REVIEW: Echo Show 5 (3rd generation) brings minor improvements

A Amazon recently launched the new smart speaker EchoPop, and updated the line Echo Dot for its 5th generation. But the company also has, within its Echo line of connected devices with Alexa, the smart screens, and the Echo Show 5 was the first of them to receive an update in 2023. Bringing innovations seen in the smart speakers recently launched, such as the new processor AZ2 Neural Edge for faster Alexa responses, Amazon's new smart display brings incremental evolutions. O showmetech received a copy for analysis, and we tell you our considerations below, check it out.

Design

The Echo Show 5 has the same basic format that has been seen since its launch, however in this generation Amazon has improved the product, leaving it with a more modern appearance. Looking from afar, it's hard to notice what's new, but when we get closer, we realize that there is indeed news.

On the front of the connected screen, we noticed that the edges were rounded, giving the device a smoother and more modern look. The frame around the LCD screen still exists (and has not reduced in size), but also received rounded ends – and its color can be white or black, following the color of the smart display (the blue model was not released in Brazil) . Housed in this frame is the camera, used for video calls and quick messages — we'll talk about the camera later. Another detail on the front of the device: now the front edge rests on the surface, unlike previous models.

And looking at the side we can see why the edge is now resting directly on the support surface: Amazon has eliminated a frame that ran all the way around the Echo Show 5, and now the fabric screen that gives the external finish covers the entire device up to the screen edge.

At the top, another reflection of the removal of this frame: the volume and microphone on/off buttons, along with the camera cover control, are now positioned directly on the fabric screen that covers the Echo Show 5. position, a new format: they are no longer round (with the function printed in white), and give way to buttons with the shape of the icons for volume and microphone activation/deactivation, as we have seen since the 4th generation Echo Dot. In addition, the microphones — which were two and become three — are now positioned under the fabric mesh.

On the back, one more novelty: if from the first to the second generation the Echo Show 5 lost the P2 output for headphones (or to connect another speaker using a wired connection), now from the second to the third the smart display lost the microUSB output (which would supposedly be used for a network cable adapter), leaving only the power input in a centralized position.

At the bottom, there is a rubberized surface to support the screen connected to the surfaces, in addition to the device's serial number and other information about certifications.

Fabric

There is no big news here. O Echo Show 5 3rd generation it still uses a 5,5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 960 x 480 pixels — it doesn't even come close to reaching HD, but that's not the point of a device like this. The display displays colors very competently, and at a comfortable distance individual pixels are not noticeable.

Still, there are two differences in the third generation screen: the rounded corners – which we briefly mention as a smart display design element – ​​and the better brightness control, which now manages to further reduce the brightness of the screen. This greater brightness control is essential for users who often use the connected screen in the bedroom, as a bedside clock - remembering the old clock radios with their bright numbers on liquid crystal displays.

Camera

All of Amazon's line of connected displays have cameras, which can be used for video calls, video messages, and even remote surveillance of what's going on at home. All these functions can be accessed through another Echo Show connected screen, or through a smartphone with the Alexa app (available for Android and iOS) installed.

But let's talk about the elephant in the room: the 2 MP camera is just… enough. Of course, it will allow you to make video calls with your family and friends, but don't expect your interlocutor to see you with a good image. The camera is the same as the previous model, while the other models in the family have 5MP cameras (Echo Show 15, tested with Fire TV) and 13 MP with auto framing (Echo Show 8 e Echo Show 10).

One of the uses of the camera — such as remote surveillance — is impractical, as the front of the Echo Show 5 is tilted to make it easier for the screen to be seen perfectly, the camera also points upwards. Unless you want to see what's going on closer to the roof of your house, it's of little use. Still on this usage, if you don't have good lighting, you'll have little to do other than darkness and image noise.

Audio

The Amazon Echo line, primarily, has the smart speaker function — and the Echo Show 5 together has the functionality of the screen showing information. Other than that, the device works just like any Echo Dot, responding to commands given to the Alexa assistant and playing media content.

And it is in the speaker function that one of the biggest highlights for the third generation appears, which receives 1,75-inch speakers to replace the 1,65-inch used in the previous generation. It's practically the same size as the 1,73-inch speaker on the 5th Gen Echo Dot, and this is reflected in better sound quality. Of course, it doesn't compare to similarly priced Bluetooth speakers from brands like LG and JBL — but they also lack a screen, no Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in personal assistant.

In our tests, we compared the sound quality of the Echo Show 5 3rd generation to 4th Gen Echo Dot. In the audio test, we left both devices at the same volume level and played the same content, switching between one device and another through the Spotify application itself.

In the music test, we first used the song BREAK MY SOUL – THE QUEENS REMIX, by singer Beyonce. The music has well highlighted bass, in addition to powerful vocals. The Echo Show 5 performed well, without distortion at higher volumes. However, due to the very limitation of the speaker size, the maximum volume is not surprising – but it is worth noting that there were no distortions, as apparently the smart display manages to reduce the power of the bass so as not to demand too much from the speaker. At this point, it stands out from the Echo Dot, which has less body with weaker bass.

We also ran a podcast listening test — after all, many users use their Alexa-enabled devices to listen to daily news and content from their friends. creators preferred. Amazon's connected display performed satisfactorily, but compared to the Echo Dot, it has less clarity in voices. And this can easily be explained by the position of the speakers: while on the Echo Dot the speaker is directed forward, on the Echo Show 5 it is directed backwards, somewhat hiding the voices in podcasts. Still, it does not discredit the quality of the product.

If you want to listen to the audio on another device, such as a headset or external speaker, you can pair it via bluetooth connection.

Performance and system

O EchoDot 5 third-generation processor received an upgrade in its MediaTek MT8169B processor, receiving the AZ2 Neural Edge chip for machine learning and voice recognition tasks. The idea is that this new neural chip is capable of processing voice commands on the device itself, improving the response time of commands given to Alexa. However, I don't think I noticed differences that point to an advantage in the new model, which supports Wi-Fi 5.

With regard to touch controls on the screen, the smart display leaves something to be desired. System actions are slow to occur after the touch screen command, leaving an impression that you'd be better served with voice commands. Using Amazon's Silk browser is an unpleasant experience: when tapping the address bar, the system shows the command to open the shortcut bar, and it doesn't matter if you write a URL correctly, it will always open the address in a search on Bing.

It is possible to watch video content, but the offer is limited: if in the previous generation Netflix was available on the system, currently we only have the Prime Video (you can, it's from Amazon itself) as an application, and access to YouTube e TikTok via web browser, a limited experience. It is worth noting that the Echo Show 15 it also had its own Netflix application, which was eliminated after the inclusion of Fire TV in its system (with a worse application, by the way).

It must be remembered that the main objective of the Echo Show 5 it's not media consumption (even due to the size of its screen, smaller than most cell phones today). Already in its main function, to display information, the smart display does very well. It is possible to configure the type of information displayed on the screen, such as weather forecast, schedule of appointments, messages, notifications and several other options.

Accessories

Amazon offers a adjustable support for the third generation Echo Show 5. With this support, the smart display is higher in relation to the support surface and can have the screen angle adjusted - correcting the problem of the camera pointing to the ceiling.

The support uses the same plug adapter that comes with the Echo Show, and offers a 7,5W USB-C output for charging smartphones and other devices that use this port. Amazon sells the stand for R$89.

Conclusion

O Echo Show 5 3rd generation it's a great small smart screen. The most suitable use for it is as an anabolic bedside clock, with support for the Alexa voice assistant and all the information it can display, in addition to the compatible skills — but it is also possible to use it in the kitchen, bathroom and other rooms that don't be too big. Its sound system is very honest, but don't expect to liven up a party or a gathering of friends, as there is a limitation of sound power — in this case, the Echo Show 8 manages to deliver better quality, but it costs more.

We recommend the smart display if you want to enter the world of connected displays from Amazon, but there is no great advantage in changing the 2nd generation model — the aesthetic and sound differences are the main ones to take into account. O Echo Show 5 3rd generation is available for sale on Amazon for BRL 616 in cash or BRL 649 in up to 12 interest-free installments.

Tech Specs – Echo Show 5

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Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim on August 23, 2023.