Is Amazon’s new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) a waste? My Opinion

If you are thinking of buying Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen), then this question must have come to your mind – “Is this device really useful or just another average smart display?” I used it for several days (the USA variant), and today I will tell you who this device is best for, where it fails, and is it worth buying even in 2025 in India?

As Amazon launched 3rd generation Echo Show 5 in India in Charcoal and Cloud Blue colours at a price of Rs 10,999 (MRP Rs 11,999)… its time to know should you buy it or 2nd generation is fine enough? Let’s find all details below:

1. What’s New?

Amazon has given a slight upgrade this time like it now comes with upgraded speaker, in-built camera, and smart home controls…. but are these enough?

• Better sound: 1.75-inch speaker (1.65-inch in previous version) – sound is a bit clearer and bass heavy.
• Faster Alexa: New MediaTek 8169 B chip + AZ2 neural processor – understands commands quickly.
• 3 microphones (previously there were 2) – Alexa hears better even in noise.
• Screen dimming – no strain on the eyes when used in the bedroom at night.

But are these upgrades enough?

• Camera same old 2MP – quality mediocre in video calls.
• Screen resolution (960×480) same – it looks very basic in 2025.
• What is not new? No major feature (like Zigbee support, better display) was found.

2. Who is Echo Show 5 for? (Who Should Buy It?)

✅ You need it if:

• Need a smart display in a small space (bedside, kitchen, desk).
• Need basic Alexa work (alarm, weather, reminder, quick news).
• Looking for a budget friendly smart display (₹8,000-₹9,000 range).

❌ Don’t buy it if:

• Need a big screen (for movies, video calls).
• Need a high-quality camera (for Zoom/Google Meet).
• Advanced smart home control (connecting Zigbee devices).

3. How does it perform in the real world? (Real-World Performance)

What is good?

• ✔ Perfect for bedside – alarm, sleep timer, soft lights.
• ✔ Useful in the kitchen – recipes, timers, shopping lists.
• ✔ Sound better than before – music sounds good in a small room. The speaker quality is is like Echo Dot
• ✔ You can control IOT devices like AC, Door Camera, and Home Lights)
• ✔ Can play YouTube and YT music and yes Amazon music.
• ✔ Get continue updates regarding weather with time and date.
• ✔ Blink system can be seamlessly synced with Amazon Echo devices.

What are the drawbacks?

• ✖ Screen too small – watching movies is not fun.
• ✖ Camera basic – image looks blurry in video calls.
• ✖ Lags sometimes – touch response is a bit slow.
• ✖ Like previous gen, then Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) works with wire continuous power so it can not be used wireless.

4. Should I upgrade from the old version? (Upgrade Worth It?)

If you have Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen), don’t buy the new version – there is not that much difference. But for bigger screen experience you can opt for Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) or Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen).

First time buyer? Being a first time buyers, this is a good option in the budget as the new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) costs only ₹10,999 and you can buy it online from Amazon, Flipkart, Croma (Powered by TATA) or from selected offline stores like Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and Croma.

5. What are the better alternatives?

If you can spend a little more, then there are some more better and bigger options in the India market :

• Echo Show 8 or 10 (3rd Gen) – Bigger screen, better sound, 13MP camera.
• Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) – If you like Google Assistant, this could be a right product for you!

Final Word: Buy or No?

Yes, buy if:

• You want a compact, budget smart display.
• To be used at bedside/kitchen.
• Already in the Alexa ecosystem.

Don’t buy if:

• You want a bigger screen, better camera.
• Want advanced smart home control.
• Already own 2nd Gen Echo Show 8 or 10? then don’t upgrade to Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen).

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Not useless, but not for everyone! If your needs match, then this is a value-for-money device. Otherwise, take a look at the Echo Show 8 or Google Nest Hub or you can also snag the second-generation Echo Show 5 for as low as Rs 5,099 on Amazon.