Amazon has recently updated its Echo Show with some interesting new features, but while the Echo Show 8 presents the most striking change with its tracking camera, the Echo Show 5 remains somewhat in the shadows with differences that are not entirely clear. What if we review them all to see what's new?
Two identical Echo
Taking into account that it is a generational change from one year to the next, it is normal not to find big changes at the hardware level. And it is that the Echo Show 5 that we know today will continue to work as is, will receive the relevant updates and you will be able to 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, the main functions and the power of the speaker. That is, we are not going to find changes that directly affect the user experience of this equipment. Respect for the aesthetic 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 on 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 her 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 pay attention to the color (we will see it later), it will be very difficult for you to differentiate one from another. The new version continues to mount two microphones, volume up and down buttons, a button to activate and deactivate the microphones and 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 EchoShow 5 (2020) | Amazon EchoShow 5 (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 5,5 inches | 5,5 inches |
| 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 gr | 410 gr |
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 notifications, reminder alerts 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 that of the camera. The new second-generation Amazon Echo Show 5 (or 2021), mounts a 2-megapixel camera, a sensor that, although it is not especially large and striking compared to the sensors that mobile phones mount today, does mean a change. important with respect to the 1-megapixel sensor that the first-generation Echo Show 5 mounted.
The first generation Echo Show 5 shows good image quality on most occasions, but it is possible that the incorporation of the 2 megapixels allows for greater definition in video conferences, as well as in times when the light is dimmer, environments where the 1-megapixel camera of the first Echo Show 5 lasts longer.
Full color
Perhaps the most obvious difference will come from 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 2021 version can be purchased at Anthracite, blue and white colors, so it is possible that at first glance we will be able to differentiate one model from another.
Respecting the environment
Another novelty that will probably go unnoticed is that the new model is completely respectful of the environment. Amazon, like other large companies, is demonstrating its commitment to caring for the environment, so for the construction of this Echo Show 5 it has decided to use 30% recycled plastics, 100% recycled fabric and 100% recycled cast aluminium, and all this by packaging the device in a box created with 99% wood fiber materials.
Is the second generation Echo Show 5 worth buying?
In these recent moments to its launch, the second generation Echo Show 5 is priced at 84,99 euros, while the first model has dropped its price to 79,99 euros, a minimal difference with which perhaps it deserves the worth betting on the new version.
On the other hand, if you already have a first generation Echo Show 5 and you 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 it introduces are minima. The Echo Show 8 may now seem more interesting with its new tilting camera, but in the case of 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 at the moment there are no indications that this will happen. On 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-euro offer offered during the Christmas period.