Amazon's Echo series has long been synonymous with sleek design, user-friendly features, and the power of Alexa at your command. Among its competitors, the Echo stands out as a stylish and versatile smart speaker, catering to various budgets. In this review, we delve into the nuances of the Amazon Echo (5th Gen), exploring its design, specifications, features, and performance to determine if it lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors.
Design and Specifications: Aesthetic Continuity
The Echo (5th Gen) maintains the distinctive globular shape of its predecessor, the 4th Gen, with subtle differences. While it shares the same size and overall design, the 5th Gen introduces a few noteworthy additions. Weighing slightly more, it retains a neat aesthetic, now available in white, black, and a stylish new blue color option.
The top of the device hosts physical buttons for volume control, an action button for various functions, and a microphone mute button. An accelerometer adds a unique touch, enabling gesture controls at the top for tasks like snoozing alarms or controlling music playback. However, the responsiveness of these controls may vary, prompting reliance on voice commands.
At the bottom, the Echo features a light ring that illuminates in different colors to signify commands, mute status, or internet connectivity. The rubber-textured base ensures stability, while the absence of a battery necessitates a constant power connection.
Connectivity-wise, the Echo (5th Gen) supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, providing stable performance even when placed at a distance from the router. While the device lacks a 3.5mm audio output, it compensates with compatibility for various Alexa routines through the Alexa app (iOS and Android).
Features and Performance: Elevating Smart Home Capabilities
The Echo series has always prioritized delivering a complete Alexa experience, and the 5th Gen takes a step further. It introduces motion detection and temperature sensors, enhancing its functionality in the realm of smart home control.
The temperature sensor, a notable addition for a basic smart speaker, allows users to monitor room temperature through voice commands or the Alexa app. The true potential unfolds when integrated into Alexa Routines, enabling actions like turning on a fan or AC based on preset temperature thresholds.
Motion detection, another valuable addition, can trigger smart home devices like lights or fans in response to detected movement. These enhancements position the Echo (5th Gen) as a more versatile smart home controller than its predecessor.
Alexa's performance remains commendable, with the microphone effectively picking up wake words and commands in small to medium-sized rooms. While the speaker's larger 1.73-inch driver doesn't compromise its compact size, it delivers decent sound quality, favoring bass slightly. Ideal for desktop or bedside use, the Echo (5th Gen) strikes a balance between discrete aesthetics and audible output.
While not a primary home speaker, the Echo (5th Gen) serves admirably as a secondary audio device, particularly for those accustomed to Alexa's features and voice assistant capabilities. Alexa's compatibility with various music streaming services adds to its versatility.
Verdict: Entry-Level Excellence with Smart Enhancements
The Amazon Echo (5th Gen) stays true to its roots as an entry-level smart speaker, perfect for small spaces and focused listening. Its true value lies in its refined design and the addition of motion and temperature sensors, elevating its role as a smart home hub. As long as these enhancements don't significantly impact the price, the 5th Gen Echo stands as a stylish and functional addition to Amazon's lineup.
