Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is a mid-range Android smartphone developed and manufactured by Google as part of its flagship Pixel lineup, featuring a 6.0-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage.[1] Announced on September 30, 2020, during Google's "Launch Night In" event, it was released globally on October 15, 2020, with availability in the United States starting October 29, 2020, at a starting price of $699.[2] The device launched with Android 11 and the Google Camera app version 8.0, emphasizing features like Night Sight for low-light photography, Call Screen for spam blocking, and a Personal Safety app for emergency assistance.[1] Positioned as an affordable flagship alternative to higher-end models, the Pixel 5 stands out for its aluminum unibody design with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, a 4080 mAh battery supporting 18 W wired and 12 W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities.[3] Its dual rear-camera system includes a 12.2 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor, along with an 8 MP front camera, enhanced by computational photography tools and improved video stabilization.[4] The phone's 5G connectivity, powered by the Snapdragon 765G's integrated modem, along with stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor, contributed to its reputation for balanced performance in everyday use and media consumption.[1] Google provided software support for the Pixel 5 until October 2023 for both OS updates and security patches, ensuring longevity in a rapidly evolving mobile landscape.[5]Development and announcement
Development
The development of the Google Pixel 5 emphasized creating a premium user experience through software and AI features while adopting a mid-range hardware approach to enhance affordability and accessibility. Google aimed to integrate 5G connectivity without the premium pricing of flagship devices, selecting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor to deliver efficient performance and sub-6GHz 5G support suitable for everyday tasks like streaming and downloads. This choice reflected a strategic pivot toward broader market appeal, prioritizing battery life and reliability over raw power, with the device featuring the largest battery in Pixel history at the time, capable of up to 48 hours of usage including Extreme Battery Saver mode.[6] A key focus during development was sustainability, marking the Pixel 5 as Google's first smartphone to incorporate 100% recycled aluminum in its back housing enclosure, which comprises approximately 58% of the overall enclosure by weight.[7] Design and environmental engineers collaborated to develop new alloy specifications for this material, ensuring it matched the strength, machinability, and aesthetics of primary aluminum while reducing the carbon footprint by 35% compared to virgin aluminum production. Metallurgical testing and third-party validation by UL Environment confirmed the supply chain's integrity, with suppliers required to make the recycled alloy available industry-wide starting in 2021. This initiative aligned with Google's broader commitment to a circular economy, targeting recycled content in all Made by Google hardware by 2022.[8] The design process incorporated eco-friendly elements like 38% bio-resin in the enclosure and recycled plastic in smaller components, inspired by natural textures such as stone and ceramics to achieve a matte, organic finish that contrasted with polished metal accents for a jewelry-like feel. Engineers simplified the metal unibody construction to reduce form factor and thickness while integrating advanced 5G antenna technology and IP68 water resistance. These decisions stemmed from a philosophy of usability and environmental responsibility, balancing innovative features like the Titan M security chip with reduced manufacturing energy use. The Pixel 5 features uniform thin bezels and a single punch-hole front camera, enhancing display immersion without compromising durability via Corning Gorilla Glass 6.[9][8]Announcement
The Google Pixel 5 was officially announced on September 30, 2020, during the company's "Launch Night In" virtual event, which was held amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and replaced the traditional in-person hardware showcase.[10][11] The event took place at 11 a.m. PT and was livestreamed on YouTube, allowing global audiences to view the reveals in real time.[12][13] In the announcement, Google positioned the Pixel 5 as its flagship smartphone for the year, introducing it at a starting price of $699—$100 less than the previous Pixel 4—to appeal to a broader mid-range market while maintaining premium features.[6][11] The company highlighted the device's integration of 5G connectivity via the Snapdragon 765G chipset, an aluminum unibody design for durability, and enhanced battery life capable of up to 48 hours with the new Extreme Battery Saver mode.[6][4] Key camera advancements were also showcased, including a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens, Cinematic Pan video mode, and AI-driven tools like Portrait Light and Night Sight for portraits.[6][14] The Pixel 5 reveal occurred alongside the Pixel 4a 5G, a new Chromecast with Google TV, and the Nest Audio smart speaker, underscoring Google's focus on an interconnected ecosystem of hardware and software updates.[14][15] Pre-orders for the Pixel 5 began immediately following the event, with initial availability set for October 15, 2020, in select countries including the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, India, and Japan, and October 29 in the United States through carriers like Verizon and Google Fi.[6][11] The device was offered in two colors: Just Black and Sorta Sage.[16]Release and availability
Launch
The Google Pixel 5 was officially unveiled on September 30, 2020, during Google's "Launch Night In" virtual event, where it was positioned as the company's flagship Android smartphone for the year, emphasizing mid-range pricing and premium features like 5G connectivity and an improved camera system.[11][3] Pre-orders for the Pixel 5 began immediately following the announcement in the launch markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with shipping starting October 15, 2020, in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, and October 29, 2020, in Canada and the United States. In the US, it became available through carriers like Verizon and Google Fi, as well as unlocked via the Google Store, on October 29, 2020. The launch marked a shift in Google's strategy, introducing the Pixel 5 at a more accessible $699 price point compared to previous flagships, aiming to broaden its market appeal amid competition from devices like the iPhone 12.[11][1][17][2] Initial reception highlighted the Pixel 5's aluminum build and wireless charging capabilities as standout features for its price category, though availability was limited to the mentioned countries at launch, with expansions to additional markets in subsequent months. The device shipped with Android 11 and promised three years of OS updates and security patches.[11][1]Pricing and distribution
The Google Pixel 5 was made available for pre-order starting September 30, 2020, with official launches beginning on October 15, 2020, in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.[18] In the United States and Canada, the release followed on October 29, 2020.[2] The device was offered in a single configuration of 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, available in Just Black and Sorta Sage color options across all markets.[19] At launch, the Pixel 5 was positioned as a mid-range flagship with competitive pricing to appeal to a broader audience compared to previous Pixel models. The suggested retail prices varied by region, reflecting local market conditions, taxes, and currency exchange rates, as shown in the table below:| Region | Launch Price (Local Currency) | Approximate USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $699 | $699 |
| Canada | CAD $799.99 | $615 |
| United Kingdom | £599 | $780 |
| Eurozone (e.g., France, Germany) | €629 | $740 |
| Australia | AUD $999 | $700 |
| Japan | ¥74,800 | $710 |