Google launched the Pixel 5 at a digital occasion final month. It brings new options to the corporate’s cellphone model, together with 5G connectivity, an ultrawide-angle digital camera, Android 11 and a a lot bigger battery. The cellphone prices $699 (£599, AU$999) and can be out there within the US from retailers on Oct. 29.While the cellphone has notable updates in comparison with its predecessor, the Pixel 4, Google anticipates lower-than-usual gross sales because of the coronavirus pandemic and is planning to supply solely 800,000 items this 12 months. It additionally faces stiff competitors from probably the most widespread phone-makers, Apple, and its iPhone 11. Though it has been out there since final September and its sequel, the iPhone 12, is anticipated to be unveiled mid-October, the iPhone 11 continues to be wonderful. It prices $699 too (although £729 within the UK and AU$1,199 in Australia), and is supplied with a quick processor and wonderful cameras. It doesn’t, nonetheless, have 5G.To see how these telephones stack up, we took a better look and in contrast them primarily based on design, digital camera specs, {hardware}, software program and different options. We’ll replace the piece as soon as we get our arms on the Pixel 5, however within the meantime, try CNET’s different comparability, Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4A 5G: The principal variations between Google’s 5G telephones.
While its digital camera and processor prowess stay to be seen, the Pixel 5 is the apparent choose for anybody who desires to hook up with a 5G community. It additionally has extra inner storage (128GB) on the identical value and its 90Hz show will maintain the interface trying silky {smooth}.
Read extra in regards to the Pixel 5’s new digital camera options.
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If you are within the Apple and iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 11 is the extra becoming candidate. You’ll additionally get an excellent digital camera, particularly on the subject of video recording, and a strong A13 Bionic processor that has constantly outperformed telephones that share the Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765G chipset. Keep in thoughts that its iPhone 12 successor is launching Oct. 13 too, so the iPhone 11’s value might quickly drop decrease than the Pixel 5.
Read our Apple iPhone 11 evaluate.
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Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G spec comparability
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Design: Pixel 5’s pure aesthetics vs. iPhone 11’s shiny seemsWhen Google designed the Pixel 5, it got down to give the cellphone a pure really feel, paying homage to a pebble. And with the cellphone’s matte texture, aluminum and glass encasing and smooth, rounded corners, the Pixel 5 in inexperienced touts a minimalist, earthy look. It’s a direct distinction to the iPhone 11’s high-gloss, pop-art pastel inexperienced design. Neither aesthetic is especially higher than the opposite, however those that need extra choices will recognize the iPhone 11’s 4 different colours (yellow, purple, pink and white) along with black and inexperienced.
Google/Screenshot by Juan Garzon/CNET
On the again of the Pixel 5 is the fingerprint reader for unlocking the cellphone and digital funds. The iPhone 11 makes use of facial recognition sensors within the front-facing digital camera for consumer authorization.Both telephones have a 6-inch show (if you wish to be actual, the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch show), they do not have headphone jacks they usually’re rated IP68 for water resistance. At least on paper, nonetheless, the Pixel 5’s display screen seems to be higher than the iPhone 11’s. It has the next decision and pixel density, which implies it is sharper. Because it has an OLED display screen and never LCD just like the iPhone 11, colours are anticipated to be extra vibrant, with richer distinction and inkier blacks. Lastly, the display screen has the next refresh charge. While the iPhone 11 refreshes at 60 frames per second, the Pixel 5 has a 90Hz show, like its predecessor. Scrolling by webpages and textual content on a 90Hz show is way springier, smoother and extra responsive.
Camera: Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 each have twin rear camerasBoth the Pixel 5 and the iPhone 11 have two rear cameras, optical picture stabilization and particular modes for low-light environments. The Pixel 5 has a typical and a wide-angle digital camera. The iPhone 11 has huge and ultrawide cameras, with the ultrawide digital camera having a barely wider discipline of view than the Pixel 5 (120 levels in comparison with 107). Google added two new options to the Pixel 5’s digital camera. You can now allow dramatic, blurred portrait pictures in Night Mode and you may modify the lighting in your portraits too — one thing iPhones have been capable of do for whereas. As for video, the Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 can file 4K video and super-smooth 1080p video at 240 frames per second. But the iPhone 11’s front-facing digital camera has extra capabilities. It can seize 4K video and it might probably file slo-mo video (often called “slofies”) at 120fps. The highest video decision on the Pixel 5’s front-facing shooter, alternatively, is 1080p with no slo-mo choices.We’ll be doing tons of picture comparisons with the Pixel 5 within the coming weeks so keep tuned for comparability pictures and video shootouts.
Take a take a look at pictures from the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
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Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 battery, processor, reminiscence and 5GThe Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G are Google’s first 5G telephones and are ready to hook up with next-gen networks, which promise to be a lot quicker than 4G. The iPhone 11 would not have 5G, however its iPhone 12 successor is closely rumored to have it.The Pixel 5 is supplied with the Snapdragon 765G chipset from Qualcomm, whereas the iPhone 11 options Apple’s A13 Bionic processor. Google’s alternative of the 765G chipset is an fascinating one, as it isn’t as quick because the Pixel 4’s Snapdragon 855. But Google mentioned it went with the 765G to maintain prices down. The processor works fantastic to energy most of the telephones we have reviewed earlier than, just like the Motorola Razr (2020), LG Velvet and the UK-only OnePlus Nord. But whereas we have not run the Pixel 5 by the ringer but, it is possible that the iPhone 11 will outperform it in benchmark assessments. That’s as a result of it constantly will get larger marks on 3DMark and Geekbench 5 in comparison with telephones with the 765G chipset.The Pixel 5 has 128GB of inner reminiscence and 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 11 has three reminiscence tiers, however in order for you 128GB, that prices extra at $749 (£779, AU$1,279). Apple additionally would not disclose the quantity of RAM its iPhones have, however regulatory filings report that the iPhone 11 has 4GB of RAM.The Pixel 5 can wirelessly cost different equipment.
Google
Neither telephones have exterior storage choices, however Google and Apple encourage customers to add and backup their pictures and movies on their respective cloud companies. Apple’s iCloud offers you 5GB without spending a dime and it prices $10 a month for 2TB. Google Photos customers have limitless storage for pictures and video at “high” high quality. But if you wish to add plenty of content material in “original” high quality, which has the next decision, Google’s One cloud service offers you the primary 15GB without spending a dime. If you need extra, it’ll additionally price you $10 a month for 2TB.Lastly, the Pixel 5 has a 4,000-mAh battery, the best capability on any Pixel cellphone so far. Apple would not record battery specs, however unofficial third-party teardowns present the iPhone 11 has a 3,110-mAh battery. Since we have not examined the Pixel 5, we won’t examine battery runtimes but. But simply because the iPhone 11 has a smaller battery on paper, it does not imply it might probably’t nonetheless edge out the Pixel 5 in testing. During our lab assessments for steady video playback on Airplane mode, the iPhone lasted 15 hours, 24 minutes. When streaming video it clocked in 13 hours, 52 minutes. These are the occasions the Pixel 5 should beat, so keep tuned after we get these numbers. Similar to the Galaxy S20 telephones, the Pixel 5 additionally has reverse wi-fi charging. That means the cellphone can cost equipment, just like the Pixel Buds 2, with none cables or plugs.
Discover the most recent information and finest opinions in smartphones and carriers from CNET’s cell specialists.
Software: Android 11 vs. iOS 14Hold will prevent time from listening to carry music.
Google
As at all times, when evaluating telephones from Apple and Google you may should resolve which OS works higher for you: iOS or Android. Both telephones have darkish modes and digital search assistants (Siri and Google Assistant). And as a result of the telephones haven’t got bodily residence buttons, their interfaces depend on swiping gestures as an alternative to modify between apps.The Pixel 5 will run Android 11 out of the field. The newest cell OS has helpful options like Quick Control, chat bubbles, a local display screen recorder and extra. Hold For Me will even debut on the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G: When you are placed on maintain, you’ll be able to have Google Assistant do the ready for you. This frees you from always needing to be close to your cellphone or listening to crummy maintain music. You’ll be alerted when the opposite line returns.The iPhone 11 has the most recent iOS 14 software program from Apple. It features a extra organized App Library, widgets to customise your own home display screen, picture-in-picture and a local translation app. Other options to think about:Both telephones have dual-SIM. In addition to your common nano-SIM, each telephones use e-SIM know-how that helps a number of cellphone numbers. This is beneficial if you wish to maintain your private and work cellphone quantity on the identical machine.The iPhone 11 has Wi-Fi 6. Devices with Wi-Fi 6 converse that very same Wi-Fi language to speak to one another, and in comparison with Wi-Fi 5, it is quicker and extra battery environment friendly. But Wi-Fi 6 was solely licensed in September 2019 and Wi-Fi 6 routers stay costly. Instead of relating to it as a right away profit, consider Wi-Fi 6 as readying your cellphone for the long run. The iPhone 11 has a chip only for “spatial awareness.” Called U1, this new chip helps iPhones discover different iPhones extra exactly after they’re in shut proximity. Apple says this improves AirDrop, however many consider the U1 chip is laying the groundwork for a long-rumored Apple tile tracker.The iPhone 11.
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Pixel 5 and iPhone 11 specs
Google Pixel 5
iPhone 11
Display measurement, decision
6-inch FHD+ OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels
6.1-inch LCD; 1,792×828 pixels
Pixel density
432ppi
326ppi
Dimensions (Inches)
5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 in
5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)
144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm
150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
5.33 oz; 151g
6.84 oz; 194g
Mobile software program
Android 11
iOS 13
Camera
12.2-megapixel (normal), 16-megapixel (ultra-wide)
12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide)
Front-facing digital camera
8-megapixel
12-megapixel
Video seize
4K
4K
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Apple A13 Bionic
Storage
128GB
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
RAM
8GB
Not disclosed
Expandable storage
No
No
Battery
4,000 mAh
Not disclosed
Fingerprint sensor
Rear
None (Face ID)
Connector
USB-C
Lightning
Headphone jack
No
No
Special options
5G enabled; waterproof (IP68); 90Hz refresh charge show; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); reverse wi-fi charging; quick charging
Water resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging
Price off-contract (USD)
$699
$699 (64GB), $749 (128GB), $849 (256GB)
Price (GBP)
£599
£729 (64GB), £779 (128GB), £879 (256GB)
Price (AUD)
AU$999
AU$1,199 (64GB), AU$1,279 (128GB), AU$1,449 (256GB)
Google Pixel 5The 5G alternative
Apple iPhone 11Excellent digital camera, nice design