Less is more. The Pixel 5 is the new smartphone flagship from Google, and it turned out extremely compact at 6 inches. In addition, the Android 11 phone is not equipped with a high-end SoC but only with a mid-range processor. However, as our test shows, things work out well in the end.

compact and light case, IP68 certification, 5G & NFC, Android 11 with guaranteed updates, very good camera, bright OLED display with 90 Hz, very good battery life, wireless charging

no storage expansion, no WiFi 6, only a mid-range SoC, thin stereo sound

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;

Google's 2020 flagship is something of an oddball. Sure, it's a very competent phone with the power, camera, performance and build quality. But there are downsides - such as the poor ear speaker, and the larger and cheaper Pixel 4a 5G being much the same - that detract from the overall package.

IP68 dust/water protection; Great display; Plenty of power; Free from bloat; All-round camera performance;

Its larger sibling - the 4a 5G - is cheaper and much the same; Speaker quality is poor; No zoom camera;

Any other year, it would be reasonable to mistake Google's Pixel 5 for a Pixel 5a. Rather than sporting flagship-level specs with a price to match, the Pixel 5 has the midrange hardware and $699 price you typically expect from Google's more affordable a-line. But there is no Pixel 5a—at least not yet—and in 2020, the smartphone market changed rapidly. The year started with $1,000+ flagships and quickly adapted to meet our pandemic-ravaged economy with less expensive models. That makes the Pixel 5 the right phone for now, if not quite as strong a value as our Editors' Choice, the similarly priced Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. Design and Durability  In terms of design, the Pixel 5 looks similar to the $499 Pixel 4a 5G. And at 5.7 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 5.3 ounces, it’s almost the same size and weight as the $349 Pixel 4a. It’s currently available in black or sage, though Google showed a gray model at its launch event that we hope will be available in the future. The fron...

The Google Pixel 5 delivers 5G connectivity, excellent cameras, long battery life, and an outstanding Android software experience for a relatively affordable price.

Excellent cameras; Top-notch software experience; Durable build; Long battery life; Approved for C-band connectivity

Lackluster audio quality; Unimpressive processor for the price

I’m all for getting rid of gimmicks on smartphones, first to reduce the price and second because not everyone uses these “features” very often. That’s why I was pretty excited about the Pixel 5, which concentrates on the camera, battery life, software, and most importantly this year, the price. I’ve been using the Pixel 5 for a little while, and frustratingly, Google has gone a little too far in its normalization efforts. Gone are the quirks that made some warm to old Pixels, and while the camera is still a winner, it hasn’t moved the game forward in the way the Pixel 4 did. I’m getting a bit ahead of myself here, so let’s go into detail. Google has never been one for giving the Pixel a wild design, but it is very good at making a sensibly sized phone, and the Pixel 5 is exactly right. The metal body is welcome, as it’s warm to the touch, doesn’t get covered in fingerprints, and should be durable too. The nicely rounded sides make it easy to grip and hold, and the overall size and 8mm ...

Compact and lightweight; Detailed 90Hz screen; Highly capable camera; Two-day battery life;

Dull design; Missing that special quirky Google feature;

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 Pixel 5 offers more of the same from the Pixel series, keeping the best bits of the Pixel 4 – excellent photo-taking, clean software – and packaging it in a cheaper phone. It's not perfect though, and the competition around this particular price point is getting stronger.

90Hz refresh rate screen, Premium-quality build, Usual excellent camera

No optical zoom, Not much better than the Pixel 4a 5G, Relatively small screen

Google’s budget-friendly approach has changed the competition, but arguably not its place in the pecking order Punchy, clear OLED screen Class-leading camera Ergonomic, waterproof design Lacklustre sound No zoom lens