Amazon's Echo Show Shrinks In Size, Price, Not Features: Google's New Competitor

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Post on May 02, 2025

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Amazon's Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen): Smaller, Cheaper, Still Smart – A Google Nest Hub Rival?

Amazon has just unveiled a significant upgrade to its popular Echo Show smart display lineup: the new Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen). This isn't just a minor refresh; it's a strategic move by Amazon to solidify its dominance in the smart home arena and directly challenge Google's Nest Hub with a compelling combination of size, price, and feature parity. The question is, does the smaller footprint and lower price tag mean any compromises on functionality? Let's dive in.

A Smaller Footprint, Bigger Impact?

The most immediate change is the size. The new Echo Show 5 boasts a more compact 5.5-inch display, making it even more ideal for smaller spaces like bedside tables or kitchen counters. This reduction in size doesn't come at the cost of visual quality; Amazon assures users the display remains crisp and vibrant, perfect for viewing photos, streaming videos, or checking the weather. This makes it a strong contender against Google's Nest Hub, which occupies a similar niche in the smart home ecosystem.

Price Point Power Play

Perhaps the most striking aspect is the price. Amazon has managed to shrink the dimensions and, importantly, the price, making the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) even more accessible to a wider audience. This aggressive pricing strategy puts significant pressure on competitors like Google, forcing them to re-evaluate their own pricing models in the increasingly competitive smart display market.

Feature Richness Remains Intact

While the physical size and price have undergone a significant shift, Amazon has cleverly retained the core features that make the Echo Show a compelling choice. This includes:

• Alexa Integration: Seamless integration with the Alexa voice assistant remains a cornerstone of the device, allowing users to control smart home devices, play music, make calls, set alarms, and much more, all through voice commands.
• Video Calling: The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) still allows for easy video calling with other Echo Show devices or through the Alexa app, maintaining its functionality as a convenient communication tool.
• Smart Home Control: The device continues to act as a central hub for controlling other smart home devices, offering comprehensive compatibility with a wide range of products and platforms.
• Enhanced Privacy Features: Amazon has reiterated its commitment to user privacy, highlighting improved features designed to safeguard user data and enhance control over privacy settings.

Direct Competition with Google Nest Hub

The Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) is clearly aimed at head-to-head competition with Google's Nest Hub. Both devices offer similar functionalities, focusing on compact design and integration with their respective ecosystems. However, Amazon's lower price point could be a decisive factor for many consumers. The battle for smart home dominance is intensifying, and this new Echo Show is a significant player in that fight.

The Verdict: A Smart Buy?

The Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) represents a smart evolution of the original. The smaller size, lower price, and retention of key features make it a compelling option for anyone looking for a compact, versatile, and affordable smart display. Its direct challenge to Google's Nest Hub promises a heated competition that ultimately benefits consumers with innovation and competitive pricing. Whether you're upgrading from an older model or considering your first smart display, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) certainly deserves a serious look.