This mainly takes the form of iterative improvements across a number of established features, with apps like Google Duo and There was never any doubt about the software experience that the Pixel 5 would be running out-the-box.Īndroid 11 is the latest and greatest of Google’s mobile OS’ and as ever, this newest Pixel serves to show it off at its best. That said, despite the promise of stereo sound and the frequency split across both speakers, the overall sound profile lacks punch or clarity, especially the louder you push it. It handles the higher frequencies while a downward-facing secondary speaker does most of the heavy lifting regarding the mids and bass tones.
With no visible earpiece it was assumed that the Pixel 5 would host an under-display speaker and sure enough, it works well in calls but doesn’t bring much to the table when serving as a loud-speaker. Google hasn’t pushed the boat out with the panel on this year’s Pixel but it’s still a pleasingly crisp and clear HDR10+-compliant, 90Hz, Full HD+, OLED offering. Display & audio – Clear screen, muddy soundĪ taller, slimmer 19.5:9 aspect ratio means the Pixel 5 offers a larger 6in display compared to last year’s Pixel 4, without becoming that much wider in-hand. The finishing touches that round out the Pixel 5’s design are its pleasingly small camera bump, the return of a centrally-positioned rear fingerprint sensor – which is undoubtedly more responsive and convenient than the Pixel 4’s face unlock or in-display fingerprint sensors (both optical and ultrasonic) – and IP68 dust and water resistance.
Pixel 4a (5G) that it was announced alongside (which features a white power key). The colour-accented power button has also been replaced with a chromed button (along with a chromed ‘G’ logo on the lower half of the phone’s back) which Google says helps differentiate the more premium Pixel 5 from the