Amazon's smallest smart display, the Echo Show 5, is getting a refresh with a slightly improved camera and a Kids Edition. And like the Echo Show 5 before it, the new model will sell for under $100, making it an attractive option for those who want a smaller smart display on a budget.
The Echo Show 5 ($84.99) is available in one of three colors (Charcoal, Glacier White, or Deep Sea Blue).
The Echo Show 5 Kids Edition ($94.99) comes in Chameleon (greenish color). It also includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ ($2.99/month thereafter) and a two-year replacement policy in case a child breaks it.
Both versions are available for pre-order and will ship on June 9.
It has a 5.5-inch, 960 x 480 display and a triangular body, with the back portion covered in mesh fabric. On the top edge are volume control buttons and a privacy shutter, blocking the camera and microphone.
According to Amazon, the new Echo Show 5 has an "HD camera with an upgraded pixel count of twice as many pixels" and is a modest 2MP instead of 1MP.
Unlike the new Echo Show 8 and the latest Echo Show 10 (and the Google Nest Hub Max and Facebook Portal), the Echo Show 5's camera will not have a digital pan and zoom feature, so tracking you as you move around the room Since the Echo Show 5 is supposed to be a nightstand device, this shouldn't be too big of an issue.
The Echo Show 5 Kids Edition is essentially the same device as the Echo Show 5, but comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and a two-year replacement policy. It is the first Amazon Smart Display to be released with a Kids Edition. In a way, it's a smaller, less mobile version of the Amazon Fire tablet for kids, but you don't have to worry about keeping it constantly charged.
The sub $100 price of the new Echo Show 5 makes it something close to an impulse buy when checking out at the Amazon checkout, but we have many of the same doubts we had with the original. reviews of the Echo Show 5 have found that while video call quality was good the device was somewhat laggy, and the use of such a small display was limited. Watching video on a small screen is not that satisfying.
When it comes to bedside smart displays, we tend to prefer simpler models such as the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock, Lenovo Smart Clock, and Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. These products are simpler, yet serve their purpose well.
However, it has been two years since the original Echo Show 5 debuted. We would reserve final judgment until we have a chance to try out the new smart displays.
Comments