoC. Apparently Google throttles the GPU performance in particular. In the internal comparison, the smartphone also loses, and the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are ahead of the Pixel 5 in all the benchmarks.
| AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Google Pixel 5 | |
| Google Pixel 4 | |
| Google Pixel 4 XL | |
| OnePlus Nord | |
| Vivo X50 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (285731 - 332305, n=14) | |
You can surf the web quickly with the Pixel 5, but the browser performance of the smartphone is fairly unremarkable overall and only sufficient for one of the places in the lower middle of the field of comparison devices. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are again faster.
| Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=173, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chrome 84) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G (Chrome83) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (15.8 - 60.5, n=12) | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chrome 84) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (Chrome 80) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (10.8 - 96.9, n=11) | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=157, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chome 84) | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G (Chrome83) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (9 - 54.9, n=9) | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (39 - 304, n=122, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chrome 84) | |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (Chrome 80) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G (Chrome83) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (20 - 101, n=13) | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=211, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (Chrome 80) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chrome 84) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G (Chrome83) | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (3592 - 19143, n=14) | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Vivo X50 Pro (Chrome 85) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (2359 - 15230, n=14) | |
| ZTE Axon 11 5G (Chrome 83) | |
| OnePlus Nord (Chrome 84) | |
| Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G (Chrome83) | |
| Google Pixel 5 (Chrome 86.0.4240.110) | |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (Chrome 80) | |
| Google Pixel 4 (Chrome 78) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=173, last 2 years) | |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Safari Mobile 13.0) | |
* ... smaller is better
While Google does not specify anything about the storage type, the benchmark results lead us to think that it is UFS 2.1 flash storage. While it is significantly slower compared to the UFS 3.x storage of high-end smartphones, you will only be able to notice this in everyday operation when you copy large amounts of data or load extensive apps.
| Google Pixel 5 | Google Pixel 4 | Google Pixel 4 XL | OnePlus Nord | Vivo X50 Pro | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G | ZTE Axon 11 5G | Average 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -3% | 3% | 30% | 10% | 42% | 34% | 10% | 179% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB | 851 | 655 -23% | 871 2% | 956 12% | 925 9% | 980 15% | 956 12% | 760 ? -11% | 1505 ? 77% |
| Sequential Write 256KB | 190 | 247.7 30% | 197.4 4% | 473.1 149% | 209.1 10% | 476.9 151% | 417.1 120% | 297 ? 56% | 1112 ? 485% |
| Random Read 4KB | 138.9 | 122.4 -12% | 142.2 2% | 126.7 -9% | 165.2 19% | 156.4 13% | 166.3 20% | 152.9 ? 10% | 247 ? 78% |
| Random Write 4KB | 155.9 | 146.6 -6% | 164.2 5% | 104.5 -33% | 156.8 1% | 138.5 -11% | 128.4 -18% | 131.6 ? -16% | 271 ? 74% |
| Sequential Read 256KB SDCard | 88.3 ? | 76 ? | |||||||
| Sequential Write 256KB SDCard | 66.4 ? | 59.6 ? |
Gaming - An Adreno 620 in the Google smartphone
The performance of the Adreno 620 is sufficient to display current games to a large extent smoothly. However, the graphics unit does not bring too many computing reserves, so that some small stutters may happen at times in high graphics settings. But this was not the case in our test games, where we determine the frame rates with the Gamebench tool. "PUBG Mobile" also runs with 30 FPS in HD settings, and in the graphically simple "Armajet," the Pixel 5 is able to fully use the capabilities of its 90-Hz display.
Emissions - Weak stereo speakers
Temperature
Under constant load, the surface of the Pixel 5 warmed to a maximum of 35.5 °C (96 °F), so it did not feel uncomfortably warm at any time. We usually evaluate whether the SoC throttles its performance under continuous stress with the GFXBench app. However, Android 11 and the GFXBench battery test did not get along, and we were unable to determine exact results.
Instead, an hour-long stress test using the Stability Test app followed by a run of AnTuTu delivered a rough estimate. The result: with barely 250,000 points, the AnTuTu score was clearly lower than the result under normal conditions. So there can be some throttling at times.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 33.6 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 35.5 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.7 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Speakers
The two speakers of the Pixel 5 are absolutely okay if you want to listen to some podcasts, play some videos, or listen to the occasional piece of music. However, their sound is fairly thin. There is practically no bass, while the mids and highs are clearly over-represented.
Unfortunately, Google does not include an audio adapter. For Bluetooth audio devices, all the usual HD codes (aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) are supported.
Google Pixel 5 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (91.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.6% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 7.2% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 24% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 45% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 48% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Google Pixel 4 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 19.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 89% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 24% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Battery Life - Significantly better than in the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
Power Consumption
The Pixel 5 runs very efficiently, and 0.62 watts in idle operation and 2.73 watts under load are average values that none of the comparison devices even comes close to. For maximum battery life, in addition to Intelligent Power Saving mode that adjusts the power settings according to usage, you can also activate the Super Power Saving mode in the battery settings. Then most apps will be paused and notifications will not be displayed.
The Pixel 5 supports wireless charging and is also able to recharge Qi compatible devices such as the Pixel Buds Bluetooth earphones via Reverse Wireless Charging. The included 18-watt charger can completely recharge the smartphone within about 2 hours.
| Off / Standby |   0.01 / 0.17 Watt |
| Idle |  0.69 / 0.82 / 0.85 Watt |
| Load |
2.73 / 4.4 Watt |
    
| |
| Google Pixel 5 4080 mAh | Apple iPhone 11 3110 mAh | Google Pixel 4 2800 mAh | Google Pixel 4 XL 3700 mAh | OnePlus Nord 4115 mAh | Vivo X50 Pro 4315 mAh | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G 4160 mAh | ZTE Axon 11 5G 4000 mAh | Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -116% | -83% | -61% | -106% | -104% | -130% | -65% | -81% | -78% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.69 | 0.56 19% | 1.01 -46% | 0.83 -20% | 1.8 -161% | 1.18 -71% | 1.5 -117% | 0.78 -13% | 0.965 ? -40% | 0.897 ? -30% |
| Idle Average * | 0.82 | 2.99 -265% | 1.63 -99% | 1.24 -51% | 2.1 -156% | 2.45 -199% | 2.2 -168% | 1.43 -74% | 1.899 ? -132% | 1.452 ? -77% |
| Idle Maximum * | 0.85 | 3.02 -255% | 1.69 -99% | 1.25 -47% | 2.3 -171% | 2.51 -195% | 2.9 -241% | 1.54 -81% | 2.07 ? -144% | 1.629 ? -92% |
| Load Average * | 2.73 | 4.17 -53% | 4.67 -71% | 4.98 -82% | 3.4 -25% | 3.61 -32% | 4.4 -61% | 5.04 -85% | 3.98 ? -46% | 5.55 ? -103% |
| Load Maximum * | 4.4 | 5.44 -24% | 8.78 -100% | 9.09 -107% | 5.2 -18% | 5.36 -22% | 7.2 -64% | 7.49 -70% | 6.19 ? -41% | 8.31 ? -89% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
The battery life of the Pixel 4 was disappointing and already significantly better in the Pixel 4 XL. The Pixel 5 brings again more improvement, since not only does it run most efficiently but it also brings the battery with the largest capacity (4080 mAh). The result is a very good battery life.
In the WLAN test, the Pixel 5 lasts for almost 13.5 hours and when playing an H.264 video it even lasts longer than a whole day. Overall, only the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G achieves a similarly good outcome in terms of the battery life.
| Google Pixel 5 4080 mAh | Apple iPhone 11 3110 mAh | Google Pixel 4 2800 mAh | Google Pixel 4 XL 3700 mAh | OnePlus Nord 4115 mAh | Vivo X50 Pro 4315 mAh | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G 4160 mAh | ZTE Axon 11 5G 4000 mAh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -3% | -50% | -23% | -13% | -20% | 4% | -24% | |
| Reader / Idle | 2245 | 2765 23% | 1007 -55% | 2003 -11% | 1529 -32% | 1683 -25% | 1700 -24% | |
| H.264 | 1466 | 1147 -22% | 617 -58% | 1064 -27% | 1352 -8% | 1403 -4% | 1070 -27% | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 808 | 866 7% | 460 -43% | 623 -23% | 869 8% | 763 -6% | 884 9% | 679 -16% |
| Load | 333 | 267 -20% | 185 -44% | 261 -22% | 216 -35% | 448 35% | 240 -28% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - The Pixel 5 bucks the trend
With the Pixel 5, Google makes a courageous move. Instead of betting on increasingly large smartphones like the competitors, the newest Google off-shoot turned out downright tiny at 6 inches. With this, Google closes a gap that should not be neglected, since many users want a compact and powerful smartphone.
Powerful is definitely a characteristic that fits the OLED display, the dual-camera system, and the battery of the Pixel 5. The display convinces with very high brightness and excellent color accuracy, the dual camera takes very good pictures, and the battery life of the Google smartphone turns out to be very long-lasting.
While the Google Pixel 5 improves much over the Pixel 4, compared to other top models, it remains behind in terms of technology. However, those who are looking for a compact Android 11 smartphone with guaranteed updates can hardly overlook the Pixel 5.
This brings us to the second courageous move: usually you would expect a high-end SoC in a flagship smartphone. Instead, the Pixel 5 uses the Snapdragon 765G from the mid-range. However, you practically won't see any performance difference in everyday operation at all. Still, it probably would have been good for the Pixel 5, if Google had also produced an additional version with a more powerful SoC. Since the Pixel 5 otherwise recommends itself for keeping it longer, more performance reserves for the future would have surely benefitted.
The Pixel 5 costs 630 Euros (~$747, current price unlocked in the US: $650), but due to the lower sales tax in the German web shop it currently is only 613.14 Euros (~$727). This is a good chunk less than the top models of many competitors, although those will also use faster hardware. However, the Pixel 5 might be able to make up for this disadvantage with a promise from Google that could become a decisive factor for many buyers: The Pixel 5 comes with Android 11 and will get at least 3 years of OS and security updates according to the manufacturer.
Google Pixel 5
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08/31/2022 v7
Manuel Masiero
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