The Google Pixel 5 represents a turning point in Google's mobile device strategy, solidifying its commitment to the premium mid-range without sacrificing advanced features that make a real difference. This comprehensive review delves into every aspect of the Pixel 5, from design and user experience to performance, computational photography, and purchasing conditions in Europe, covering all the details a discerning user expects to know before making a decision.
Design and materials: compactness and ergonomics in the era of minimalism
The Google Pixel 5's design stands out from the start for its understated elegance and minimalism. Google has abandoned the XL format in this generation, opting for a compact design that feels incredibly comfortable in the hand: it measures just 144,7 x 70,4 x 8 mm and weighs around 151 grams , making it one of the lightest and most manageable smartphones in its segment. The use of recycled aluminum on the back, coated with a textured layer, provides a matte finish that resists fingerprints and offers excellent grip, as well as remarkable resistance to scratches and drops. It also boasts IPX8 water and dust resistance.
On the front, the Pixel 5 showcases optimized space with symmetrical edges and minimal bezels, leaving only a discreet hole in the screen for the selfie camera. The small, perfectly positioned capacitive fingerprint reader on the back ensures quick and efficient unlocking, especially useful when wearing masks limits the effectiveness of other facial biometric systems.
The device's buttons offer a curious combination: a metal power button and plastic volume buttons . Despite not using 100% premium materials, it feels solid in the hand and the ergonomics are outstanding, allowing for extended use without fatigue. The rear camera module barely protrudes, enhancing stability when placed on a surface.
Advanced OLED display and visual experience
The Google Pixel 5 features a 6-inch OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (2.340 x 1.080 px) and a pixel density of 432 pixels per inch, protected by Gorilla Glass 6. The 90Hz refresh rate provides remarkable fluidity in navigation, animations, and switching between apps, making a noticeable difference in the user experience, although it doesn't reach the 120Hz of more expensive models.
The panel's maximum brightness allows for viewing outdoors and in direct sunlight, a traditional weakness of Pixel phones that has been addressed here. Furthermore, the adaptive brightness learns from the user's manual adjustments, improving with daily use. The panel offers three color calibration modes (natural, enhanced, and adaptive), allowing users to adjust the saturation to their liking.
Google implements specific features such as increased sensitivity for tempered glass screen protectors , screen attention (keeping the screen on while you're looking at it), as well as font size and zoom control. It's worth noting the absence of the Ambient EQ feature present in previous generations, although Night Shift mode for nighttime eye care is available.
Processor, memory and storage: optimized performance
In terms of technical specifications, the Google Pixel 5 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor , which represents a balance between energy efficiency, 5G support, and good overall performance. It's paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128 GB of internal storage (not expandable via microSD), a configuration that ensures smooth multitasking , instant app launches, and lightweight performance even for games with medium to high graphical demands.
Benchmarks place the Snapdragon 765G below more powerful chips like the Snapdragon 865, but the extreme optimization of Google's software layer makes subjective performance very smooth and stable in everyday use. However, some demanding games may not reach the maximum available graphics settings. The system is clean, without bloatware and with few pre-installed applications, which leaves most of the storage available to the user and helps maintain a fast and efficient system over time.
Autonomy and charging: versatile battery for intensive users
Its 4.000 mAh battery (some models report 4.080 mAh) stands out for its intelligent power management , derived from both the processor and the optimization of stock Android. The Pixel 5 can exceed 8 hours of screen-on time with mixed use (primarily Wi-Fi), and even reach two days of battery life with moderate use and conservative brightness settings. With intensive use of 5G, the camera, or games, battery life may decrease, but it will rarely fall below 6 hours of screen-on time.
The device features 18W fast charging via USB-C, standard wireless charging , and reverse wireless charging , allowing you to recharge other compatible devices such as headphones or smartwatches. Additionally, at the software level, you can configure restrictions for reverse charging when the battery is low, and there's an aggressive power-saving mode for critical situations.
Advanced connectivity: the definitive leap to 5G
The Pixel 5 not only focuses on delivering a premium experience in the mid-range, but also incorporates next-generation connectivity: 5G (NSA and SA), 4G, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, NFC, and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS/BeiDou . This array of technologies allows it to connect to all European bands and guarantees significantly faster download speeds in 5G coverage areas, as well as facilitating mobile payments and instant pairing with headphones and accessories.
The device also includes USB-C 3.1 , a stereo sound system (with an under-display speaker and a traditional speaker), three noise-canceling microphones, and support for both physical SIM and eSIM . While the headphone jack is gone compared to previous generations, the Bluetooth headphone experience is satisfactory in terms of quality and stability.
Sound and vibration: enhanced listening experience
In terms of audio, the Google Pixel 5 introduces a dual-speaker system , where the top speaker vibrates beneath the screen, while the main speaker is located on the bottom edge. Although technically the sound isn't true stereo, the software update and the 'adaptive sound' option improve the experience during calls and multimedia playback, adjusting the volume according to the environment. The device reaches a high volume (over 100 dB in tests) and maintains a sufficient level of bass, although some distortion is noticeable above 80% volume.
The vibration motor is sufficiently powerful and can be configured to avoid discomfort during frequent notifications. In addition, Google integrates software features such as song detection ('Now Playing') and the ability to activate automatic subtitles for all content (currently only available in English).
Operating system and user experience: Google's vision of Android
The Pixel 5 comes with Android 11 and the Pixel Experience, which embodies the most polished, efficient, and clean interpretation of Android, without unnecessary apps and with a consistent Material Design interface. Google's commitment to guaranteeing a minimum of three years of system and security updates positions Pixel phones as the best-maintained Android devices in the long term, receiving new features and patches before other models, even those in higher price ranges.
Among the most notable software extras are the recorder app (real-time transcription) , Google Photos, Google Files, advanced integration of the Google Assistant (faster and more contextual on Pixel phones), as well as the ability to create custom themes by changing fonts, colors, and icon shapes, all without giving up modes such as dark mode or an advanced gesture system for navigation.
One of the standout biometric features is the use of the capacitive fingerprint reader on the back, which, in addition to unlocking the device, allows you to pull down the notification bar, facilitating one-handed interaction. This sensor is especially useful when wearing a mask.
Computational photography: cameras that challenge the mid-range
Rear camera: dual sensor optimized by software
The Pixel 5 features a dual rear camera system consisting of a 12,2MP Sony IMX363 main sensor with an f/1.7 aperture , 1,4μm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF autofocus, and optical and electronic image stabilization, and a 16MP ultra-wide sensor (f/2.2 and 107º field of view). While many current devices opt for triple or quad-camera setups, the Pixel's strength lies in its computational photography and features like Night Sight, Live HDR+, and Super High Res Zoom (up to 7x digital zoom with good sharpness).
- Daytime photography: Dynamic range, color reproduction, and detail in good lighting conditions are among the best among the Android competition. HDR+ offers reliable results, natural colors, and the ability to adjust highlights and shadows separately, a feature only Google implements at this level.
- Night photographyNight Sight mode and astrophotography mode demonstrate Google's software's ability to squeeze the most out of conventional sensors. Long exposures can be taken without a tripod and detail can be captured in very low-light scenes, avoiding artificially orange or blue tones thanks to advanced white balance.
- Portrait mode: Relying solely on the main sensor and AI, the cropping is precise and the blur is natural, although Google forces the crop to 1,4x to simulate professional optics. The beauty mode is configurable, and all depth information is saved for later editing.
- Zoom: Thanks to the Super High Res Zoom algorithm, images enlarged up to 2x maintain a surprising level of detail even without a dedicated telephoto lens.
The camera app has been revamped, maintaining its simplicity but adding more control over flash, focus, modes, and the ability to shoot in RAW format, with access to HDR+ data for advanced editing.
Front camera: quality selfies and wide angle
The front sensor is 8 MP (f/2.0, 83º), capable of taking advantage of all the rear camera modes, including Night Sight and portrait mode. Although it lacks autofocus, the wide-angle range makes group selfies easy, and the results, in terms of detail, skin tone, and contrast, are among the best in its price range.
Video: A qualitative leap in stabilization and HDR
The Google Pixel 5 is the first mid-range Pixel capable of delivering stabilized 4K video , with dedicated stabilization modes (fixed, active for moving objects, slow motion, time-lapse), and HDR+ support for video as well, resulting in excellent dynamic range and sharpness. Stereo audio recording and the app's ease of use complete a very solid experience for both casual users and content creators.
Complete and comparative technical sheet
| Features | Google Pixel 5 |
|---|---|
| Screen | OLED 6″ Full HD+ (2.340 x 1.080 px), 90 Hz, Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128 GB internal, not expandable |
| Rear camera | Main: 12,2 MP f/1.7, OIS+EIS, wide angle: 16 MP f/2.2 |
| Frontal camera | 8 MP f/2.0, 83º |
| Battery | 4.000 mAh (some models 4.080 mAh), 18W fast charging, wireless and reversible |
| Operating System | Android 11, with three years of updates |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, multiple GPS, USB-C 3.1, SIM and eSIM |
| Others | Stereo speakers, rear fingerprint reader, IPX8 water resistance |
| Dimensions and weight | 144,7 x 70,4 x 8 mm, 151 g |
| Colours | Black, Green (Sorta Sage) |
Comparison with market alternatives in its price range
- Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G: The Pixel 5 adds 5G, better battery, reversible wireless charging, and a higher refresh rate than its smaller siblings in the Pixel family.
- Pixel 5 vs. Android rivals (OnePlus Nord, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, LG Velvet 5G)While many of these models offer more powerful processors or higher-clocked displays, the Pixel 5 stands out with its camera, polished user experience, and fast updates, in addition to a more compact form factor (something that's becoming increasingly difficult to find).
- Pixel 5 vs. iPhone 12 miniThe Pixel offers a native Android experience, advanced computational photography, and superior battery life, while the iPhone 12 mini excels in raw power and the iOS ecosystem.
Google Pixel 5 price and availability
One of the biggest obstacles for many users interested in the Pixel 5 has been its availability: Google didn't officially launch it in Spain at its initial release, although it was available in neighboring countries like France (€629) and Germany (€613,15). It can be purchased through European retailers with warranties, platforms like Fnac France, Amazon UK, or specialized tech stores. In the secondhand and refurbished markets, the Pixel 5 continues to be in high demand due to its combination of features and Google support.
Is the Pixel 5 worth it compared to other current options? If you're looking for a compact phone with an outstanding camera for photos and videos, a clean system experience, years of updates, and 5G connectivity, the Pixel 5 is one of the most well-rounded choices, especially if you value not carrying around a large or heavy device. Its price, while not low, has been decreasing over time, and its availability in the European market places it competitively against the traditional mid-range and high-end models from other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Google Pixel 5
- Does the Pixel 5 have memory expansion? No. The internal storage is 128 GB and cannot be expanded via microSD.
- Does it support dual SIM? Yes, through a combination of physical SIM and eSIM.
- Is it waterproof? Yes, it has IPX8 certification.
- Does it include a headphone jack? No. The audio connection must be via USB-C or Bluetooth.
- Do you receive Android updates? Yes, Google guarantees at least three years of new Android versions and security patches.
- What accessories does the box include? Power adapter, USB-C cable, and USB-A to USB-C adapter. Headphones not included.
News and evolution in the Pixel range
Since the Pixel 5, the Pixel family has undergone significant evolution, with the arrival of models like the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and the "a" variants (Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8a) that continue to prioritize fast updates, advancements in computational photography, and increasingly customized processors from Google (Tensor line). However, the Pixel 5 remains relevant in many ways: it's one of the last Pixels with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a truly compact size, making it a favorite for those who love small, easy-to-use phones that can be handled with one hand.
Expert and user opinions on the Google Pixel 5
Experts highlight the Google Pixel 5 's outstanding balance of size, battery life, user experience, camera quality, and update support, though they note that its price may seem high compared to the competition if only raw technical specifications like processor power are considered. However, the overall Pixel 5 experience places it closer to a high-end device in terms of feel rather than limitations, and its camera remains one of the most highly recommended for casual and creative photography.
Among the reviews from Pixel 5 users, praise is consistently given for its lightness, size, build quality, battery life, and the ease of updating Android without delays. On the downside, some users miss a wider range of colors or a brighter screen in extreme outdoor conditions.
The Google Pixel 5 is a clear example of how hardware, when combined with outstanding software optimization, can deliver a premium experience without the need for the most expensive components on the market. Google's commitment to computational photography, rapid updates, and a compact form factor continues to serve as a benchmark for those seeking a reliable, durable, and well-balanced device without sacrificing the key features that distinguish a true Pixel.
