The Google Pixel 5 It represents a turning point in Google's mobile device strategy, consolidating its commitment to the mid-premium range without sacrificing the advanced features that make a difference. This exhaustive analysis delves into every element of the Pixel 5, from design and user experience to performance, computational photography, and purchasing conditions in Europe, integrating all the details that a demanding user expects to know before deciding on this device.
Design and materials: compactness and ergonomics in the era of minimalism
El Google Pixel 5 design It stands out from the start for its sobriety and minimalism. Google is doing away with the XL format in this generation and opting for a compact format that feels great 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 the segment. The use of recycled aluminum On the back, covered by a textured layer, it provides a matte finish that prevents fingerprints and offers excellent grip, as well as remarkable resistance to scratches and falls. It highlights the IPX8 certified water and dust resistance.
On the front, the Pixel 5 shows the optimization of space with symmetrical edges and maximum frame reduction, leaving only a discreet hole in the screen for the selfie camera. fingerprint reader The small, perfectly positioned capacitive touchscreen on the back ensures fast and efficient unlocking, especially useful when wearing masks limits the effectiveness of other facial biometric systems.
The device's buttons offer a curious combination: metal power button y plastic volume buttonsDespite not using 100% premium materials, the hand feels solid and the ergonomics are outstanding, allowing for extended use without fatigue. The rear camera module barely protrudes, promoting stability when placed on a surface.
Advanced OLED display and visual experience
The Google Pixel 5 mounts a 6-inch OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (2.340 x 1.080 px) and density of 432 pixels per inch, protected by Gorilla Glass 6. The 90 Hz refresh rate It provides remarkable fluidity in navigation, animations and scrolling between applications, which is noticeable in the user experience, although it does not reach the 120 Hz of more expensive models.
The panel's maximum brightness allows for viewing outdoors and in direct sunlight, one of the traditional weak points of the Pixels that has been resolved here; in addition, adaptive brightness It learns from the user's manual corrections, improving with daily use. The panel offers three color calibration modes (natural, enhanced, and adaptive), allowing saturation to be adjusted to each user's liking.
Google implements specific functions such as increased sensitivity for tempered glass, screen focus (keeping the screen on while looking at it), as well as font size and zoom controls. It's worth noting that the Ambient EQ feature present in previous generations is missing, although Night Shift mode for nighttime eye care is available.
Processor, memory and storage: optimized performance
In the technical section, the Google Pixel 5 bet on the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, which involves a compromise between energy efficiency, 5G support, and good overall performance. They accompany 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM y 128 GB internal storage (not expandable via microSD), a configuration that guarantees fluency in multitasking, instant application opening and light execution even for games with medium-high graphic resource requirements.
Benchmarks place the Snapdragon 765G below more powerful chips like the Snapdragon 865, but Google's extreme software layer optimization makes subjective performance very fluid and stable in everyday use. However, some advanced games may not reach the maximum available graphics settings. The system is clean, free of bloatware and with few pre-installed applications, leaving most of the storage available to the user, and helping to maintain a fast and efficient system over time.
Autonomy and charging: versatile battery for intensive users
Su 4.000 mAh battery (some models report 4.080 mAh) stands out for its intelligent management of energy consumption, derived from both the processor and the optimization of pure Android. The Pixel 5 can surpass 8 hours of active screen In mixed use (mainly Wi-Fi), it can even reach two days of battery life with moderate use and conservative brightness settings. With intensive use of 5G, the camera, or gaming, battery life may drop, but it will rarely fall below six hours of screen-on time.
The terminal integrates 18W fast charge via USB-C, standard wireless charging y reversible wireless charging, allowing you to recharge other devices such as compatible headphones or smartwatches. Additionally, at the software level, restrictions can be set for reverse charging when the battery is low, and an aggressive power-saving mode is available for critical situations.
Advanced connectivity: the definitive leap to 5G
The Pixel 5 not only focuses on offering a premium mid-range experience, 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/BeiDouThis deployment of technologies enables connection to all European bands and guarantees significantly faster download speeds in areas with 5G coverage, as well as facilitating mobile payments and instant pairing with headphones and accessories.
The device also includes USB-C 3.1, a system of stereo sound (with one under-screen speaker and one traditional speaker), three noise-cancelling microphones and support for Physical SIM and eSIMAlthough the headphone jack has disappeared compared to previous generations, the experience with Bluetooth headphones is satisfactory in terms of quality and stability.
Sound and vibration: enhanced listening experience
In terms of audio, the Google Pixel 5 introduces a system of dual speaker, where the top speaker vibrates under the screen, while the main speaker sits on the bottom edge. While the sound isn't technically true stereo, the software update and the "adaptive sound" option improve the perception during calls and multimedia playback, adapting the volume to the environment. The device reaches a high volume (over 100 dB in tests) and maintains a sufficient bass level, although some distortion is noticeable above 80% volume.
Engine vibration It has enough power and can be configured to avoid annoying frequent notifications. In addition, Google integrates software features such as 'Now Playing' song detection in the environment and the ability to enable automatic subtitles for all content (currently only available in English).
Operating system and user experience: Google's vision of Android
The Pixel 5 arrives 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 ensuring a minimum of three years of system and security updates This places the Pixels as the best-maintained Android devices in the long term, receiving new features and patches before other models, even those in higher ranges.
Notable software extras include: recorder app (real-time transcription), Google Photos, Google Files, the advanced integration of the Google Assistant (faster and more contextualized on the Pixel), as well as the possibility of creating custom themes changing fonts, colors and shapes of icons, all without giving up modes like dark theme or an advanced gesture system for navigation.
One of the star functions in biometrics is the use of capacitive fingerprint reader on the back, which not only unlocks the device but also allows you to display 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 mounts a system of dual rear camera composed of a Sony IMX363 main sensor of 12,2 MP with f / 1.7 aperture, 1,4 μm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF focus, optical and electronic stabilization, and a 16 MP wide angle (f/2.2 and 107º). Although many current devices rely on triple or quadruple sensors, the strength of the Pixel 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 SM (f/2.0, 83º), capable of taking advantage of all the rear camera modes, including Night Sight and Portrait mode. Although it doesn't include autofocus, the wide-angle lens makes group selfies easier, and the results—both in terms of detail, skin color, 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 offering stabilized 4K video, with specific stabilization modes (still, active for moving objects, slow motion, time-lapse), and the application of HDR+ to video, which delivers excellent results in terms of dynamic range and sharpness. Stereo audio recording and the app's ease of use complete a very reliable experience for casual users and content creators.
Complete and comparative technical sheet
| Specifications: | 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 hurdles for many users interested in the Pixel 5 has been its availability: Google did not officially launch it in Spain. upon release, although it was available in nearby countries such as France (€629) and Germany (€613,15). It can be purchased through European retailers with a warranty, platforms such as Fnac France, Amazon UK, or specialized technology stores. In the secondhand and refurbished markets, the Pixel 5 remains in high demand due to its combination of features and Google support.
Is the Pixel 5 worth it over 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 best options, especially if you value not carrying around a large or heavy device. Its price, while not low, has been dropping over time, and the offerings in the European market place it in a competitive range compared to the traditional mid-high and high-end models of 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 evolutions, with the arrival of models such as the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8 and variants a (Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8a) that continue to focus on fast updates, advances in computational photography, and increasingly customized processors by Google (Tensor line). However, the Pixel 5 remains relevant in many ways: it's one of the last Pixel phones with a rear fingerprint sensor and a truly compact size, making it a favorite for lovers of small, easy-to-use phones with one hand.
Expert and user opinions on the Google Pixel 5
Experts stand out from Google Pixel 5 Its outstanding balance between size, autonomy, user experience, camera quality and update support, although they point out that its price may be high compared to the competition if only raw technical specifications such as processor power are valued. However, the global experience The Pixel 5's performance makes it a device closer to the high-end in terms of sensations than limitations, and its camera remains one of the most recommended for casual and creative photography.
Among the opinions of users who purchase the Pixel 5, there are repeated praises for its Lightness, size, build quality, battery life and the ease of updating Android without waiting. On the less positive side, some people miss a wider range of colors or a brighter panel for extreme outdoor use.
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.
