Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL

[michael9891]

No, trust me I didn’t. If I wanted to I would go deep and list a ton critical advantages iOS has. And since I’m an app developer I could give detailed information about things most probably don’t know about.

I’m not trying to get into a real argument. Just was saying iPhone 12 mini is a competitor to the Pixel 5, many will switch to it. And that for 699, the Pixel 5 seemed overpriced in the android world.$200 more than the pixel 4a 5g and the only difference is 90hz

Just by saying that iOS has critical advantages over Android is fanning the flames. Give all the detailed info you want, if someone is set on an Android phone or iPhone, specs on the other side count for little.

90hz isn't the only difference. Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and IP68. All things that some people value. And for some, 6" might be the absolute perfect size for them.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

9.5h SoT???

That’s really good battery life. I wonder if that’s the norm/average most users will get or if you are the kind of user to use low brightness and/or disable 90hz to get better battery life

 

[Awesomesince86]

So heres my problem with the Pixel 5 now that reviews are out...the Pixel still has the same fundamental problem as all Pixels...Google is still stuck in between two mindsets.

They decided to go midrange with the Pixel 5 but in reality they only cut $100 off the Pixel 4 from last year. That $100 savings means we lose resolution, flagship CPU, build quality (im ok with this, the aluminum looks decent), worse haptics, worse speakers, face unlock, and probably some more I cant think of. Is that really worth $100 savings for the consumer? I would say yes at $200. The price of the current device should be $599, which Im sure will happen before long, but its still frustrating to see Google still sitting in the middle and charging too much for what they offer.

 

[Awesomesince86]

That’s really good battery life. I wonder if that’s the norm/average most users will get or if you are the kind of user to use low brightness and/or disable 90hz to get better battery life

Thats probably a little higher than normal (and I think he said prior that he turned off 90Hz), but by all accounts this phone is a battery champ. And really, thats to be expected from a phone that has a small display and big battery relative to its size. Combine that with a less power hungry processor and Googles solid battery learning software and battery should be good.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Yep! To me, anything above 7 is really good. All the Pixels not using the top end chip have had great battery life. I'll take better battery over slightly faster processing of photos any day.

The Pixel phones I've owned, 2 XL, 3 XL, and using the 4 XL this past year. All had mediocre battery life, to poor. The 3 XL being the worst, and my 4 XL is ok, it's barely enough on battery, I do have to make sure I have chargers around and think about charging it around dinner time otherwise it won't last through bedtime.

So that's been my biggest criticism of the pixel phones battery life has been okay at best to not that good.

In my opinion a phone that can do 7 hours at least if the threshold I need it to be at, and no Pixel phone could do that for me.

Other criticism of the pixel phones I've had even go back to Nexus is the screen brightness they've always been rather dim never matching what Samsung Galaxy or the newer iPhones could do Not even close to those on brightness

 

[Tig Bitties]

I thought I've read reviews and seen on YouTube that the haptics and vibration in the Pixel 5 is really good can someone confirm that?

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

Just by saying that iOS has critical advantages over Android is fanning the flames. Give all the detailed info you want, if someone is set on an Android phone or iPhone, specs on the other side count for little.

90hz isn't the only difference. Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and IP68. All things that some people value. And for some, 6" might be the absolute perfect size for them.

My mistake for thinking people here on MacRumors wouldnt be that way. I was expecting people to be like me, who like both android and iOS and can switch between them based upon what the market offers that year. Saying iOS has advantages (android does too obviously) shouldn’t trigger anyone imo.

 

[michael9891]

My mistake for thinking people here on MacRumors wouldnt be that way. I was expecting people to be like me, who like both android and iOS and can switch between them based upon what the market offers that year. Saying iOS has advantages (android does too obviously) shouldn’t trigger anyone imo.

It's the way you say you're not getting into Android vs iOS and then immediately talk about knowing the critical advantages of iOS us peasants who aren't developers don't know about.

You've already come into this thread telling us the camera experience on the Pixel 5 isn't good because of the lack of a neural core. Own one do you?

 

[5105973]

Here we go;

Agh I got distracted by the incredibly cute dog there at the end.😍. Sigh, I miss my good girl. I can’t believe it’s been over a year already.

Anyway, moving right along, I like the description of the coating over metal. I know that doesn’t come across as “premium” to most people but it sounds very practical and it’s definitely very Pixelish. Next year will be more telling as to where Google really wants to go. Right now it’s hard to tell how many decision were driven by the pandemic and economic problems and how many are just part of their long term strategy. I think stripping the neural core could be seen as a bit ominous if you have come to appreciate the camera performance and don’t want to see it slowed down or de-emphasized in any way. (Not sure that is what’s going on or not).

At least that’s my preliminary take. I’ll wait for more in depth reviews, of course.

 

[jamezr]

If Apple decided to add large bezels and eliminate the notch... I would think most tech enthusiasts would criticize them for it.

Its all subjective here... but when I look at the design choice for the Pixel 4/XL, it doesn't look as appealing. That top bezel trying to hide their front camera tech, I don't like how that looks. Back in 2017, I think Apple design choice made the iPhone look unique and it helped them stand out from the competition.

But now, 2020... I do think that Apple needs to try and make changes about the notch. Hopefully iPhone 12s or 13... could be the change we are all asking for.

I agree that it is all subjective...but I still stand by my statement. The notch is a design choice and purely for aesthetics.
There is no technical limitation that is forcing anyone to use a notch. They just want smaller bezels...and we can all appreciate that.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

It's the way you say you're not getting into Android vs iOS and then immediately talk about knowing the critical advantages of iOS us peasants who aren't developers don't know about.

You've already come into this thread telling us the camera experience on the Pixel 5 isn't good because of the lack of a neural core. Own one do you?

I have seen videos of how long the processing takes and also i have had a ported GCam app on a note 9 without a neural core which is basically the same experience. Gotta wait a few seconds for the image to process to view it.

Someone was claiming i was trying to show why iOS was better, which I replied that I wasnt because if I really wanted to, I could have said much more than that, given that I work with android and iOS at the core level and even know about many shortcomings that the mainstream dont really bat an eye about. And someone was saying how iOS updates are not an advantage because of Google's core apps being updated seperately, which I had to respond to because its a silly argument, clearly OS updates include features, and android has limited and delayed OS updates.

So once again, didnt realize most people on this thread are actually anti iphone. The is an Apple fan site after all. I would have thought this thread was about people who have an iPhone and were thinking of switching to a Pixel 5, and would be considering all phones at that price range, not just androids.

 

[michael9891]

I have seen videos of how long the processing takes and also i have had a ported GCam app on a note 9 without a neural core which is basically the same experience. Gotta wait a few seconds for the image to process to view it.

Someone was claiming i was trying to show why iOS was better, which I replied that I wasnt because if I really wanted to, I could have said much more than that, given that I work with android and iOS at the core level and even know about many shortcomings that the mainstream dont really bat an eye about. And someone was saying how iOS updates are not an advantage because of Google's core apps being updated seperately, which I had to respond to because its a silly argument, clearly OS updates include features, and android has limited and delayed OS updates.

So once again, didnt realize most people on this thread are actually anti iphone. The is an Apple fan site after all. I would have thought this thread was about people who have an iPhone and were thinking of switching to a Pixel 5, and would be considering all phones at that price range, not just androids.

I can't be arsed to debate with you, so I'll just put you on mute.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

So heres my problem with the Pixel 5 now that reviews are out...the Pixel still has the same fundamental problem as all Pixels...Google is still stuck in between two mindsets.

They decided to go midrange with the Pixel 5 but in reality they only cut $100 off the Pixel 4 from last year. That $100 savings means we lose resolution, flagship CPU, build quality (im ok with this, the aluminum looks decent), worse haptics, worse speakers, face unlock, and probably some more I cant think of. Is that really worth $100 savings for the consumer? I would say yes at $200. The price of the current device should be $599, which Im sure will happen before long, but its still frustrating to see Google still sitting in the middle and charging too much for what they offer.

agree 100%

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

I can't be arsed to debate with you, so I'll just put you on mute.

ok guy, if mentioning pixel 5 shortcomings and saying that different OS's have different advantages triggers you then thats your problem. Discussion is what what a forum is for. Im not the only one here that has said theyve cut too much features for what its priced at.

 

[Tig Bitties]

So once again, didnt realize most people on this thread are actually anti iphone. The is an Apple fan site after all. I would have thought this thread was about people who have an iPhone and were thinking of switching to a Pixel 5, and would be considering all phones at that price range, not just androids.

Apple fan site? Not here in the Alternative section. This is the only part of the forum I am on. I don't hate Apple, but I do not like iOS much. I'll take stock vanilla Android first every time.

I agree Apple builds a very high end phone, best craftsmanship. And the hardware processor and stuff is top notch the best. And the displays they put in the newer iPhone's are great #1. But then they ruin it with Fischer Price iOS crap.

My dream phone would be the iPhone 12 Pro max running stock Android.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

Apple fan site? Not here in the Alternative section. This is the only part of the forum I am on. I don't hate Apple, but I do not like iOS much. I'll take stock vanilla Android first every time.

I agree Apple builds a very high end phone, best craftsmanship. And the hardware processor and stuff is top notch the best. And the displays they put in the newer iPhone's are great #1. But then they ruin it with Fischer Price iOS crap.

My dream phone would be the iPhone 12 Pro max running stock Android.

My dream phone would also run stock android. Ive been a lifelong android user and picked up an 11 pro max last year and well am now kind of bored of iOS and was looking at what the pixel 5 would bring. I think iOS looks really slick but i guess its not for everybody. One thing that kind of is swaying me to stay on iOS is the option to replace your battery at an apple store in 20 min. I cant find any legit way to have a battery replaced on a Pixel (that keeps water resistance and can be done for you without mailing it in). But if I switch phones every year that wouldnt be a problem

 

[michael9891]

My dream phone would be the iPhone 12 Pro max running stock Android.

Absolutely. The same notched look is in need of an update somehow, but I'm really liking the squared design and pacific blue colour.

 

[Vegastouch]

There's wireless charging and waterproofing too

Yeah now the wireless charging I'd like to have but I don't care about water proofing.
I also don't care for a metal and/ or a glass back.

I mean it's nice but I always use a case so that don't matter and neither do the colors 9f the phones since I cover them up. I do not like black phones but that's all the 4a comes in so I just buy a different color case lol.

Id probably get a 4a 5G over the P5. And I actually like that they are lighter.

 

[tbayrgs]

The Pixel 5 seems like the Android counterpart to the iPhone 12. They show parity across just about every category yet the Pixel 5 starts $100 cheaper (is actually $150 less than the iPhone 12 with the same 128 GB of storage). Each has a few small advantages over the other but otherwise, they're really damn similar.

	Pixel 5	iPhone 12
Price (USD)	$699	$799, $849, $949
Storage	128 GB	64, 128, 256 GB
Security	Fingerprint scanner	FaceID
Display	6.0” 2340 x 1080, 432 ppi, 90hz	6.1” 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi, 60hz
Rear Cameras	Wide - 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm UW - 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚	Wide - 12 MP, f/1.6 26 mm UW - 12 MP, f/2.4, 120°
Front Camera	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm	12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)
Dust/Water Resistance	up to 1.5m for 30 mins	up to 6m for 30 mins
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	18W	20W

We all would love all of the phones we like to be cheaper but I don't think Google's pricing is out of line. I know the Galaxy S20 FE is the same price and the OnePlus 8T is in the same ballpark but feature-wise, they're all really close. As usually, what it comes down to is OS preference and if you prefer Android, what 'skin' of Android.

The more I step back and look at the Pixel 5, I think Google did a pretty damn good job with it. I only wish there was an XL version.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

The Pixel 5 seems like the Android counterpart to the iPhone 12. They show parity across just about every category yet the Pixel 5 starts $100 cheaper (is actually $150 less than the iPhone 12 with the same 128 GB of storage). Each has a few small advantages over the other but otherwise, they're really damn similar.

	Pixel 5	iPhone 12
Price (USD)	$699	$799, $849, $949
Storage	128 GB	64, 128, 256 GB
Security	Fingerprint scanner	FaceID
Display	6.0” 2340 x 1080, 432 ppi, 90hz	6.1” 2532 x 1170, 460 ppi, 60hz
Rear Cameras	Wide - 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm UW - 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚	Wide - 12 MP, f/1.6 26 mm UW - 12 MP, f/2.4, 120°
Front Camera	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm	12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)
Dust/Water Resistance	up to 1.5m for 30 mins	up to 6m for 30 mins
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	18W	20W

We all would love all of the phones we like to be cheaper but I don't think Google's pricing is out of line. I know the Galaxy S20 FE is the same price and the OnePlus 8T is in the same ballpark but feature-wise, they're all really close. As usually, what it comes down to is OS preference and if you prefer Android, what 'skin' of Android.

The more I step back and look at the Pixel 5, I think Google did a pretty damn good job with it. I only wish there was an XL version.

Those specs you listed dont say much, you can find very cheap android phones with pretty much those specs that you listed right there. I think there is a decent difference in that the iphone 12 is a flagship and the pixel 5 isnt really. For instance, iphone 12 having much superior speaker quality, double the display brightness, the most powerful CPU and GPU in any phone which is as future proof as it gets, and video capabilities are far superior on the iPhone. Camera point and shoot capabilities on the pixel 5 look to be near identical to the pixel 4, which was about identical the the iphone 11, this years 12s are supposedly even better but well have to wait and see. The 128gb for 699 is pretty good though. Still I think a 64gb $599 pixel 5 would be the perfect phone for that price. and maybe $649 128gb. Its not like its WAY overpriced at $699, I just feel like the price is a little inflated for what it is, especially when you consider you get the same camera in the $349 4a

 

[Ludatyk]

Still I think a 64gb $599 pixel 5 would be the perfect phone for that price. and maybe $649 128gb. Its not like its WAY overpriced at $699, I just feel like the price is a little inflated for what it is, especially when you consider you get the same camera in the $349 4a

Perhaps, that’s Google plan... to try to push consumers toward the 4a. However, i argue though... it’s technically not the same camera.

 

[michael9891]

Couple of quick portraits of a dog are a good reminder that (in my opinion), portrait mode on a Pixel is second to none. I don't know if it's a 5 thing or Android 11, but it is disappointing to see they removed the second pic from portrait mode. It usually has both the blurred and non blurred pic.

 

[tbayrgs]

Those specs you listed dont say much, you can find very cheap android phones with pretty much those specs that you listed right there. I think there is a decent difference in that the iphone 12 is a flagship and the pixel 5 isnt really. For instance, iphone 12 having much superior speaker quality, double the display brightness, the most powerful CPU and GPU in any phone which is as future proof as it gets, and video capabilities are far superior on the iPhone. Camera point and shoot capabilities on the pixel 5 look to be near identical to the pixel 4, which was about identical the the iphone 11, this years 12s are supposedly even better but well have to wait and see. The 128gb for 699 is pretty good though. Still I think a 64gb $599 pixel 5 would be the perfect phone for that price. and maybe $649 128gb. Its not like its WAY overpriced at $699, I just feel like the price is a little inflated for what it is, especially when you consider you get the same camera in the $349 4a

These specs say plenty. The 'flagship' moniker everyone here throws around (and doesn't seem to clearly understand the definition of) is nonsense. Just compare the devices for what they are. Yes, the iPhone has historically been better at video but in regards to just Photos, most have the Pixel ahead of the iPhone 11. The peak display may be brighter on the 12 but it's still only capable of 60 hz refresh. And many would much rather have a metal body that can't shatter but still has wireless charging.

Point is, I don't think the Pixel 5 is overpriced. Problem is that like every year past, nobody is going to buy it because Google is **** at marketing and selling their hardware.

 

[Carlo Aguilar Castrat]

These specs say plenty. The 'flagship' moniker everyone here throws around (and doesn't seem to clearly understand the definition of) is nonsense. Just compare the devices for what they are. Yes, the iPhone has historically been better at video but in regards to just Photos, most have the Pixel ahead of the iPhone 11. The peak display may be brighter on the 12 but it's still only capable of 60 hz refresh. And many would much rather have a metal body that can't shatter but still has wireless charging.

Point is, I don't think the Pixel 5 is overpriced. Problem is that like every year past, nobody is going to buy it because Google is **** at marketing and selling their hardware.

a "flagship phone" generally refers to a phone that is great at everything. Has you covered for the best experience everywhere. All of its parts/features are top quality. Where as upper mid range phones have some top notch parts and some they cut back on to save costs.

In the Pixel 5's case, the speaker isnt great, and display brightness is subpar. Top sustained brightness is about 483 nits.. compared to iphone's 800 nits. And outdoors, the Pixel 5 only reaches 670 nits while the iphone reaches 1200. Thats a massive difference which really matters for usability in bright outdoor environments. And having the highest end chip shouldnt be taken so lightly. Overall one is a flagship while the other isnt meant to be truly be one.

 

[Ludatyk]

These specs say plenty. The 'flagship' moniker everyone here throws around (and doesn't seem to clearly understand the definition of) is nonsense.

It’s a combination of how Google approached their lineup AND how people view tech products. Google releasing 3 phone products, while Pixel 5 being the highest end phone... most would consider it a “flagship” phone.

But I’m of the mindset, those who are into Pixel devices can eliminate all the noise surrounding it and judge the Pixel 5 for what it is.