Echo Show 5 (2021) - Better camera and sound in this new generation [REVIEW]

Amazon continues to invest in its range of Echo devices, of all types, with the aim of democratizing access to virtual assistants and the connected home as much as possible. A few years ago we saw the arrival of the Echo Show range as a breath of fresh air to these types of technologies, and now it has been slightly renewed.

The new Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021) is here, a device with an improved camera, new functionalities and slight improvements in sound quality. Discover with us the renewed Amazon smart speaker with integrated screen and especially what its main features are and if it is worth buying.

In the video at the top you will be able to see the full unbxoing of this new Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021) as well as the simple setup steps and your first impressions. You would help us a lot to grow if you subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave us a like. The comment box will always be available so that you can offer us your questions, we will be happy to answer them. In case you liked it, this Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021) is available with immediate delivery from 84,99 euros on the Amazon website.

Materials and design: Few external changes

This second generation of the Amazon Echo Show 5 retains an important similarity in dimensions with the previous version, starting because we have 147 millimeters high by 86 millimeters high and 74 millimeters deep. Both the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 are among the few Amazon Echo devices that continue to retain rectangular proportions on all sides. The device has a total weight of 410 grams so we could not consider it "light" either. This in audio products usually bodes well.

On the top bezel There remains the mechanical cover of the camera, two microphones, the volume up and down buttons as well as a button that allows us to activate and deactivate the microphones and the camera through software depending on our needs or tastes.

The rear is left for the power port and a microUSB port of which we are completely unaware of its capabilities, we imagine that it has more to do with technical service than with any other issue. For its part, the front occupies about 14 centimeters, which is the length of your panel 5,5 inches. Although the name may make us think that we only have five inches, the reality is that we have something else. Textile on the loudspeaker coating on the rear, and as is already the case with almost the entire Echo range, three color options which are: White, Black and Blue.

Technical characteristics: Brushstrokes of renovation

To move the device this second generation Echo Show 5 will use the processor MediaTek MT 8163, The alliance between the North American firm and this manufacturer of processors is already known, and it is precisely those of its brand that make up the entire range of Amazon smart products. We do not know, yes, the capacity of RAM and storage since Echo Show 5 (2021). We have connectivity level of 802.11a / b / g / n / ac dual band WiFi no possibility to do.

This Echo Show 5 runs a modified version of Android with one of Amazon's many Fire OS layers, with the limitations of such a product. The system moves smoothly enough to carry out the usual interactions without problems. As with the rest of Echo products, we can also connect to it through Bluotooth and of course we have Alexa fully integrated into the system. Of course, in this case we do not have the Zigbee protocol, that is, it cannot be used as an accessory center. As for power, we have a 1,5 meter cable and a 15W adapter in total. The price has risen slightly compared to previous versions, as you can see on Amazon.

Camera and sound with improvements

The camera of this new Amazon Echo Show from 2021 has a 2MP sensor, which doubles the capabilities of the product in its first generation. Nor is it that we have found very noticeable differences, it focuses especially on the automatic focus and low light conditions, where we have found some notable improvement. We still have a mechanical "cover" that will allow us to hide our image whenever we want, as well as the possibility of use our Amazon Echo Show 5 as a surveillance camera, undoubtedly one of the most striking features for most users.

Sound wise, this Echo Show 5 mounts a single 41-millimeter, or 1,6-inch speaker, which is the extent to which information on this type of product is usually offered. The sound has improved slightly, in line precisely with the fourth-generation Echo Two. I mean, this Echo Show 5 basically includes the same speaker that the fourth-gen Echo Dot mounts, that in terms of size is identical to the third generation. Without a doubt, we are in the basic range of Amazon sound, enough for notifications, accompanying a small room with music without pretensions or playing multimedia content with clarity but without demands.

User experience

The fact that we can access the image in real time through the Alexa application compatible with both iOS and Android, As well as we can access this image through other Echo Show devices, something extremely interesting when we have children at home. For its part, in the sound I have to say that as in the case of the Echo Dot, we almost completely lack bass and the sound is mainly focused on accompanying music or interaction with the virtual assistant of the American company.

Amazon has also highlighted that these devices use 100% recycled fabric and other products that contribute to the sustainability of the environment. It is already fully available on the Amazon website, so you can get it if you are Prime with delivery in one day for only 84,99 euros. A relatively restrained price but one that makes you wonder if it may be worth the jump to the Echo Show 8 that has a 13MP camera and stereo sound. It is certainly a good accompaniment to our nightstand, the absence of Zigbee protocol can weigh too much.

Therefore, it is proposed as an interesting offer in order to handle an entry-level product, as long as you are clear that by itself it does not make up a connected home.

Pros and cons