Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) Review: A basic but improved small smart display

Introduction:

The Echo Show 5, a budget-friendly smart display, combines Alexa voice control and a touchscreen experience, all available for under $100. This third-generation model, launched in 2023, maintains the Echo Show 5’s signature features while incorporating some subtle enhancements. In this review, we delve into its design, features, sound quality, unique nighttime capabilities, Alexa skills, pricing, and overall verdict to help you decide whether it’s worth your consideration or upgrade.

Design and Aesthetics: An Upgraded Charm

The Echo Show 5 retains its trademark compact form with a gentle curve, presenting a triangular cross-section from the side and a trapezoidal profile from above. It boasts a 5.5-inch screen, slightly tilted upward, and comes enveloped in an array of fabric coverings, including classic black, pristine white, and a refreshing light blue option. For the younger crowd, there’s even a Kids Edition with an appealing space-themed design.

Located along the top edge are the volume up/down controls, mic mute buttons, and a nifty mechanical switch that effortlessly slides a physical cover over the camera for privacy. On the rear surface, you’ll find the connector for the included power adapter, although this device lacks any other ports.

The 5.5-inch display offers a resolution of 960 by 480 pixels, which, while not groundbreaking, suits its purpose well for the device’s size. This screen serves as a hub for various information, including weather updates, news snippets, reminders, photos, and more. It also permits you to indulge in video content from Amazon Prime Video and other services via a basic web browser, although Netflix is notably absent from the list of supported platforms.

Equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, the Echo Show 5 facilitates video calls with other Alexa devices or the Alexa app. Additionally, this camera can be employed for scanning barcodes, swiftly adding products to your shopping list.

Under the hood, the Echo Show 5 runs on the MediaTek 8169 B chip, succeeding the MediaTek 8163 that powered its predecessors. Amazon has also thrown in the updated AZ2 Neural Edge processor, enhancing voice recognition and machine-learning capabilities.

Sound Quality: Compact, But Capable

Sporting a single 1.65-inch speaker (a slight bump up from the previous model’s 1.6-inch speaker), the Echo Show 5 delivers audio that, while not exceptional, is sufficiently loud for its size. It may not excel in reproducing deep bass or crisp highs, but it manages well enough for tasks like voice responses and video chats. For an audio upgrade, the device can be paired with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, although it regrettably lacks a 3.5mm audio port.

Nighttime Companion: Adapting to Your Sleep Routine

One standout feature of the Echo Show 5 is its ability to seamlessly integrate into your nighttime routine. With the option to set a sunrise alarm, the device gradually brightens its screen before your scheduled wake-up time. Moreover, an ambient light sensor automatically dims the display during nighttime hours.

The Echo Show 5 introduces Night Mode, offering customizable settings for nighttime behavior. You can conveniently turn off notifications, lower the volume, disable motion detection, and more, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

Alexa Skills: Unleashing the Power of Voice

The Echo Show 5 harmoniously integrates with the vast capabilities of Alexa. It handles tasks ranging from controlling your smart home devices to playing music, answering questions, setting timers, and much more. Leveraging Alexa skills, you can tap into a plethora of third-party services and apps, enhancing the device’s functionality.

Some skills are thoughtfully optimized for the screen, enriching your visual interaction. These include recipes, games, quizzes, and more, which can be accessed through both voice and touch commands.

Price and Availability: Budget-Friendly Brilliance

Priced at $89.99 in the US and £79.99 in the UK, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) provides an affordable entry into the world of smart displays. You can find it on Amazon’s official website as well as other retail outlets, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience.

Conclusion: Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) – A Smart Choice

The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) stands as an appealing option for those seeking a compact smart display seamlessly integrated with Alexa. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it brings notable improvements in sound quality and responsiveness over its predecessors. Moreover, its intuitive nighttime features make it an excellent bedside companion.

However, if you’re upgrading from an older model, the differences in design and functionality might not justify the cost, especially when discounted older versions are available. For those who desire a superior screen, multiple speakers, and a sharper camera, exploring the larger Echo Show 8 ($129.99) might be a more rewarding choice, as it holds the title of our Editors’ Choice for smart displays.