Coming out of Google I/O, all anybody may discuss was the Pixel Fold, all the new AI tips coming to Google apps, or what number of instances Sundar Pichai stated “AI.” Almost nobody paid a lot consideration to the Pixel Tablet or Pixel 7a because of the insanely costly foldable that adopted them on stage.That’s a disgrace, as a result of our Pixel 7a reviewer was blown away by its high quality, and since the Pixel Tablet arguably issues extra for the Pixel ecosystem. Google stopped taking note of tablets proper round its half-hearted Pixel Slate launch, solely altering its stance as soon as the pandemic led to extra folks caught at dwelling wanting bigger screens. The Pixel Tablet’s success or failure will resolve if this pivot to raised Android pill software program is one other short-term blip, or if Google actually will preserve a full machine ecosystem.While I’ll admit that I spent extra time on my Pixel Fold hands-on whereas attending Google I/O 2023, I did spend a good chunk of time testing the Pixel Tablet and talking to the Google {hardware} crew in regards to the machine, and got here away largely glad with what I noticed.The actual query is, ought to folks purchase this as a Nest Hub alternative, or a less expensive various to the Galaxy Tab S8, or ought to they not purchase it in any respect? Here’s what it was like to make use of the Google Pixel Tablet. Google Pixel Tablet: All in regards to the Charging Speaker Dock(Image credit score: Android Central)The final time Google made a pill, it was a ChromeOS machine that our Pixel Slate evaluate referred to as a “pro tablet” however a “mediocre laptop.” This time round, the Pixel Tablet makes use of Tensor as a substitute of Intel, has no official keyboard accent, makes you purchase your individual third-party USI stylus if you’d like one, and no equal to Samsung’s DeX Mode. In different phrases, Google is not even making an attempt to focus on the productiveness crowd that may purchase a Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3. The Google engineer I spoke to stated it was extra for “casual productivity.”Instead, the entire Pixel Tablet expertise is in regards to the bundled Charging Speaker Dock, which (fortunately) I appreciated loads. You magnetically connect the Pixel Tablet, and it goes into Hub mode. Audio is enhanced, you may rapidly entry Google Home controls, Google Assistant is at all times listening — it is the everyday good show expertise you’d get on the Nest Hub Max. Only you may take this alt-Hub show with you and begin streaming films on the sofa, too.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The very first thing I seen when eradicating the Pixel Tablet is how firmly the magnets maintain it in place. You have to provide it a very good tug, which implies it in all probability will not fall off if somebody or one thing bumps into it. When you reattach it, you may really feel it instantly when it syncs to the connection factors. And the tablet-dock combo takes up a thin footprint in your desk or counter due to the steep angle.I additionally seen that whereas the Pixel Tablet’s quad audio system sounded tinny on their very own — I actually want it had a 3.5mm headphone jack — the sound drastically improved when the pill was docked. Google says the Dock delivers 4X the bass quantity, however I’d say highs and mids sounded a lot better, too. It was laborious to evaluate in a crowded out of doors testing area, although.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Google did not have good dwelling tech set as much as check the brand new Google Home app. Generally talking, the Pixel Tablet’s usefulness will depend upon whether or not or not you’ve Google Home-compatible cameras, thermostats, good lights, good locks, and different tech. But I do like how simply you may entry all of those controls, and that the Charging Speaker Dock ensures that your pill is not at all times lifeless or at low battery everytime you want it — an issue I usually have with my Galaxy Tab S8+ regardless of its glorious battery life. In different phrases, I’d say Google actually designed the Charging Speaker Dock properly. I do not suppose many individuals will purchase a number of Docks for various rooms in the home, as Google clearly hopes you’ll. Even although, in principle, shifting your good dwelling hub from the lounge to the bed room at night time is a cool use case.Including the Dock within the field was the proper name even when it raised the Tablet’s value by $100, because it makes an in any other case pedestrian pill extra noteworthy. Comfort over type(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The Pixel Tablet has noticeably thick bezels, a heavy design, and extra matte supplies as a substitute of the metallic end you usually see on high-end tablets today. In different phrases, you may have a look at it and see telltale indicators of a funds pill value skipping. In reality, thick bezels on tablets have their makes use of. Even although they make the Pixel Tablet heavier, in addition they give you extra space to comfortably grip it. Using an iPad Air or Galaxy Tab S8 places extra stress in your fingertips to keep away from unintentional touches, whereas the Pixel Tablet leaves sufficient room on your palm and fingers to relaxation on one facet. Plus, the hard-edged design that makes premium tablets look modern additionally makes them dig extra into your palms. I admire that the Pixel Tablet’s rounded edges and ceramic materials present a extra pure form and texture for my palms, and that the official case apes this design. (Image credit score: Google)Speaking of the silicone/polycarbonate case, it appears sturdy sufficient to deal with falls, and it has tiny slots built-in to make sure the Tablet nonetheless prices whenever you mount it on the Dock. The solely drawback with it’s that it provides an additional 9.3oz to the 17.3oz pill, making it fairly darn dense for its dimension.As for the metallic ring stand…I’m going to order judgment. It stays inflexible at nearly any angle, which is an efficient signal for its stability on laborious surfaces. But its narrowness will in all probability make it much less sturdy if you happen to prop it on a smooth mattress or one other uneven floor. And I may see it unintentionally scratching a floor in case your pill will get shoved.Overall, I’d say the Pixel Tablet is snug to make use of, which issues greater than its appears. It lacks a signature function just like the Pixel telephones’ digicam bar to make it stand out, however its rounded-edge look grows on you. And at the very least the Hazel and Coral coloration choices stand out greater than the boring Pro pill colours you usually get. Google discovered the proper compromises for the Pixel Tablet(Image credit score: Android Central)If you contemplate that Google prices $130 for the Charging Speaker Dock, that primarily signifies that the $500 Pixel Tablet’s parts price even lower than you may suppose. And that makes what Google managed to realize with the Pixel Tablet much more spectacular.Mid-range tablets need to make compromises, however a few of the tablets I’ve examined just like the Galaxy Tab S7 FE made the improper compromises. That had a last-gen chipset, a 60Hz refresh charge, no fingerprint sensor, and a poor selfie digicam, and it made you pay additional for greater than 4GB of reminiscence. All for $30 greater than the Pixel Tablet.So what does the Pixel Tablet offer you? The identical Tensor G2 chip and 8GB of RAM because the Pixel 7, a 2560 x 1600 decision with 120Hz refresh charge, a facet fingerprint sensor, and a greater entrance digicam because of Google’s AI tips. (Image credit score: Android Central)I am unable to correctly decide the Pixel Tablet’s efficiency in so brief a time, however apps loaded rapidly and I may swap between two split-screen apps with no lag. Scrolling was satisfyingly easy, too. 500 nits of brightness might not sound like a lot, nevertheless it’s pretty customary for a mid-range LCD pill, and it is larger than the 300–400 nits’ max on a lot of the greatest Chromebooks. I’d say it was just a little dim for out of doors use however completely useable if you happen to’re not in direct daylight, and indoors it will look nice.While the 8MP 84-degree digicam falls brief in comparison with the 12MP ultra-wide auto-focus sensor you get on a Tab S8, I did see Google’s digicam prowess at work when a Google rep pulled up a mock Google Meet name. The 3D background that adjusts behind you whenever you transfer the pill round is cute, and the visible high quality of my face appeared to outperform the digicam’s MP stage. We’ll have to check it correctly in our evaluate, nevertheless.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)I’m genuinely shocked that Google managed to hit these specs and supply a Dock at this value level. The upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 will nonetheless beat it with an AMOLED improve, S Pen, sooner Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 efficiency, and IP67 water resistance. But Google may simply undercut Samsung.It’s additionally going to harm Lenovo, which has 6% of the pill market share by its stock-software Android tablets. One of my favourite 2022 tablets was the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, which prices barely much less with a greater show, however Lenovo’s gradual software program updates in comparison with Google’s rapid-fire updates will likely be a deal-breaker for a lot of, as a result of it means you will not get entry to the most recent multitasking and good dwelling instruments as rapidly.My colleagues have requested me if the Pixel Tablet is a Nest Hub alternative, given the deal with the Dock and Hub Mode. Considering the Pixel Tablet prices 5X the 2nd Gen and twice the Nest Hub Max, it is sensible Google is not branding it that method. People are used to low-cost, good good shows. But Google positively sees this as the middle of your good dwelling expertise, relatively than one thing that you will deliver into college or the workplace for work. You can accomplish that, however the lack of a stylus and keyboard cowl proves Google had its priorities elsewhere. So, the query turns into whether or not folks with or with out a good dwelling can buy the Pixel Tablet. To the primary query, it is laborious to say with out spending extra time with Google’s unique software program and new Home UI, however since Google hasn’t launched a brand new Nest within the final couple of years, the Tablet ought to be floor zero for the most recent Google Home tech. Otherwise, you’ll find one thing cheaper like an Amazon Fire pill if you happen to merely need a slab for streaming and looking. So shopping for the Pixel Tablet is extra about finishing your Pixel ecosystem if you happen to already personal a Pixel cellphone and Pixel Watch.If the Pixel Tablet does tempt you, you may see our information on the best way to preorder the Pixel Tablet, or you may see the way it compares to the present greatest Android tablets available on the market. In the tip, I’d describe the Pixel Tablet as having some intriguing options that make it value taking note of, even when it isn’t particularly flashy or highly effective.

The new Google Pixel Tablet has a quick processor, a wealthy and easy show, sturdy battery life, the promise of speedy Android updates and Google Home tech, and a snug design. Combined with the Charging Speaking Dock, it is positioned to turn out to be the middle of your good dwelling.