The Google Pixel Tablet marks a unique and charming entry into the tablet market for Google. While it may not have all the features of a Nest Hub when used as a smart display, or compete spec-for-spec with other tablets, its quirky ambition to serve as both a basic smart home hub and a Pixel-optimized Android tablet will certainly appeal to users who are already invested in Google’s product ecosystem.
Introducing the Google Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet is Google’s first Android-based tablet since the Pixel C in 2015. It comes with a Charging Speaker Dock that transforms it into a smart display with enhanced speakers and Nest Hub-like features. The tablet is powered by custom Tensor G2 silicon, features a 10.95-inch LCD display, front and rear 8MP cameras, and a 7,020mAh battery.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel Tablet is priced at $499 for the base model with 128GB storage and $599 for the 256GB storage variant in the US. In the UK, it is priced at £599, and in selected European markets, it is priced at €679. The tablet is available for purchase from the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers.
Our Testing Process
I spent two weeks testing the Google Pixel Tablet. The review unit was purchased by Android Authority.
Is It Worth It?
The Google Pixel Tablet caters to a specific niche with its unique features. It may not offer the full Nest Hub experience or match other Android tablets in terms of specs, but if you’re looking for a basic smart display and an easy-to-use Android tablet within a $500 budget, the Pixel Tablet is a solid choice.
Should You Buy the Google Pixel Tablet?
Tablets have been evolving to become more like laptops in terms of design and functionality. However, the Google Pixel Tablet breaks away from this trend. Its standout feature is the dock, which serves as the main reason to consider purchasing the tablet. While the rest of the tablet is impressive, its hybrid nature as both a portable slate and a pseudo-smart display is what sets it apart.
When attached to the Charging Speaker Dock, the Pixel Tablet’s quad speakers are replaced by the dock’s 43.5mm full-range speaker, offering room-filling audio with decent clarity. The tablet is held securely in place by strong magnets, ensuring it won’t come loose even with some force. However, the dock’s lack of functionality when the tablet is not attached is a drawback, and purchasing additional docks is quite expensive.
Design and Display
The Pixel Tablet features a distinct Google aesthetic with soft-touch aluminum and pastel-shaded colors. Its screen, although not as large as the Nest Hub Max, boasts thinner black bezels and sharper display quality, providing an improved user experience. While the aspect ratio is not ideal for reading books or scrolling social media in portrait orientation, the tablet excels as a media-centric device.
Performance and Refresh Rate
The Tensor G2 chip powering the Pixel Tablet delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, although its long-term performance and software support are uncertain. Compared to competitors like the iPad Air M1 and Galaxy Tab S8, the Pixel Tablet falls short in terms of gaming and productivity capabilities. Additionally, the tablet’s 60Hz refresh rate can result in stuttering animations and less satisfying scrolling experiences, especially for users accustomed to higher refresh rates.
Conclusion
While the Google Pixel Tablet may not match other high-end tablets in terms of specs or offer a complete Nest Hub experience, it brings the full Pixel experience to a larger screen. Its unique combination of features makes it a compelling option for users invested in Google’s ecosystem, particularly those seeking a basic smart display and a user-friendly Android tablet within a budget.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
