To use the Pixel 5 or 4A 5G, you must agree to: But we started counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements.
#FINGERPRINT HARDWARE NOT AVAILABLE 5X SERIES#
The rear-mounted sensor is very fast and accurate, but it’s still odd to go back after using face unlock or in-screen fingerprint sensors on so many other devices.Īgree to Continue: Google Pixel 5 and 4A 5GĮvery smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it - contracts that no one actually reads. Google contends that they’re neither fast nor secure enough for its standards.
#FINGERPRINT HARDWARE NOT AVAILABLE 5X ANDROID#
Dropping the Soli radar sensor and face unlock makes sense for the price point Google was aiming for, but many Android phones have in-screen fingerprint sensors now. Perhaps the most surprising - and some might say backward - decision Google made with the Pixel 5 was to go back to a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Otherwise, color accuracy is good - though Google did drop its Ambient EQ tech that matches the screen temperature to the room. I think there’s a bigger perceptual difference between 60Hz and 90Hz than there is between 90Hz and the 120Hz on some flagship phones. And for another, the high refresh rate screen caps out at 90Hz. The OLED screen is good, but it doesn’t quite live up to the flagship standards set by the Galaxy S20 or iPhone 11 Pro. Google also dropped the ability to squeeze the phone to call up Google Assistant, but I don’t miss that. The Pixel 5 has IP68 water and dust resistance, but there’s no headphone jack.
Also invisible: a cutout in the aluminum to allow for wireless charging (and reverse wireless charging).
The aluminum saves weight and thinness while adding rigidity, but it’s invisible. Because Google has apparently decided fun is bad, the power buttons just have a shiny metal finish instead of a pop of color. There’s also a “sorta sage” green color option. In what might be the only visual flourish on the entire phone, the black version has some sparkles in it. The body is made of aluminum, but Google has covered it in a matte resin that’s easily mistaken for plastic. Overall, though, I liken the Pixel 5 to a very well-made T-shirt: it’s comfortable and simple, but in a way that’s not really noticeable. (LG used similar technology in its G8 phone in 2018 to similar results.) There’s zero bass and not enough volume on the left channel. It works well for phone calls (and it’s neat to not have to specifically position the top of the phone to hear), but for watching video or playing games, it kind of stinks. The Pixel 5’s screen itself vibrates to create audio. Instead, Google has used the technology it acquired when it bought Redux in 2018: panel audio. The Pixel 5 has stereo speakers, but the earpiece isn’t a traditional speaker at all.
It makes for a pleasing look, but it’s achieved in a somewhat unfortunate way. But they’re perfectly symmetrical all the way around the phone. The bezels surrounding the flat screen are relatively small but still bigger than what you’d get on something like the Galaxy S20 with its curved display. Both the Pixel 5 (top) and the Pixel 4A 5G (bottom) have regular and ultrawide cameras. The bottom speaker sounds much better than the panel audio speaker. The design is right on the line between minimal and boring The power button is plain instead of having a pop of color.