Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | Smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera | Review
Introduction
The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) is the latest addition to Amazon's smart display lineup. With its 2 MP camera and Alexa integration, this device offers a range of features to enhance your daily routine. From setting alarms and timers to checking your calendar and making video calls, the Echo Show 5 has got you covered. Its interactive display allows you to manage your smart home and control compatible devices with ease. Whether you want to stream music and shows or display your favorite photos, this smart display is designed to keep you entertained. Stay tuned for a detailed review of its features and performance.
Product Description
The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) is a smart display with Alexa and a 2 MP camera that brings convenience and entertainment to your fingertips. With its compact size and sleek design, it is a perfect addition to any room in your home.
The Echo Show 5 allows you to see your day clearly with Alexa at the ready. You can set alarms and timers, check your calendar or the news, and make video calls with the 2 MP camera, all with just your voice. The interactive display enables you to manage your smart home, control compatible devices like cameras and lights, and even monitor your home when you're away.
One of the standout features of the Echo Show 5 is its video calling capabilities. With the 2 MP camera, you can easily call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. You can also make announcements to other compatible devices in your home, making it a convenient way to communicate with your loved ones.
In addition to its communication features, the Echo Show 5 is also designed to entertain. You can ask Alexa to play TV shows and movies via Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the 5.5" screen. You can also stream your favorite music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and others. With Amazon Photos, you can even turn your home screen into a digital frame, displaying your cherished memories.
Privacy is a top priority with the Echo Show 5. Amazon has built multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter, to ensure your personal information is protected.
Overall, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) is a versatile and convenient smart display that enhances your everyday life. With its voice-controlled features, entertainment options, and focus on privacy, it is a valuable addition to any smart home setup.
Pros and Cons
After extensive research and analysis of the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release), we have compiled a list of its pros and cons. This smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera offers several impressive features, but it also has a few drawbacks to consider. Let's dive into the pros and cons of this device:
Pros
Versatile Smart Display: The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) serves as a versatile smart display, offering a range of functions to enhance your daily routine. From managing your calendar and to-do lists to setting alarms and reminders, this device acts as a personal assistant, making your life more organized and efficient.
Enhanced Video Calling: With the 2 MP camera, the Echo Show 5 allows for high-quality video calls. Whether you want to connect with family and friends or attend virtual meetings, the device delivers clear visuals, making you feel more connected and engaged.
Compact Size and Design: The Echo Show 5's compact size makes it a perfect fit for any room in your home. Its sleek design and charcoal color add a modern touch to your decor, blending seamlessly with your surroundings. Additionally, the device features a 5.5-inch display, providing a crisp and vibrant visual experience.
Cons
Limited Camera Placement: One drawback of the Echo Show 5 is its camera placement, which is aimed upward towards the ceiling. While this design choice may have been made to prioritize privacy, it limits the flexibility of capturing different angles and may require adjustments to achieve optimal viewing angles.
Display Pausing and Suggestions: Some users have reported issues with the display pausing and suggestions of different routines constantly appearing, even after selecting the "Do Not Disturb" option. Although this doesn't affect the device's core functionality, it can be a minor inconvenience for users seeking uninterrupted usage.
Audio Quality: While the Echo Show 5 offers decent audio quality, it may not meet the expectations of audiophiles or those seeking a high-fidelity sound experience. The device's compact size and integrated speaker system provide satisfactory audio, but for a more immersive audio experience, external speakers may be needed.
In conclusion, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) offers a range of impressive features, including its versatile smart display, enhanced video calling capabilities, and compact design. However, it's important to consider its limitations, such as the camera placement, occasional display pausing, and the need for additional speakers to enhance audio quality. Overall, this smart display with Alexa and a 2 MP camera is a solid choice for those looking to integrate a convenient and efficient assistant into their daily lives.
Customer Reviews
The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) has garnered a considerable number of customer reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 169,337 ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera.
One reviewer who purchased the Echo Show 5 for their parents mentioned, "I wanted to really give this a test before I reviewed it... My thought was to give it to my parents (older) who have...," and gave it a solid 4-star rating.
Another customer, who decided to switch from Google-powered devices to Alexa ones, expressed, "Bought this in what ultimately became an errant effort to swap out Google-powered alarm clocks and devices with Alexa ones, principally to manage my h...," and also gave it a 4-star rating.
A satisfied buyer who found the Echo Show 5 useful for everyday tasks shared, "The echo show 5 is a decent system... They come in handy when you want to quickly make grocery list, check the weat...," and awarded it 4 stars.
A highly impressed user described the Echo Show 5 as a "rather unique platform to be able to utilize in your home... From a things to do...," and gave it a perfect 5-star rating.
Another customer who wanted a secondary screen and speaker appreciated the device for its versatility, stating, "I wanted some sort of secondary screen and speaker under my huge monitor to do the following: * Music / Radio to listen to while working or playing...," and also gave it a 5-star rating.
While there were mostly positive reviews, one customer encountered an issue with the display pausing and routines, stating, "I'd become extremely annoyed by that constant display pausing, and suggestions of different routines...," but still awarded it 4 stars.
Lastly, a customer mentioned a slight inconvenience with the camera's positioning, but found a solution, stating, "Instead of straightforward, the camera aims upward toward the ceiling... I put a little wedge behind it to level out camera and it’s way better camera v...," and also gave it 4 stars.
Overall, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) has received positive feedback from customers, with many praising its functionality and usefulness in daily tasks.
Conclusion
The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is an impressive smart display with Alexa integration and a 2 MP camera. With its compact size and versatile features, it is perfect for any room in your home.
One of the standout features of the Echo Show 5 is its ability to seamlessly integrate with your daily routine. You can set alarms, check your calendar, and even make video calls using the built-in camera. It also acts as a hub for managing your smart home devices, allowing you to control lights, cameras, and more with just your voice or a simple touch.
The entertainment options on the Echo Show 5 are also top-notch. You can stream your favorite TV shows and movies from Prime Video, Netflix, and other streaming services on the crisp 5.5" screen. Additionally, you can turn your home screen into a digital frame using Amazon Photos, adding a personal touch to your space.
Privacy is a top concern for many users, and the Echo Show 5 takes this seriously. With a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter, you can have peace of mind knowing that your privacy is protected.
Overall, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is a fantastic addition to any smart home setup. Its compact size, versatile features, and excellent performance make it a must-have device. If you're looking for a smart display with Alexa integration and a high-quality camera, the Echo Show 5 is the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Echo Show 5 differ from other Alexa devices?
The Echo Show 5 is a smart display with a built-in Alexa voice assistant. It combines the functionality of a traditional smart speaker with the added benefit of a screen. This allows you to not only hear information, but also see it visually displayed. The Echo Show 5 has a compact design with a 5.5-inch display, making it perfect for smaller spaces like bedside tables or kitchen counters.
2. What can I do with the Echo Show 5?
The Echo Show 5 offers a wide range of features and capabilities. With Alexa, you can ask questions, set timers and alarms, play music, control smart home devices, and even make hands-free video calls. The screen allows you to view weather forecasts, news updates, and recipe instructions. You can also stream videos from services like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, as well as listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
3. Can I use the Echo Show 5 as a security camera?
Yes, the Echo Show 5 has a built-in 2 MP camera that can be used for video calls, but it can also be used as a security camera. With the Alexa app on your smartphone, you can remotely view the camera feed from the Echo Show 5, allowing you to keep an eye on your home even when you're away. Please note that the Echo Show 5 is not specifically designed for security purposes, so it may not have all the advanced features of a dedicated security camera.
4. Is the Echo Show 5 easy to set up?
Yes, setting up the Echo Show 5 is quick and straightforward. Simply plug it in, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and follow the on-screen prompts. The device will guide you through the setup process, including signing in to your Amazon account and connecting to your preferred streaming services. If you already have other Alexa-enabled devices, the Echo Show 5 can easily be integrated into your existing smart home ecosystem.
5. Can I use the Echo Show 5 without an Amazon Prime membership?
Yes, you can use the Echo Show 5 without an Amazon Prime membership. While Prime members do have access to additional features and benefits, such as Prime Video and Prime Music, you can still enjoy the basic functionality of the device without a membership. The Echo Show 5 supports a wide range of third-party streaming services and music platforms, allowing you to listen to your favorite songs and watch popular videos, even without Prime.