Quick Answer
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) is a compact smart display with Alexa and improved audio. This echo show 5 review highlights its value for smart homes and quick info.
Perfect for: Users seeking a bedside alarm, kitchen assistant, or a secondary smart display for quick interactions and smart home control.
Why it stands out: Its compact size, enhanced speaker quality for its class, and integrated privacy features make it a versatile addition without occupying much space.
📊 Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification (3rd Gen, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch touchscreen, 960 x 480 resolution |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8169 B (AZ2 Neural Edge) |
| Camera | 2 Megapixel with privacy shutter, 1080p video recording |
| Speaker | 1.7-inch rear-facing, enhanced bass and clarity |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 5.8” x 3.6” x 3.2” (147 mm x 91 mm x 82 mm) |
| Weight | 16.1 ounces (456 grams) |
Echo Show 5 Review: Design and Display
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) maintains its reputation as a highly compact smart display, measuring 5.8 inches wide by 3.6 inches deep by 3.2 inches high. Its small footprint makes it an excellent choice for nightstands, kitchen counters, or office desks where space is limited. The 5.5-inch touchscreen features a 960 x 480 resolution, which is suitable for glanceable information like weather, timers, and smart home controls.
While the display is clear for daily tasks, it is not high-definition, meaning extended video watching might not offer the crispest experience. A notable privacy feature is the built-in 2 Megapixel camera, which includes a physical shutter you can slide closed when not in use. This provides peace of mind, alongside a dedicated button to turn off both the microphone and camera.
Audio Performance and Connectivity
Despite its size, the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) delivers surprisingly good audio quality. It features a 1.7-inch rear-facing speaker, designed to provide deeper bass and clearer vocals compared to previous generations. This enhancement makes it suitable for background music, news briefings, or listening to podcasts.
For connectivity, the device supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), ensuring a stable connection to your home network. Bluetooth functionality allows for audio streaming to and from mobile devices, or connecting to external Bluetooth speakers for a more expansive sound experience. It can also use AVRCP for voice control of connected mobile devices.
Smart Home Control and Essential Features
The Echo Show 5 truly shines as a smart home hub, thanks to its deep integration with Amazon Alexa. You can use voice commands or the touchscreen to control compatible smart lights, thermostats, locks, and more. It is also highly effective for viewing live feeds from security cameras, such as Ring video doorbells, directly on its display.
Beyond smart home control, the device offers a wide range of daily utilities. These include setting alarms, providing weather updates, displaying news headlines, and making video calls to other Echo Show devices or the Alexa app. Streaming content from services like Prime Video, Netflix, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify is also possible, though navigation for some apps may rely more on voice commands than direct on-screen browsing.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
- Pros:
- Compact size ideal for smaller spaces like nightstands or kitchen counters.
- Improved 1.7-inch speaker delivers surprisingly clear audio with enhanced bass.
- Integrated physical camera shutter and microphone/camera off button for privacy.
- Versatile for smart home control, video calls, news, weather, and alarms.
- Easy to use with Alexa voice commands.
- Cons:
- Display resolution is not high-definition, which can limit clarity for extended video streaming.
- Functionality relies entirely on an internet connection; smart features are unavailable offline.
Who Should Buy It
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and compact smart display. It’s particularly well-suited for users who need a smart alarm clock, a kitchen helper for recipes and timers, or a simple way to manage their smart home devices from a central location. Its enhanced sound and privacy features also make it appealing for casual music listening and video calls.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for different options, consider the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) for its focus on Google services and sleep tracking, or the Amazon Echo Show 8 for a larger screen and more immersive video experience within the Alexa ecosystem.
FAQ
What’s new with the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) compared to older models?
The 3rd Generation Echo Show 5, released in 2023, features a more powerful MediaTek MT8169 B (AZ2 Neural Edge) processor and an enhanced 1.7-inch rear-facing speaker, offering deeper bass and clearer vocals than previous generations. While the 2nd Gen (2021) also had a 2 MP camera, the 3rd Gen provides noticeable performance and audio improvements, as highlighted in various echo show 5 reviews focusing on the latest echo show 5 specs. The original 1st Gen (2019) had a 1 MP camera.
Can I watch YouTube on the Echo Show 5?
Yes, you can watch YouTube on the Echo Show 5. Since Amazon and Google resolved past disputes, YouTube access is available through the device’s web browser, which you can usually access by saying “Alexa, open YouTube.” Many echo show 5 review youtube demonstrations confirm this functionality.
Is the Echo Show 5 a good choice for users outside the US?
The Echo Show 5 works internationally, but some region-specific features or “skills” might not be available everywhere. While the core Alexa functions and smart home controls work globally, localized content, services, and language support can vary. For a comprehensive understanding, an echo show 5 review UK perspective might highlight specific regional app availability or skill differences compared to the US model.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) stands out as a highly capable and compact smart display. Its blend of improved audio, effective smart home control, and essential privacy features delivers significant value, especially for its size.
For those seeking a versatile smart assistant for smaller spaces, our echo show 5 review concludes that this device is a compelling choice. It masterfully balances functionality with a minimal footprint, making everyday tasks simpler and more connected.
Sources: target.com, phonearena.com, youtube.com, bestbuy.com, gadgets360.com, fonearena.com.
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