Google Pixel Tablet Review: That First-Gen Feeling

Google has finally ventured into the tablet market with its first-generation Pixel Tablet. Packed with Google’s cutting-edge technology and sleek design, the Pixel Tablet aims to compete with other established tablet brands. We will delve into the various aspects of the Pixel Tablet, including its price and availability, design and hardware, display, charging speaker dock and hub mode, software and performance, cameras, battery, and charging. Let’s see if the Pixel Tablet can make a strong impression in the competitive tablet market.

Price and Availability:

The Google Pixel Tablet is priced at £499 for the base model with 64GB of storage. It is available for purchase directly from the Google Store and select retailers, both online and offline. The tablet comes in a single color option: Just Black.

Design and Hardware:

The Pixel Tablet boasts a sleek and minimalist design with slim bezels and a premium build quality. It features an aluminum unibody construction that exudes a sense of sophistication. The tablet is lightweight and easy to hold, making it comfortable for extended use. The placement of physical buttons and ports is intuitive and convenient.

Display:

The Pixel Tablet sports a 10.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1800 pixels. The screen offers sharp visuals with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. However, it falls short in terms of brightness, making outdoor visibility a bit challenging. The 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for media consumption and productivity tasks.

Charging Speaker Dock and Hub Mode:

One of the unique features of the Pixel Tablet is its charging speaker dock. The dock not only charges the tablet but also enhances the audio experience with its built-in speakers. Additionally, the tablet can be transformed into a hub mode when docked, allowing users to connect peripherals and extend their productivity.

Software and Performance:

The Pixel Tablet runs on Google’s own operating system, Android OS. It comes with the latest version at launch, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. The tablet is powered by a capable Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and offers seamless multitasking and app performance. However, some users may experience occasional lags and stutters during intensive tasks.

Cameras:

The Pixel Tablet features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera captures decent photos with accurate colors, but it struggles in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera is suitable for video calls and selfies, delivering satisfactory results.

Battery and Charging:

The tablet is equipped with a 7,500mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of usage time on a single charge. Heavy usage can drain the battery quickly. The Pixel Tablet supports fast charging, allowing users to get back to full power in a relatively short time.

Competition:

In the competitive tablet market, the Google Pixel Tablet faces strong competition from established players like Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series. The iPad offers a more extensive app ecosystem and refined hardware, while Samsung’s tablets excel in display quality and multitasking capabilities.

The Google Pixel Tablet delivers a solid first-generation offering with its sleek design, vibrant display, and unique charging speaker dock. It offers a compelling alternative to other tablets in its price range. The tablet falls short in areas like brightness, camera performance, and occasional performance hiccups.