Amazon recently updated its Echo Show with some interesting new features, but while the Echo Show 8 makes the most striking change with its tracking camera, the Echo Show 5 is somewhat in the shadows with differences that are not entirely clear. What if we review them all to see what’s new?
Two identical Echos
Considering that this is a generational change from one year to the next, it is normal not to find major changes at the hardware level. And is that the Echo Show 5 that we know today will continue to work as it is, will receive the relevant updates and you can continue using it as a smart speaker, as an Alexa home and even as a surveillance camera.
To begin with, the details that remain the same will be the design, main functions, and power of the speaker. That is, we will not find changes that directly affect the experience of using this equipment. Respect for aesthetics reaches such an extent that both models maintain the same dimensions and the same weight of 410 grams.
Making a general review of its entire body, we can find in both cases a compact chassis that houses a 5.5-inch screen and a speaker placed at the back covered with a fabric finish to give a pleasant finish, both to the touch and in sight. Said speaker will be the same 41-millimeter unit that we found in the first generation, so Alexa and your music will continue to sound exactly the same.
You will not find differences
Aesthetically, it is very difficult to differentiate one model from another, so unless you look at the color (we will see it later), it will be very difficult for you to differentiate one from the other. The new version continues to mount two microphones, volume up and down buttons, a button to activate and deactivate the microphones and a camera, a mobile cover to cover the camera in case we need it.
So that you can have a better perspective of both models, we leave you with the complete characteristics below:
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (2020) | Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5.5 inch | 5.5 inch |
| Processor | Mediatek MT 8163 | Mediatek MT 8163 |
| Camera | 1 megapixel | 2 megapixels |
| Sound | 41mm speaker | 41mm speaker |
| WiFi connectivity | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac |
| Dimensions | 148 x 86 x 73 mm | 148 x 86 x 73 mm |
| Weight | 410 g | 410 g |
The 5.5-inch screen maintains the same panel in both cases, and although it is not extremely large to watch a Netflix or Prime Video series (because yes, it can be done), it will be more than enough to see the notifications, Reminder prompts and interactive responses from Alexa.
The new Echo will see you much better
But if there is a change that remains hidden but that will give better results, it is the camera. The new second generation Amazon Echo Show 5 (or 2021), mounts a 2 megapixel camera, a sensor that, although not especially large and striking compared to the sensors that mobile phones mount today, it does represent a change important with respect to the 1 megapixel sensor that was mounted on the first generation Echo Show 5.
The first-generation Echo Show 5 shows good image quality most of the time, but the addition of 2 megapixels may allow for higher definition in video conferencing, as well as at times when the light is dimmer. environments where the 1 megapixel camera on the first Echo Show 5 lasts longer.
Full color
Perhaps the most obvious difference will come from the hand of the color styles in which the Echo Show 5 will be available. Unlike the current model, which is only available in black and white, the new version of 2021 will be available in the anthracite, blue and white colors, so it is possible that with the naked eye we are able to differentiate one model from another.
Respecting the environment
Another novelty that probably goes unnoticed is that the new model is completely respectful of the environment. Amazon, like other large companies, are showing their involvement with caring for the environment, so for the construction of this Echo Show 5 they have decided to use 30% recycled plastics, 100% recycled fabric and 100% of Recycled cast aluminum, all packed in a box made from 99% wood fiber materials.
Is the second-gen Echo Show 5 worth buying?
In recent moments at its launch, the second-generation Echo Show 5 is priced at 84.99 euros, while the first model has lowered its price to 79.99 euros, a minimal difference with which it may be worth the price. worth betting on the new version.
On the other hand, if you already have a first generation Echo Show 5 and are thinking of changing it, unless you need a second unit at home, we do not see the need to make the jump to the new version, since the changes that it introduces are minima. The Echo Show 8 may now seem more interesting with its new tilting camera, but for the smallest of the family it is more pure whim than necessity.
We imagine that the first generation Echo Show 5 will soon receive an offer as a definitive discount with the idea of getting rid of stock, but unfortunately there is no indication that this will happen at the moment. At Amazon you can currently find a refurbished Echo Show 5 for 80.99 euros, an amount that has nothing to do with previously published offers, such as the 35 euros they offered during the Christmas period.
