The Google Pixel 5 arrived in October 2020 as Google’s deliberate step away from the spec-chasing flagship race, trading a top-tier processor for a focused, compact device built around clean software and dependable cameras. With a 6.0-inch 90Hz OLED display, an aluminum unibody, IP68 protection, and the mid-premium Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset, it aimed to deliver the essentials that matter day to day rather than a checklist of headline numbers.
Backed by 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 4080mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging, the Pixel 5 pairs Google’s computational photography with 5G connectivity. This article breaks down what the Pixel 5 does well, where it compromises, and who still gets the most out of it today.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology: | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands: | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 | |
| 3G bands: | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 4G bands: | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands: | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave – GD1YQ |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 – GTT9Q | |
| Speed: | HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G |
Launch
| Announced: | 2020, September 30 |
| Status: | Available. Released 2020, October 15 |
Body
| Dimensions: | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight: | 151 g (5.33 oz) |
| Build: | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| SIM: | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display
| Type: | OLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Size: | 6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Protection: | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
Platform
| OS: | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Chipset: | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| CPU: | Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1×2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| GPU: | Adreno 620 |
Memory
| Card slot: | No |
| Internal: | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 |
Main Camera
| Dual: | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features: | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video: | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single: | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm |
| Features: | HDR |
| Video: | 1080p@30fps |
Sound
| Loudspeaker: | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: | No |
Comms
| WLAN: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth: | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Positioning: | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| NFC: | Yes |
| Radio: | No |
| USB: | USB Type-C 3.1 |
Features
| Sensors: | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
Battery
| Type: | Li-Po 4080 mAh |
| Charging: | 18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wired |
Misc
| Colors: | Just Black, Sorta Sage |
| Models: | GD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6 |
| Price: | € 184.19 / $ 115.00 / £ 124.99 |
Our Tests
| Display: | 699 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Battery (old): | Endurance rating 95h |
Price and Availability
The Google Pixel 5 offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €184, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Google Pixel 5 converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of September 4, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.
- United States: $214
- Japan: ¥33,395
- United Kingdom: £158
- Australia: A$298
- Canada: C$295
- Taiwan: NT$6,784
- Denmark: kr1.377
- Saudi Arabia: ﷼803
- South Korea: ₩290,411
- Germany: €184
- Brazil: R$1.089
- Vietnam: ₫5.566.536
- Kenya: KSh 27,677
- India: ₹20,223
- Indonesia: Rp 3.779.694
- Nigeria: ₦286,996
- Pakistan: ₨59,373
- Philippines: ₱13,375
- Bangladesh: ৳২৬,২৮৮
Why the Pixel 5 Still Makes Sense
The Pixel 5 was never about raw power; it was about balance. Google leaned on the Snapdragon 765G to keep costs and thermals in check, then invested in the areas Pixel buyers care about most: camera processing, a clean Android experience, and a genuinely pocketable body. At its current second-hand and clearance pricing, it reads as a value pick for anyone who wants a compact 5G phone without the bulk or cost of a modern flagship. Note that pricing and availability vary by region and over time, so treat any figure as indicative.
Design and Build Quality
Measuring 144.7 x 70.4 x 8mm and weighing just 151g, the Pixel 5 is one of the more comfortable phones to hold and use one-handed. The build is unusual: an aluminum back and frame that still allows wireless charging through a resin coating, paired with a Gorilla Glass 6 front. IP68 dust and water resistance (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes) adds peace of mind, and the two colorways, Just Black and Sorta Sage, keep the look understated.
Display Experience
The 6.0-inch OLED panel runs at a 90Hz refresh rate with a 1080 x 2340 resolution (~432 ppi) and supports HDR10+. The screen-to-body ratio of roughly 85.9% keeps bezels tight, and a small punch-hole houses the selfie camera. In our tests the display reached around 699 nits maximum brightness, which is respectable for its class and generally usable outdoors, though it trails the peak brightness of newer premium panels.
Performance and Software
The Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is an octa-core chip with an Adreno 620 GPU, positioned as an upper-mid-range platform rather than a flagship one. For everyday tasks, communication, media, and most games it holds up well, aided by 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. It shipped on Android 11 and was upgradable to Android 14, meaning the software lifecycle is now nearing or past its end for major updates; buyers today should factor in that security and feature support are limited going forward.
Camera Capabilities
Google’s imaging strengths carry this phone. The dual rear setup combines a 12.2MP wide sensor (f/1.7, dual pixel PDAF, OIS) with a 16MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 117˚), backed by features like Pixel Shift and Auto-HDR. Video tops out at 4K@60fps with gyro-EIS stabilization, and the 8MP front camera handles selfies at 1080p@30fps. The hardware is modest by 2020 flagship standards, but Google’s computational photography consistently produced results that punched above the spec sheet.
Battery and Charging
A 4080mAh Li-Po battery drives the Pixel 5, and its earlier endurance testing produced a strong rating of around 95 hours, helped by the efficient chipset and 90Hz display management. Charging is 18W wired with USB Power Delivery, plus 12W wireless and 5W reverse wired charging to top up accessories. Charging speeds are conservative next to current rivals, so expect a longer refill time than you would get from newer fast-charging phones.
Connectivity Options
The Pixel 5 supports 5G (Sub6, with mmWave on specific models such as the GD1YQ variant), Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, and NFC. A USB Type-C 3.1 port handles data and charging, and positioning covers GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BDS. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack and no microSD expansion, so you are limited to the 128GB of onboard storage and wireless or USB-C audio.
Who Should Buy the Pixel 5
The Pixel 5 suits anyone who values a small, light phone, stock-style Android, and reliable cameras over benchmark bragging rights. It is a sensible choice for a budget-conscious buyer wanting a clean Google experience with 5G, or as a compact secondary device. Power users, mobile gamers, and those who need the latest software support for years to come will be better served by a newer model.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 5 remains a thoughtfully balanced compact phone that prioritizes real-world usability, camera quality, and a clean interface over spec-sheet dominance. Its Snapdragon 765G, 90Hz OLED, IP68 build, and strong battery endurance make it a dependable everyday companion, even if charging speeds and long-term software support now show their age. If you want an affordable, pocketable 5G Pixel and can accept a nearing end-of-life update window, it is still an easy phone to recommend; otherwise, consider a more recent Pixel for extended support.
References
- Google Store — Pixel 5 (official product page) (store.google.com) – Official manufacturer page for the Pixel 5 with authoritative hardware details, feature descriptions, and original pricing.
- Google Pixel Help — Pixel 5 tech specs – Google's official support documentation covering verified Pixel 5 technical specifications, dimensions, and supported features.
- GSMArena — Google Pixel 5 – Widely used, well-maintained specifications database with a detailed and accurate Pixel 5 spec sheet (chipset, display, camera, battery).
- Qualcomm — Snapdragon 765G 5G Mobile Platform – Primary source for the Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765G SoC specifications (CPU, GPU, modem, process node).
- The Verge — Google Pixel 5 review – Established technology publication providing an independent, detailed review to cross-check real-world performance and spec context.
