Google Pixel 5: Cheaper than the Pixel 4 but just as impressive, the Pixel 5 is a class act

Cheaper than last year’s Pixel 4, Substantial battery life boost, Camera continues to impress

Utilitarian design, No face unlock, Lacks ‘XL’ version this year

The Pixel 5 hits all the right notes, but some stiff competition spoils this price for Google.

Compact size, 90Hz OLED display, Impressive battery life, Reverse Wireless Charging, Wireless charging despite metal backing, Same incredible Pixel Camera as always

Not available in a larger size, Only in available in one model (two colors), Snapdragon 765G instead of Snapdragon 865 chipset

The Pixel 5 doesn't pretend to compete with the most powerful phones on the market, because it doesn't have to. It's perhaps the most balanced Android phone to date, not to mention a great choice for those after a capable small phone, 5G phone or camera phone.

Compact, clean, lightweight design; Outstanding camera features; Superb user experience;

Lacklustre loudspeaker; Finish scratches easily; Slow 'fast' charging;

Diseño compacto, ligero y manejable; Funciones de cámara excepcionales; Carga inalámbrica y reversible;

Altavoz con sonido mediocre; Carga rápida, algo lenta; Material en acabados mejorables;

The Pixel 5 has a lot to prove. Google’s 2020 flagship not only needs to convince shoppers to open their wallets in an unusually challenging year, but demonstrate that the sins of last year’s Pixel 4 are not to be repeated.

Aggressively priced, Android 11 runs smoothly & gets latest Google features, Excellent camera performance, Battery life holds up to all-day use

No optical telephoto, No headphone jack, Other phones support faster charging

Rather than raise the price and stakes, the follow-up to last year's Pixel 4 drops a few thrills, learns a few new tricks and tries to position itself as the no-compromise candidate for those who want a premium Android experience but don’t want to spend upwards of $1000. It’s a soft reboot that’s iterative and familiar enough to satisfy fans but still cheap enough to entice newcomers.

Google’s latest Pixel is more interested in being better value than just plain better.

Great price; Stunning camera; Sleek software;

Softcore specs; No Face Unlock;

But after using the $699 Pixel 5 for nearly a month now, I can confidently say that it feels like Google is onto something with the new approach. Instead of throwing all the technological wonders the company is working on into a compact device, Google took a step back with Pixel 5, reverting to...

Strong battery life, Good performance, More affordable

The camera is starting to get left behind

With fewer attention-grabbing features than previous models, and hardware that's a distinct step down from today's flagships, the Pixel 5 is about as mainstream as Google's phones have been for some time. It still takes excellent photos, is quick enough for most users and does the basics extremely well. 5G support also ensures it's fairly future-proof - but rivals offer the tempting choice of more cutting-edge hardware or unbeatable performance. A OnePlus Nord packs almost as much punch for nearly half the price, while Samsung's Galaxy S20 5G FE gets a top-end CPU for only £100 more. For the truly budget-conscious, a Pixel 4a 5G seems to make more sense. For some, the appeal of fast and guaranteed software updates will outweigh the Pixel's limitations - but we think they'll probably be in the minority.

Consistent camera quality; Uncluttered take on Android; Gets the essentials right;

Performance only average; Hardware doesn't excite like previous Pixels; No 3.5mm jack, expandable storage;

The Google Pixel 5 loses some of the more advanced features of its predecessor in order to keep the cost down, and the result is a streamlined phone with great camera software and a clean Android interface. But without some of those premium perks, like a telephoto lens, that appear in other handsets at the same price tier, the Pixel 5 struggles to distinguish itself from the competition. It's a good handset at a consumer-pleasing price – but that's true of other 2020 phones, too.

Camera software is better than ever; Metal case is refreshing change from glass; Clean Android interface;

No telephoto camera; Middling night photography

For £599 (or $699) the Pixel 5 is a surprisingly excellent deal, especially for those who desire a smaller phone and put camera prowess over gaming performance.

Typically fantastic Pixel camera; Improved video recording features; Far better battery life than Pixel 4; Small design is refreshing; The price is great;

Design a little bland; An XL version would have been a nice option; Cameras lack the versatility of some rivals; No face unlock;