The Google Pixel 5 was a fan favorite when it launched in 2020, offering a clean Android experience, compact design, and stellar camera performance. But in 2025, is it still a smart purchase?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished Google Pixel 5 is now available for just $120. While this price might seem like a great deal, it comes with some significant drawbacks, including outdated hardware and limited software support.
Instead of the Pixel 5, we recommend spending just $10 more to get a Certified Used Pixel 6, which starts at $130. The Pixel 6 offers longer software support, a better camera system, and a faster Google Tensor chip, making it a much better value.
Before making a decision, let’s take a closer look at how the Pixel 5 holds up in 2025 and whether it’s still a good investment.
Google Pixel 5 in 2025: Key Features & Limitations
The Pixel 5 was designed as Google’s last premium mid-range phone before shifting to the Google Tensor-powered Pixel 6 series. While it has some solid features, there are also several reasons why it’s not an ideal choice in 2025.
✅ What Still Works Well on the Pixel 5
- 90Hz OLED Display – The 6.0-inch OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate still looks great and provides smooth scrolling.
- Compact & Lightweight – One of the last smaller-sized Pixel phones, making it great for one-handed use.
- Excellent Camera Quality – The 12.2MP main sensor and 16MP ultrawide lens still take great photos with Google’s computational photography.
- Stock Android Experience – The Pixel 5 offers a bloat-free interface with clean Android 14.
❌ Why the Pixel 5 Might Not Be Worth It in 2025
1️⃣ No More Software Updates
The Pixel 5 will not receive Android 15 or future security patches. This means:
- No new features or system optimizations.
- Increased security risks over time.
- App compatibility issues as newer apps drop support for older Android versions.
If you want long-term software support, the Pixel 6 is the better option.
2️⃣ Aging Snapdragon 765G Chipset
The Snapdragon 765G was a decent mid-range processor in 2020, but in 2025, it’s outperformed by newer budget phones. Compared to the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6, it struggles with:
- Gaming and multitasking
- AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Live Translate
- Overall responsiveness and speed
If you’re looking for better performance, upgrading to a Pixel 6 or even a Pixel 6a is a smarter choice.
3️⃣ Battery Life May Be an Issue
The 4,080mAh battery on the Pixel 5 was decent at launch, but after several years of use, most refurbished models may have reduced battery health.
- Screen-on time is lower than newer models.
- Faster battery drain with heavy use.
- No significant improvements with software optimizations.
4️⃣ Limited Future-Proofing
With no hardware advancements like Google Tensor, the Pixel 5 is not designed to last beyond its current software limitations.
- No AI-powered Google features introduced in newer Pixel models.
- Weaker 5G support compared to later Pixel devices.
- Lower trade-in and resale value as Google stops official support.
Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 6: Why Spend $10 More?
The Google Pixel 5 may seem like a budget-friendly choice at $120, but the Pixel 6 is available for just $10 more at $130. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, the Pixel 6 is the better choice due to its stronger performance, longer software support, and superior camera system.
Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 6: Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Google Pixel 5 |
Google Pixel 6 |
| Price (Certified Used) |
$120 |
$130 |
| Software Support |
Ends with Android 14 |
Supported until Android 17 |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 765G |
Google Tensor |
| Display |
6.0" OLED, 90Hz |
6.4" OLED, 90Hz |
| Camera |
12.2MP + 16MP ultrawide |
50MP + 12MP ultrawide |
| Battery Life |
4,080mAh |
4,614mAh |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Why Pixel 6 is the Better Choice for Just $10 More
- ✅ Longer Software Support – While the Pixel 5 stops at Android 14, the Pixel 6 will receive updates through Android 17, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- ✅ Faster Performance with Google Tensor – The Pixel 6 features Google’s first Tensor chip, offering:
- Better AI-powered features (Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and enhanced voice dictation).
- Improved gaming and app performance compared to the weaker Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5.
- ✅ Better Camera System – The Pixel 6 has a 50MP primary sensor, compared to the Pixel 5’s aging 12.2MP camera. This means:
- Higher resolution and sharper details in photos.
- Better low-light performance and improved Night Sight mode.
- ✅ Bigger Battery and More Efficient Power Management – With a larger 4,614mAh battery, the Pixel 6 lasts longer than the Pixel 5, making it a better daily driver.
Bottom Line: For only $10 more, the Pixel 6 is the much smarter investment over the Pixel 5. If you’re choosing between the two, go for the Pixel 6.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Certified Used Pixel 6
If you're looking for the best price on a Certified Used or Refurbished Pixel 6, UpTrade makes it easy to compare real-time prices from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple.
Why Use UpTrade?
- 🔎 Real-Time Price Updates – Get the latest Pixel 6 pricing without searching multiple websites.
- ✅ Trusted & Verified Sellers – Avoid scams by purchasing from certified resellers only.
- 💰 Compare Prices & Conditions – Although each seller has its own Refurbishment Standard, all products are aligned with the same UpTrade standard (Pristine, Excellent, Good, Fair).
- 🚀 One-Click Purchase – Find the best deal quickly and buy with confidence.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Pixel 5 in 2025?
❌ No – The Pixel 5 is NOT worth buying in 2025.
While the Pixel 5 was a solid phone, its lack of software updates, weaker performance, and aging battery make it a bad investment in 2025.
Better Alternatives to the Pixel 5 in 2025: Pixel 6
- ✅ Google Pixel 6 (starting at $130) has stronger performance, a better camera, and longer software support.
👉 Find the best deals on a Certified Used Pixel 6 today! 🚀
