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Google has an ongoing problem, of sorts, in that it launches its new high-end Pixel phones in October, only to be obligated to discount them shortly thereafter for Black Friday. It usually bothers Pixel fans who buy them on Day 1 and see folks get them cheaper a mere month later, but this year that isn’t too big of a concern — the Pixel 5 is only $50 off for Black Friday.
That eases the buyer’s remorse, I suppose, but it probably doesn’t make those who waited expecting an exceptional deal all too enthused.
I get it. Google isn’t discounting the Pixel 5 anywhere near as much as Samsung is the Galaxy S20 FE. For Black Friday, you can get the Pixel 5 for $650, or just $50 off. If you’re willing to activate your new Pixel 5 on a carrier from the start, you can save an extra $50 over at Best Buy.
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If you’re really pinching pennies, and want the absolute best value, sure Samsung can win you over with a $550 Galaxy S20 FE. I admit, that’s an incredible deal. Still, you shouldn’t look elsewhere just because the Pixel 5’s Black Friday deal isn’t as good as you hoped. I fully recommended the Pixel 5 to just about everyone who has asked for a phone in this price range, even at its full-freight $700 price tag.
I recommend the Pixel 5 to just about everyone, even without a discount.
Even at $700, the Pixel 5 is an incredible buy. Google’s simple approach to hardware may seem boring to some, but I find it efficient and nice-looking — spice it up with the “Sorta Sage” color choice and you’ll be happy. Inside, you get all the specs you need, extras like wireless charging and water resistance, and a solid 90Hz display. And the size is just right, with only a 6-inch display and no extra hardware frills. Sometimes less is more.
That same philosophy lands in the software, where Google continues to lead the way for Android. Google’s take on software is dead-simple, uncomplicated, and helpful with little features that are just great. Plus, you won’t have any carrier bloatware or pre-installed apps. And remember, Google supports Pixels with three years of guaranteed software updates.
And I’ve buried the lead: This camera is fantastic. Everyone’s (rightfully) hyped about the iPhone 12 right now, but the Pixel 5 goes toe-to-toe in every situation. Daylight, low light, it doesn’t matter — the Pixel 5 takes a great photo without any management or settings tweaks. Its HDR processing is great, and Night Sight turns lowlight photos into brilliant scenes. And that same quality extends to the secondary ultrawide camera and the selfie shooter, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Take your $50 and buy a couple of nice accessories for your new Pixel.
This $50 discount on the Pixel 5 isn’t as much as we had hoped it’d be, but hey, $50 is still $50! Use that money for a wireless charger and a nice case for your new Pixel 5, and you’re still going to come out ahead of what you would’ve paid for this excellent phone last week.
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