The Google Pixel 5 is pointless — here's why

The Google Pixel v is pointless — hither'south why

(Image credit: Google)

Information technology's off-white to say Google's had its share of troubles promoting Pixel phones over the years, just information technology finally settled on a winning formula with its lower-price models.

The just-announced, $499 Pixel 4a 5G takes what was already arguably the yr'southward best cheap phone in the Pixel 4a and adds 5G connectivity, more ability and a beefier battery. On paper, it looks like an already-great device fabricated even better, at the right toll, and it's the kind of phone Google has become very expert at building.

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But it's not the only handset Google announced this calendar week. In addition to the Pixel 4a 5G, Mountain View besides unveiled the Pixel 5. This model serves every bit the flagship of Google's 2020 roster sitting atop the residuum at $699, which, it must be said, is quite an highly-seasoned price when the nigh premium Milky way S20 or iPhone goes for nearly twice that.

You'll naturally wonder, and so, what exactly the Pixel five gives yous that the Pixel 4a 5G doesn't to justify the extra $200 expense. Perhaps a faster processor, or a bigger, higher-resolution display? Maybe ameliorate cameras with more lenses? This is typically how it goes, of course; the cheaper model has nigh everything y'all want, merely if you truly want information technology all, yous drop a couple hundred more.

Where the Pixel v fails

Alas, this is where Google has lost the plot. Based on specs and everything we've been told most these phones, the Pixel v is no faster than the Pixel 4a 5G, nor will it accept meliorate pictures. Its display has a slightly college refresh rate, but simply barely. Its battery is a bit bigger, but not by a whole lot. And while the Pixel 5 can charge wirelessly and even reverse charge other devices, those features aren't singularly compelling on their own, particularly when y'all're talking virtually a $200 upcharge.

Just the Pixel 4a 5G is only the beginning of the Pixel 5'southward problems. As it turns out, Google'due south newest flagship — with its Snapdragon 765G chipset in tow — is slower than last yr'south Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 Forty, which packed older-but-better Snapdragon 855 silicon. Mind you, the Pixel 5 is $100 cheaper than the Pixel 4 was when information technology launched, but what Google'due south effectively washed here is make the sequel worse in a agglomeration of varying ways, all in the name of achieving a lower price point.

If the Pixel 5 is for enthusiasts and the spec-obsessed, it's not powerful plenty. And if it's for bargain hunters, it'southward not inexpensive plenty.

Operation aside, the Pixel v lacks the Pixel 4's speedy three-dimensional Confront Unlock feature, which provided iPhone-like secure authentication to Google's outgoing flagship. It likewise lacks the Soli radar — a component that, while non used to especially bully effect in the Pixel 4, enabled promising air gesture capabilities that Google swiftly abandoned when the device didn't sell.

The Pixel v'southward cameras are virtually the same as those in terminal year's iteration, save for the addition of an ultrawide lens to replace the telephoto camera and its optical zoom. And while the Pixel five does support wireless charging, the old phone could do that, likewise (save for the reverse charging office).

Where the Pixel five is worth it

As far equally I can tell, there are only two big ways in which the Pixel 5 is objectively amend than the phone it replaces: it supports 5G, and it has a much, much bigger battery. Personally, I find 5G to be a non-starter right now — I've tested a variety of 5G networks, and outside of millimeter moving ridge-based Verizon 5G, which is extremely fast but limited in range, 5G simply doesn't have much to offer however. Let's see what happens a yr from now.

The Pixel 5's profoundly-increased battery chapters, however, is a big boon to the new model and could potentially alleviate Google's chronic shortcomings in that section. But even then, if I owned a Pixel three or Pixel 4 Twoscore, would I really desire to driblet hundreds of dollars on a slower telephone for the promise of a bigger bombardment? What's the purpose of an upgrade if I'k yet making a massive merchandise-off?

Allow'due south say I was interested in upgrading. At that bespeak, why wouldn't I consider the Samsung Galaxy S20 Atomic number 26, which also costs $700, but has a faster Snapdragon 865 chipset, a microSD slot for more storage and an even larger iv,500-mAh power pack. Hell, why not just purchase a Pixel 4a 5G, considering it does virtually everything the Pixel 5 does for $200 less?

Who'southward this phone for?

When I enquire myself these questions, I struggle to understand why anyone would purchase a Pixel 5. Samsung, Apple and OnePlus don't deserve the credit on this one — Google is acting as its own worst enemy hither. If the Pixel five is for enthusiasts, early adopters and the spec-obsessed, it'due south non powerful plenty. And if it'due south for bargain hunters, it's non cheap enough. Then then, who exactly is this phone for?

Lately, Google has proven and then adept at edifice attainable phones with just the right features at just the right price that it's single-handedly made its more than expensive offerings expect pointless.

The way I come across it, that's a expert trouble to have, with a logical determination — only end making flagships altogether. And yet, Google seems strangely committed to the thought of a premium Pixel phone. The question is why.

Adam Ismail is a staff writer at Jalopnik and previously worked on Tom's Guide roofing smartphones, machine tech and gaming. His love for all things mobile began with the original Motorola Droid; since then he's endemic a variety of Android and iOS-powered handsets, refusing to stay loyal to one platform. His work has also appeared on Digital Trends and GTPlanet. When he'due south not little with the latest devices, he's at an indie pop show, recording a podcast or playing Sega Dreamcast.