During Google’s I/O annual developer conference, the company took a break from its heavy emphasis on AI to reveal new hardware, including the long-awaited Pixel Tablet. This device was first teased last year and has been highly anticipated by fans.
Google has had a rocky past when it comes to tablets, with the only real success being the Nexus 7, a small and affordable tablet that gained popularity in 2012. Since then, Google has tried different ideas with tablets, launching new devices with either Android or ChromeOS but then abandoning them shortly after. None of them achieved the same level of success as the Nexus 7. The situation became so dire that in 2019, the head of Google’s hardware division announced that the company would not be making any new tablets.
However, things have changed, and in 2023, Google returned to the tablet market with the Pixel Tablet. This device is designed to be a good option for those who want to watch videos or play games at home. It does not seem to be making any bold statements about the future of computing, but it does provide a high-quality experience for the tasks people usually use tablets for.
Pixel Tablet: Specs
The Pixel Tablet boasts a 10.95-inch 2560×1600 LCD screen with 500 nits of brightness, an “anti-smudge coating”, and USI 2.0 stylus support. It is equipped with Google’s Tensor G2 chipset and Titan M2 security coprocessor. The tablet comes with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a choice of either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The tablet boasts a pair of 8 MP fixed focus cameras, one on the front and one on the back, as well as a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. It also has a “27-watt-hour” battery that can reportedly last up to 12 hours of video streaming. The device runs on Android 13 and will receive five years of updates. It comes with four speakers and three microphones and is available in three colors: Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose.
The Pixel Tablet also comes with a charging speaker dock, which is included in the box, along with a power brick for the dock. The dock has a magnetic docking interface with pogo pins and a maximum charging rate of 15W. There’s one 43.5mm full-range speaker inside the dock, providing a high-quality audio experience. With the charging speaker dock, users can enjoy listening to music or watching videos without worrying about the battery life of their tablet.
Google’s Pixel Tablet can be turned into a smart display or a smart speaker with a display when not in use. The device can be used to cast videos, allowing users to watch content in the kitchen, for instance, without holding the tablet themselves. This feature makes the tablet more versatile, providing more ways to consume content in a hands-free manner.
Google Pixel Tablet: Prices
The Pixel Tablet is priced at $499 in the US, £599 in the UK, and €679 in Germany. It is currently available for pre-order in several countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, with an expected release date of June 20. Along with the tablet, Google is also offering a Pixel Tablet Case for $79 (£89, €99). The Pixel Tablet Case is designed to fit the device and also comes in three colors: Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose. The case provides protection for the tablet and doubles as a stand, making it easier to watch videos or work on the tablet.
Pixel Tablet: A final remark
The Pixel Tablet is primarily focused on meeting the current needs of tablet users, with a strong emphasis on watching videos and playing games. While there have been complaints about the lack of optimized apps for Android tablets, the Pixel Tablet is not expected to solve that issue. However, if you’re simply looking for a device to stream content on, the Pixel Tablet may be a good choice.
Google has previously attempted to revolutionize the world of computing through its tablet efforts, experimenting with keyboard cases and various operating systems in an attempt to create a device that was as flexible as a smartphone and as powerful as a laptop.
With the Pixel Tablet, however, Google is taking a more straightforward approach. By focusing on the core functions of a tablet, such as streaming video and playing games, the Pixel Tablet may appeal to a wider range of consumers who are looking for a simple and reliable device.
For a more ambitious and challenging product made by Google, though, you should definitely have a look at where we analyze Google’s first foldable gadget: Pixel Fold!
