Amazon’s Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Just Landed in India—Here’s the Lowdown
So, What’s Actually New?
Gone is the 2021 model, and trust me, you won’t miss it. The 3rd Gen isn’t just a rehash—it’s noticeably snappier, sounds better, and feels way more useful.Screen Stuff
Yeah, the 5.5-inch display is still there, but now it’s wrapped in this fancy infinity cover glass. Resolution is 960x480—solid for weather, YouTube, checking who’s at the door, or doomscrolling in bed. It’s small but mighty.New Brains Inside: AZ2 Neural Edge
The old one was, let’s be honest, kind of sluggish. Now? The AZ2 Neural Edge chip makes Alexa zip through commands. Less time waiting, more time bossing around your lights or asking Alexa dumb questions. Plus, it’s doing more stuff right on the device, so it’s a bit more private. (Well, as private as a talking box can get.)Upgraded Sound: 1.7-inch Rear Speaker
Amazon went back to the drawing board for the speaker. There’s a new 1.7-inch rear-firing speaker that actually gives you some bass. Podcasts, Spotify, or random video calls with your aunt—everything sounds richer. Sync it up with Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, or Audible—take your pick.Alexa’s Still the Star
They’re leaning hard into routines and daily usefulness. Tell Alexa to pull up your calendar, knock out your to-do list, turn off the lights, blast the AC, spy on your front door—you name it. The new visuals make all that easier, with real-time status and simple taps if you’re too tired to shout commands.Privacy—You Get Some
Built-in camera shutter? Yep. Physical mic-off button? You bet. You can nuke your voice recordings anytime from the app—no PhD required.
Video Calls & Home Monitoring
There’s a 2MP camera up front. Sure, it’s not going to win Oscars, but it’s perfect for quick calls or checking in on your pets (or, you know, making sure your roommates aren’t stealing your snacks). Amazon’s Drop In lets you peek in remotely. A little creepy, but also kind of great if you’re into home security.Pair it with a video doorbell, and boom—your kitchen counter is now a security hub. Whether you’re at work or halfway to Goa, you can check what’s happening at home. Handy.
Entertainment & Web Browsing
Stream Amazon Prime Video, blast music from wherever, or just browse the web—yeah, this thing has an actual browser. Recipes, news, or mindless scrolling while you cook ramen at 1 a.m.—all fair game.Where Does It Fit?
Tiny but mighty. Stick it in the kitchen for timers and recipes, drop it beside your bed for alarms and sunrise lighting, or slap it on your desk to run meetings, calls, and playlists. It’s a chameleon.Price & Where to Get It
Launch price is Rs. 10,999. You’ll find it on Amazon, Flipkart, Reliance Digital, and Croma—online and in some offline stores too. Comes in Charcoal or Cloud Blue, if you care about matching your décor. No word on when the launch price disappears, so if you’re thinking about it, don’t sleep on the deal.Why Pick This Thing?
Honestly? It’s the cheapest, easiest way into the whole Alexa smart home circus. Good sound, solid visuals, and it won’t eat up your desk space. If you’re even a little bit Alexa-curious, this is the smart display to try.
Speedy, Punchy Sound, and Alexa Just Gets You
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) finally feels like it “gets” what folks in India actually want. That new AZ2 Neural Edge chip? It’s snappy. No more yelling “Alexa!” and waiting for her to wake up from a nap. The sound? Way punchier than you’d expect from something this tiny. Alexa’s not just a know-it-all robot anymore, either. The more you use her, the more she starts feeling like she’s actually paying attention to your life (which is equal parts cool and a little spooky, but hey, that’s 2024 for you).
Feature
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)
Processor
AZ2 Neural Edge
MediaTek MT8163
Camera
2 MP
2 MP
Audio
1.7-inch rear speaker
1.6-inch front speaker
Screen Size & Resolution
5.5", 960×480 pixels
5.5", 960×480 pixels
Smart Home Control
Enhanced with AZ2 chip
Basic Alexa routines
Retail Price
₹10,999 (Launch Offer)
₹8,999 – ₹9,999 (Previous)
Who’s Going to Love This Thing?
| Feature | Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AZ2 Neural Edge | MediaTek MT8163 |
| Camera | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Audio | 1.7-inch rear speaker | 1.6-inch front speaker |
| Screen Size & Resolution | 5.5", 960×480 pixels | 5.5", 960×480 pixels |
| Smart Home Control | Enhanced with AZ2 chip | Basic Alexa routines |
| Retail Price | ₹10,999 (Launch Offer) | ₹8,999 – ₹9,999 (Previous) |
- First-timers: If you’ve never bothered with Alexa before, this is the easiest way in. Touchscreen + voice = smooth sailing.
- Smart home junkies: Lights, plugs, cameras, the whole circus—control it all from your bedside or kitchen counter.
- Video call addicts (or, let’s be honest, the fam back home): Grandma, your long-lost cousin, whoever—calls are simple and the screen’s just right.
- Music fiends: Bass is beefier, sound is crisp, and the neighbors might complain.
- WFH warriors: Calendar, reminders, timers—your boring home office just got an upgrade.
FAQs—because you’ll ask anyway
Can I use it without Wi-Fi?
Nope. It’s basically a fancy paperweight without internet.Does it run YouTube?
Not with a “real” app, but you can watch videos through the built-in browser. It’s a bit clunky, but it works.How’s the camera privacy?
There’s an actual shutter you can slide over the camera. Plus, a mic-off button. And, if you’re paranoid, delete all your recordings in the Alexa app.Can I use my own Bluetooth speakers?
Yep, it pairs up just fine with Bluetooth gear—speakers or headphones.Is it safe for kids?
Yeah, with parental controls, you can block the bad stuff and toss in some learning games. Actually pretty handy.
Final Thoughts
The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) isn’t just another screen yelling “Alexa” at you—it feels more like a little sidekick for your daily grind. Faster brain, better sound, sharper camera, and it somehow fits anywhere. Whether you’re a smart home nerd or just figuring out this whole “AI assistant” thing, this little device brings a lot of bang for your buck. Squeeze a whole lot of smart into that tiny 5.5-inch package.Cheers! (Now go ask Alexa to play your jam.)
