Google Pixel 5 5G

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

No telephoto camera ; Middling night photography

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...

Punchy, clear OLED screen ; Class-leading camera ; Ergonomic, waterproof design

Lacklustre sound ; No zoom lens

Google’s budget-friendly approach has changed the competition, but arguably not its place in the pecking order

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

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...

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

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

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...

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

Mirroring the Nexus phones of old, Google is finally shifting the Pixel’s focus from the high-end and closer in line with mid-range prices. And, after a few years of trying and failing to compete with more expensive handsets like the iPhone, it’s a...

– Camera is still class, battery life isn’t naff and it’s a decent price

– Design is plain, camera is no longer streets ahead and big phone fans are left out

Google Pixel 5 steadies the ship after a turbulent time last year. There’s certainly a lack of innovation but, at an attractive lower price, the Pixel 5 offers plenty of strong features to delight Android fans.

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

Selective hardware choices make the latest Pixel more attainable – but unless you insist on the most streamlined version of Android, cheaper rivals offer a similar experience

If you're looking for a smartphone that has a great camera, smart AI, a reasonable price and a compact body you can't go far wrong with the Google Pixel 5. However, we've said that about quite a few smartphones at this price point this year which isn't...