Google on Wednesday announced its latest phones as part of an Launch Night In virtual press event. As expected, the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) made its formal debut.
On paper, and perhaps in practice, the Pixel 5 doesn’t exactly leap forward from its predecessor so much as take a small step. And while that might anger enthusiasts or more demanding users, it still puts forth a more than sufficient overall package. And all of that hinges on just looking at hardware from a bullet-point comparison.
One of the more notable hardware features is, of course, the support for 5G. Carriers are continuing to build and expand their 5G networks so it may not matter to some users today. With that in mind, it’s Google’s first “flagship” phone equipped for the next-gen data speeds and capabilities.
Two pain points for us in the Pixel 4 are addressed in the Pixel 5 with those being a lack of fingerprint reader and ultrawide camera. Google has included both a rear fingerprint sensor and swapped out the telephoto camera with an ultrawide one.
Pixel 5 Features
- 6-inch 2340 x 1080 display with Gorilla Glass 6, 90Hz refresh rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- Rear 12.2-megapixel camera
- Rear 16-megapixel ultrawide camera
- Front-facing 8-megapixel camera with 83-degree field of view
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- 4,080mAh battery with wireless and reverse charging
Software Features
Looking beyond the hardware, the Pixel 5 is bolstered by some really great software. Key among the features here are HD screen sharing in Google Duo, an enhanced Recorder app, and a preview of a new Hold for Me service.
Launching with Android 11, the Pixel 5 will receive two years of major software updates and three years of security updates.
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Then there’s the camera experience. The Pixel 5 gains a software feature called Cinematic Pan, Night Sight in Portrait Mode, Portrait Light, and an improved Google Photos editing tool.
It doesn’t stop there; the Google Pixel 5 comes with three months of Stadia and YouTube Premium, three months of 100GB of Google One storage, and Google Play Pass and Gold/Silver Status on Play Points.
Availability
Customers interested in getting their hands on the new Pixel 5 will have to wait until October 29. With that said pre-orders begin immediately at the Google Store.
As for wireless service providers who will offer the Google Pixel 5, Google did not make any announcements. Look for carriers to issue their own statements if and when they’re ready.
Choose from color options that include Just Black and Sorta Sage.