The Google Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, marks Google’s return to the tablet market after a hiatus since the Pixel Slate in 2018. This new offering has some unique features and improvements that make it a more attractive option now than when it first launched.
The design of the Pixel Tablet is sleek and stylish, with a premium feel thanks to its nano-ceramic coating. The tablet attaches to a docking station, which can be purchased separately. The docking station, while well-made, has mediocre audio quality and lacks some Nest Hub features. The tablet itself is lightweight and thin, with a fingerprint scanner for security.
In terms of display and speakers, the Pixel Tablet features an 11-inch LCD panel with a high resolution and a quad-speaker array. The display is bright and vibrant, although it uses LCD technology instead of OLED. The docking station provides additional audio output through a full-range driver, but the sound quality is not as impressive as expected.
Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip and 8GB of RAM, the Pixel Tablet offers solid performance for daily tasks. It comes in two storage options – 128GB or 256GB – with no option for expandable storage. The tablet also includes features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and an ultra-wideband chip for accurate ranging.
The software experience on the Pixel Tablet is based on Android 13, which is now upgradable to Android 16. It offers a unique Hub Mode when docked, providing a screensaver and access to smart home controls. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in Google’s smart displays like the Nest Hub Max.
The Pixel Tablet’s battery life is decent, with a 27Wh battery that can last up to 12 hours of video streaming. Charging speeds are mediocre, and the tablet can be charged via the docking station or a USB-C port. Google has extended software support for the Pixel Tablet until June 2028, ensuring it will receive updates for several more years.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Pixel Tablet can now be purchased separately or bundled with the docking station at reduced prices. Additional docking stations are available for purchase but come at a high cost. Overall, the Pixel Tablet offers a compelling option for those looking for a versatile device that can function as both a tablet and a smart display.
With its unique features, solid performance, and extended software support, the Google Pixel Tablet is a worthy consideration for those in the market for a new tablet.
