So, we have with us the newly released Echo Show 5, and of course I purchased it off Amazon.
This device is the more compact version of the Echo Show, which is upwards of 17k. I managed to snag this one during Amazon Prime day for Rs 4,859 which considering the actual price is Rs 8,999 is more than 50% off?
This is the main box of the Echo Show 5. The device comes with all the features of the other Alexa devices but with the addition of a 5.5-inch screen.
Let’s get it out of the packaging, the box is crumpled on the side, hope nothing is wrong within.
On the side of the box the sources you can connect to are listed. Amazon prime video also works with this device, so this could be in your kitchen and you could be watching your favourite series or movie on it.
Of course, music and news sources are also supported.
The best part of having a screen is that the Echo 5 can show you a visual response to your commands.
Let’s get the device out of the box, we’ve waited long enough.
In the box we have the echo show 5, some manuals, and a power cable with attached plug.
Let’s get the plastic wrap off. Yeah, a lot of you enjoy that sound don’t you.
Here’s a closer look at the device. We have a physical camera on off switch, which actually covers the camera. Volume plus and minus buttons and a microphone mute button, when you don’t want the device listening in for the wake word.
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On the back are a power port, a micro USB port and a 3.5 mm audio out port.
The underside of the device has a rubberized base, which would prevent the device from sliding around.
Included is a 15-watt power plug and cable, used to power the device. So, let’s power the device on.
There we go, booting up displays the Amazon logo, then the echo text. And some time later the setup screen.
Being a touch screen device, we can set it up without the need of a phone.
Select your wifi, enter password and you’re in.
The device has to be linked to an amazon account so enter your credentials here.
Once complete we see a welcome screen, hit continue and we’re dropped onto the home screen.
We have to select where the Echo show 5 would be placed. Not mandatory but would be helpful if you have more than one.
Name the device and done.
The device plays a small video demo of what all the echo can do.
After the video we are dropped onto the home screen.
The Echo show 5 has a 5.5 inch screen, with a resolution of 960×480. This is quite low, but still considering this is a budget echo show, the Echo show 5 screen is just ok.
It is a touch screen, so other than voice control, you can control the device via touch. The device is a fingerprint magnet, so you will need to wipe it down from time to time.
The interface on the device, is quite intuitive. Maybe it’s intuitive to me as I’ve used a lot of devices. I have read multiple users complaining on how frustrating the UI is.
A swipe from the right to the left and we have the discover page. Here we have communication, smart home music, video etc that we can setup or access services from.
I like the smart home feature, as it lists all my devices and I can turn them on and off directly via the screen.
I can also control a group of devices by tapping on the on off button.
You need to swipe down from the top to access quick settings.
The home button is present here and there is no physical home button present on the device.
We can set the brightness using the slider,
As do not disturb mode button is also present here, if you don’t want to receive unwanted notifications or don’t want anyone dropping in for a call.
The setting allows for customising most of the device settings. From Bluetooth to WIFI connectivity.
The home screen and clock are what most users would want to customize, and it provides a few options and they all look great.
Display options are a slider for manual brightness, adaptive brightness which dims or brightens the display as per the ambient light. Sunrise effect brightens the screen as per the time simulating sunrise.
We can also customize what you would like to see on the home screen, a rotation of current news and stories, reminders and notifications etc.
Next we have night mode, which are settings for when the device should dim the brightness so as to not disturb while sleeping.
Things to try are like a list of commands for what the Echo show 5 can do.
Restrict access, this is an important feature for parents. We use this option to restrict what your kids can watch on the device. I have restricted any video playback as of now.
It can be locked/unlocked using your amazon password.
Just ask the Echo Show 5 to play any trailer, and it will (When video skills are enabled).
Not the best display, but comparable to a budget phone in terms of quality. The viewing angles are also ok but tends to invert colours when not straight on.
The physical switch on the top allows to turn the camera on or off. This camera is used to drop in on other amazon echo devices which have to be contacts you have added.
The size is quite small, so you might not enjoy your video content on this device.
The sound on the Echo show 5 is not very loud, but it’s clear. Using a 1.65-inch 4 W driver we can’t expect too much.
Watch the video for a comparison on sound quality between the Echo and the Echo Show 5.
As its audibly clear the Amazon Echo is way louder than the echo show 5. But here’s where the 3.5 mm jack is a saving grace, if you want to attach it to an external speaker or Hi-Fi then the internal sound wouldn’t worry you much.
But as a standalone speaker the sound is not bad, but being such a small device, we can’t expect too much from it. Listening to podcasts, radio stations or instructional videos are fine.
So, what did we think of the Echo Show 5?
Compared to other smart displays the Echo Show 5 is quite a capable device at this price point.
The screen though not that high a resolution is still clear enough to view the information. Home automation shortcuts could have been more well laid out, and the lag while using the device is quite noticeable.
But this is the cheapest smart display you can get in India (I think) and the vibrant colours, the smart home functionality, video playback and the whole Alexa AI access on a device this small. I think this device would adorn more users’ homes as compared to other smart devices.
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