After a long year of suspense, information leaks, and teasers, Google has finally released the Google Pixel Table, the first of its sort in the last half-decade. This introduction is noteworthy for the corporation because it reintroduces a tablet to its product selection for the first time since 2018. In our complete review, we will cover all you need to know about the Google Pixel Tablet, from pricing to availability details, major features, and the product’s unique Charging Speaker Dock.
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Google Pixel Tablet Key Specs
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Extended Software Support | 5 years of Pixel updates |
| Display | 10.95-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2560×1600 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. |
| Processor | Powered by the Tensor G2 chip |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage Options | 128GB or 256GB |
| Audio | Quad speakers |
| Microphones | 3 far-field microphones |
| Accessibility | Power button fingerprint unlock |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ultra-Wideband Chip | Includes an Ultra-Wideband chip for accurate ranging capabilities. |
| Google Cast | Allows for seamless streaming to compatible devices using Google Cast technology. |
| Speaker Dock Compatibility | Features a Pogo pin connector for easy connection to the speaker dock accessory. |
| Port | USB-C port for versatile connectivity options. |
| Camera | Dual 8MP cameras for capturing photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours of video streaming on a full charge. |
| Thickness | 8.1mm in thickness |
| Weight | 493g |
Google Pixel Tablet Price and Availability
The Google Pixel Tablet comes in two variants:
- 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
Both options include a Charging Speaker Dock.
In the United States, the starting price for the base model is $499, while in the United Kingdom, it is £599. Selected European regions have a price tag of €679; in Canada, it is CAD $699. The tablet is not available in countries like India and Taiwan. Pre-orders for the Pixel Tablet began on May 10 and rolled out publicly in stores on June 20. The device can be purchased in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, the UK, and the US. Google offers the Pixel tablet in three attractive color options: Hazel, Porcelain, and Rose. A fourth color, black, will be added to the collection later.
It’s important to note that you cannot buy the tablet separately without the dock. However, customers can purchase an additional Charging Speaker Dock for $129 / €149 / CA$179. A kickstand case(for tablet protection) is also available for $79 / €99 / CA$109.
Related: Google Pixel 7A Review
The Charging Speaker Dock
The Charging Speaker Dock accessory is one of the Pixel tablet’s most remarkable features. The speaker dock charger lets you transform the tablet into an integrated Google Nest smart display. The hybridized docking mode charges the Pixel Tablet and enhances your audio experience with its more powerful speakers compared to the built-in ones on the tablet itself.
The Pixel Tablet enters Hub Mode when docked, providing various useful features. This ranges from using Google Assistant on a locked screen to a persistent home panel for convenient smart home controls and even the option to use the tablet as a digital photo frame.
Additionally, you can cast content from your phone to the docked tablet, although this feature is unavailable when the tablet is undocked. It is worth mentioning that the dock does not support wireless connection, including Bluetooth. If connecting wirelessly to powerful speakers is a must for you, then an affordable Bluetooth speaker may serve you better.
Google Pixel Tablet Performance
The Pixel Tablet packs a powerful Tensor G2 processor and 8GB of RAM and offers two storage options: 128GB or 256GB. While the Tensor G2 may not match the sheer power of rival chips like last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series or the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it still delivers snappy performance for everyday use and demanding applications.
For context — under similar test conditions, the Pixel 7 series, which shares a similar horsepower, we found that the Tensor G2 outperformed some phones equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processors in sustained performance. Also, the larger form factor of the tablet, which allows for improved cooling and, consequently, a slightly better performance, is an added plus.
Google Pixel Tablet Display
The display is an important part of any tablet, and the Pixel Tablet does not disappoint in this area. It boasts a large 10.95-inch screen with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 and an aspect ratio of 16:10.
Unlike OLED screens, the Pixel Tablet opts for an LCD panel, an industry’s first choice as seen in other high-end Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and OnePlus Pad. Despite being an LCD panel, the Pixel Tablet’s screen offers a standard brightness of 500 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright environments. Moreover, it supports USI 2.0 stylus pens. Google, however, doesn’t provide an official pen, so you’ll need to purchase a compatible third-party stylus to enjoy this feature. Never seen before, emoji and cinematic wallpapers are also in the mix for Google Pixel Tablet users. And soon, you can expect to see a Pixel Tablet dedicated screensaver app that’ll allow you to unlock another level of personalization on your tab.
Google Pixel Tablet Design and Build Quality
The Pixel Tablet showcases an elegant aluminum frame with a nano-ceramic coating inspired by porcelain’s aesthetics. This design, combined with the docking capability resembling a Nest Hub, creates a seamless pairing between the two products, so much so that the tablet and dock resemble Nest products more closely than typical Pixel devices.
Regarding connectivity, the tablet provides a four-pin connector on the back designed explicitly for the Charging Speaker Dock. The top of the tablet features the power button, which also integrates a fingerprint scanner and the volume keys. On the left side is a USB-C port for versatile connectivity options.
Related: Google Pixel Watch Review
Camera
Since the Pixel Tablet is primarily a tablet, setting realistic expectations for its photography capabilities makes more sense. That said, it’s not all bad news. The tablet does come equipped with an 8MP 1080p camera on both the front and back (with specifications of Æ’/2.0 aperture, 1/4-inch sensor, 1.12μm pixel size, and 84-degree field of view). Although both cameras are fixed-focus (you can’t adjust the focus), they still offer a few notable features.
The front-facing camera, for instance, includes a continuous framing feature reminiscent of Apple’s style, ensuring you stay centered in the frame during video calls. Keep in mind, however, that this feature is only available when the tablet is docked. The Pixel Tablet’s camera app also provides features like Night Sight, Long Exposure, Top Shot, and Live HDR+ previews. While it may not deliver a top-tier photography experience, these features offer some flexibility and convenience when you need to capture photos or videos.
Battery
The Pixel Tablet features a battery capacity of 7,020mAh, which is relatively lower compared to other tablets in its category.
For context, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts an 8,000mAh battery, while the newer OnePlus Pad takes it even further with a 9,510mAh capacity. That said, this lower battery capacity becomes reasonable when considering that the Pixel Tablet is primarily designed for home use, typically docked on the speaker charger when not in active use.
Regarding charging, the Pixel Tablet supports 15W charging using a USB-C cable and a compatible charger (not included in the box). Similarly, when you attach the tablet to the dock, it charges at the same 15W speed. Keep in mind, though, that the Pixel Tablet does not support wireless charging.
According to Google, on a full charge, the tablet offers approximately 12 hours of video streaming over Wi-Fi, with a YouTube 1080p resolution display as the spec benchmark.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel Tablet offers a compelling package with impressive specifications and features that make it a compelling choice for users seeking a versatile and capable Android tablet. While it may not excel in every aspect, like dedicated cameras or top-tier tablets, it brings a well-rounded experience to the table.
