Amazon Echo 5 (3rd generation) - Smaller But Bigger

Why do they have to keep bringing out new models of things?

Okay, stupid question. I get that it's a marketing thing. If you can convince your existing customers the new version is somehow so much better than the one they already own, they might upgrade.

But it does mean sometimes the differences are pretty inconsequential... that maybe the only reason they're bringing out a new thing is because it was time to bring out a new thing.

Believe it or not, Amazon Echo devices don't seem to follow that trend. Yes, Amazon launches new and updated devices every year - but not necessarily the same product lines. Generally speaking, it really seems new generations only come out when there are tangible feature advances to inspire an upgrade.

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is a classic case in point. Back in mid 2021, the 2nd-gen Show 5 more than justified its existence with vastly improved camera performance and the ability to view its feed from another location.

Now the 3rd-generation of the smallest Echo Show has literally broken the mould. By that I mean not only does it look quite different, the sound quality has improved dramatically.

Let's start there. Amazon promises the larger driver built into the new Show 5 will deliver "deeper bass and clearer vocals." That is objectively absolutely true. But it's more than that. Something about this latest design bounces the sound around the room (even large rooms) in a much richer, more satisfying way. I'm not claiming chest-thumping bass vibration or anything like that but within the first few seconds of streaming some of my favourite tracks, I could detect a major improvement.

"Elegantly Wasted" by INXS is an interesting track because the funk guitar riffs are mixed fairly cleanly, without much effect. Michael Hutchence pours his lively lead vocal over the top and once the gang BVs join in for the main hook with the rest of the band it's a busy little number. Yet I had no trouble picking all these elements out from across the room.

I keep my Echo Show 5 in the kitchen, on top of the microwave. While this is a questionable position when it comes to Wi-Fi reception (not that I've experienced any issues) it's convenient for the odd hands-free recipe request and it's the perfect place when I want to ask Alexa to set a timer. It also works to the new speaker's advantage - the open cabinet acts as a sort of passive amplifier, collecting up any stray sound from behind and reflecting it back out again.

As I mentioned, this third incarnation of the Show 5 has a distinct new look - while it's still wedge shaped it's much narrower at the back - partly because it no longer has to accomodate that mysterious USB-C slot nobody knew what to do with. The soft fabric covering the back of the device, available in Charcoal, White or Cloud Blue, now stretches right to the edges of the display, resulting in much cleaner, more modern lines.

This means the whole device is a bit smaller than its predecessor, even though the touch display is still 5.5-inches and the speaker is larger and more powerful.

The MediaTek chip running the Show 5 is also a step up and this is evident when setting up the speaker and connecting to Wi-Fi etc. On the other hand, when navigating the home screen or scrolling through the settings menu operation is still annoyingly laggy. I get that this isn't a smartphone we're dealing with but when you're used to instantaneous touch-screen responses, any kind of lag or delay is pretty unforgivable.

Thankfully, the speed of Alexa's responses to spoken commands does seem snappier - due in part to the addition of another mic, now creating a triple array, listening out for your next request.

And if that request is something to do with other smart devices in your home, the Show 5 also acts as a Matter controller, so most recent smart-home gadgets should respond in good time.

There's been no obvious upgrade to the video camera - still a meagre 2MP effort - but at least you can use it to video-chat with other Echo-owners you know or do a little remote check on things when you're out.

It goes without saying you'll find most of the other features other, larger Echo Shows have to offer - use it as a photo frame, play games, view security camera feeds and set shortcuts to control your favourite IoT devices.

The buttons on the top are now tactile symbols you can feel in the dark - a plus, a minus and a mute (to stop Alexa listening) and thanks to its smaller-than-before size, the Show 5 makes a better-than-ever bedside clock and yes, it knows when you've turned off the light so will darken the screen. This is a "smart" device, after all. 

But for me, it's just a great speaker for a bit of background music while I'm cooking dinner.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd-generation).