What It Is and Key Specs
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model) is a compact smart display measuring 5.5 inches diagonally, aimed at users who want Alexa's voice and visual interface in a small footprint. According to PCMag's review, the LCD touchscreen runs at 960-by-480-pixel resolution — unchanged from the previous generation — but Amazon has upgraded the internals, swapping the MediaTek 8163 chip for the faster MediaTek 8169 B processor and fitting a slightly larger speaker inside. The manufacturer highlights deeper bass and clearer vocals as the headline audio improvement. A 2 MP front-facing camera handles video calls and home monitoring duties. The device is sold in Charcoal and is designated as "Designed for Alexa+," positioning it as a forward-looking hub for Amazon's evolving assistant ecosystem.
Build Quality and Sustainability
The Echo Show 5's fabric casing is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn, and its aluminum components use 100% recycled aluminum — details Amazon highlights explicitly in its listing. Device packaging is described as 100% recyclable. These are manufacturer claims drawn from the product listing and have not been independently verified by this review, which synthesizes listing information and published coverage rather than hands-on assessment.
Privacy and Safety Controls
Amazon has built multiple layers of privacy controls into the device, including a dedicated mic/camera off button and a physical camera shutter. The listing also notes support for viewing end-to-end encrypted Ring video. Amazon states directly that it is not in the business of selling personal information to others. Buyers who are privacy-sensitive will find these hardware controls a meaningful inclusion for a camera-equipped device.
Real-World Fit: Who It Suits, Who Should Skip
Based on the manufacturer's feature set and published coverage, the Echo Show 5 is well suited for a nightstand, kitchen counter, or small desk — anywhere a 5.5-inch screen makes practical sense for at-a-glance news and weather, music playback, video calling, and smart home control. Robb Sutton's published review describes it as an excellent choice for those who want a smart display without a significant financial commitment or the larger footprint of models like the Echo Show 8 or 10.
Users who prioritize sharp video — for streaming shows or detailed camera feeds — may find the 960×480 LCD limiting; that resolution is entry-level by current smart display standards. Similarly, those expecting a high-quality video calling camera should note the 2 MP front camera is functional but modest. For media-heavy households or users who want a primary living room display, stepping up to a larger Echo Show model likely makes more sense.
Smart Home and Connectivity Features
The Echo Show 5 can control compatible smart devices — lights, thermostats, and more — locally or remotely. The built-in camera supports Drop In for remote home monitoring and is compatible with video doorbells for front-door viewing. When idle, the display can cycle through a rotating photo slideshow; Prime members receive unlimited cloud photo storage for this feature. Streaming services include Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video, among others.
Honest Limitations
- Screen resolution is unchanged from the prior generation. At 960×480, the display is adequate for glanceable info but not immersive media viewing.
- The 2 MP camera is basic. Video calls and home-check-ins are functional, but image quality is limited compared to dedicated video call devices.
- Audio improvements are incremental. The larger speaker and deeper bass are genuine upgrades per published coverage, but the Echo Show 5 remains a single small speaker — not a replacement for a dedicated audio setup.
- Alexa+ dependency. The device is designed around Alexa+, meaning the full intended experience may require an active Amazon subscription tier.
Reader Sentiment
The Echo Show 5 carries a readers' aggregate of 4.2 out of 5 stars drawn from 69,638 Amazon ratings — a large sample that suggests consistent satisfaction across a wide buyer base, even accounting for the display and camera trade-offs noted above.
Darrell Steward
1 Feb, 2021Brilliant
This is the best product that has ever been made. It is also one of the best items in the world right now. Definitely go for it.
Albert Flores
17 Oct, 2020Just WOW
It's good to use this product for development as it has very good performance, display quality and all other features.