What’s the Difference Between Echo Dot 4 and 5?

Amazon’s Echo Dot is a popular smart speaker that brings the power of Alexa into your home. With its compact size and affordable price, the Echo Dot has become a staple in many households. In this article, we will explore the differences between the Echo Dot 4 and 5 models, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right device for your needs.

Design and Build

The Echo Dot 4 and 5 have distinct design differences. The Echo Dot 4 features a spherical shape with a fabric finish, similar to its predecessor, the Echo Dot 3. It measures 3.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. On the other hand, the Echo Dot 5 adopts a more compact and modern design. It has a cylindrical shape with a fabric finish and measures 3.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height.

Both models have buttons on the top for volume control, microphone mute, and Alexa activation. The Echo Dot 5 also introduces a tap-to-snooze feature, allowing you to snooze alarms by tapping the top of the device.

Audio Quality

When it comes to audio quality, the Echo Dot 5 offers an improvement over its predecessor. It features a 1.6-inch front-firing speaker that delivers crisp and clear sound. The Echo Dot 4, on the other hand, has a 1.6-inch speaker as well, but some users have reported that the audio quality is slightly better on the Echo Dot 5.

Additionally, the Echo Dot 5 supports stereo pairing, allowing you to connect two devices for a more immersive audio experience. This feature is not available on the Echo Dot 4.

Display

One of the major differences between the Echo Dot 4 and 5 is the presence of a display. The Echo Dot 4 does not have a built-in display, while the Echo Dot 5 features a 1.6-inch LED display on the front. This display can show the time, temperature, timers, and other relevant information.

The addition of a display on the Echo Dot 5 provides a more visual and interactive experience, allowing you to see information at a glance without needing to ask Alexa.

Smart Home Integration

Both the Echo Dot 4 and 5 offer seamless integration with a wide range of smart home devices. You can use Alexa voice commands to control lights, thermostats, locks, and more. The devices support popular smart home protocols such as Zigbee and Z-Wave, allowing you to connect and control compatible devices directly through the Echo Dot.

However, the Echo Dot 5 introduces a new feature called Sidewalk Bridge, which extends the range of your smart home devices by using a low-bandwidth network. This feature is not available on the Echo Dot 4.

Connectivity

Both the Echo Dot 4 and 5 support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect to your home network for internet access. They also have a 3.5mm audio output, allowing you to connect external speakers for enhanced audio quality.

However, the Echo Dot 5 introduces a new feature called Thread support. Thread is a low-power, secure, and reliable networking protocol that enables smart home devices to communicate with each other. This feature is not available on the Echo Dot 4.

Power and Performance

Both the Echo Dot 4 and 5 are powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. They also have 1GB of RAM, which is sufficient for running Alexa and other smart home applications.

However, the Echo Dot 5 offers a slight improvement in performance due to its newer hardware. Users have reported faster response times and improved overall performance compared to the Echo Dot 4.

Price

As for the price, the Echo Dot 4 and 5 are available at different price points. The Echo Dot 4 is generally priced lower than the Echo Dot 5, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, prices may vary depending on promotions and discounts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Echo Dot 4 and 5 are both excellent smart speakers that offer the power of Alexa in a compact and affordable package. The Echo Dot 4 features a spherical design, while the Echo Dot 5 has a more modern cylindrical design. The Echo Dot 5 offers improved audio quality, a built-in display, and additional features such as stereo pairing and Sidewalk Bridge. It also supports Thread connectivity, providing a more robust smart home experience. However, the Echo Dot 4 is a more budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Editor’s Opinion

As an editor, I believe that the Echo Dot 5 is a significant upgrade over the Echo Dot 4. The improved audio quality, built-in display, and additional features make it a more versatile and enjoyable device. The support for stereo pairing and Thread connectivity further enhances the smart home experience. While the Echo Dot 4 is a great budget-friendly option, the Echo Dot 5 offers a more premium and future-proof solution. If you’re looking for the best audio quality and the latest features, I would recommend investing in the Echo Dot 5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use the Echo Dot 5 without an internet connection?

No, the Echo Dot 5 requires an internet connection to access Alexa and its features. However, you can still use some basic functions like setting alarms and timers without an internet connection.

2. Can I use the Echo Dot 4 and 5 together in the same room?

Yes, you can use multiple Echo Dot devices in the same room. They can be grouped together for synchronized audio playback or used individually for different tasks.

3. Can I control my smart TV with the Echo Dot 4 and 5?

Yes, both the Echo Dot 4 and 5 can be used to control compatible smart TVs using voice commands. You can ask Alexa to turn on/off the TV, change channels, adjust volume, and more.

4. Can I make phone calls with the Echo Dot 4 and 5?

Yes, you can make phone calls with both the Echo Dot 4 and 5. They have built-in microphones and speakers that allow you to make hands-free calls to other Echo devices or phone numbers.

5. Can I use the Echo Dot 4 and 5 as a Bluetooth speaker?

Yes, you can use both the Echo Dot 4 and 5 as Bluetooth speakers. They can be paired with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to stream music wirelessly.

Sources:

• Amazon.com – Echo Dot
• Amazon.com – Echo Dot 4th Generation
• Amazon.com – Echo Dot 5th Generation
• CNET.com – Amazon Echo Dot 4th Generation Review
• CNET.com – Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation Review