Google Pixel 5: A Compromised but Surprisingly Resilient Device

The Google Pixel 5 was released in 2020 during a challenging time for the tech industry. With global supply shortages and a pandemic, it's surprising that Google managed to create a smartphone that 'made the best of a bad situation.'

The Pixel 5 was seen as an exercise in compromise by many reviewers at the time, including Damien Wilde, who noted its less powerful chipset and use of plastic 'bio-resin' material instead of metal and glass.

However, despite these drawbacks, the Pixel 5 addressed some of the failings of its predecessor, the Pixel 4, by reintroducing a fingerprint sensor and packing in a larger battery. The device also felt more familiar to users after the prior year's design changes.

Looking back, it's clear that the Pixel 5 was a product born out of necessity rather than grand plans for innovation. Google had initially considered debuting its Tensor chip earlier, but ultimately decided to save it for the Pixel 6. Despite this, the Pixel 5 has aged surprisingly well and is still seen as a durable option in an industry dominated by shatterable glass and heavy metal.