Google is back in the tablet game with the Pixel Tablet, making a strong argument that it’s the kind of device you want to keep within reach. While it’s not Google’s first kick at the can in making a tablet, this one feels fresh and versatile.
Part of that has to do with the included dock, which makes the device more convenient in a number of ways. Anyone making an Android tablet these days knows that you have to add an incentive, usually by adding a peripheral or two to make it more interesting and competitive. Curiously, Google chose not to include a pen or keyboard, but the more I used this thing, the more I understood why.
Design and setup
Tablets aren’t all that spectacular on the surface, generally speaking. The Pixel Tablet looks fine—well constructed with a ceramic-style finish, lightweight and with suitable brightness for varying situations. Not to mention responsive and straightforward.
The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor for a quicker way to get past the lock screen. Google designed the Pixel Tablet to be accessible when the 11-inch screen is locked, which explains why it resembles a Nest Hub when planted onto the dock. It’s interesting because it puts the device in a functional position, either parked as a canvas or interface to look at, or mobile as an interactive way to get things done.
It takes little to set it up, but there are a few points to note. First, there’s no headphone jack, so you’ll want Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to listen to audio in private. There are stereo speakers on both sides, though the dock takes over once you’ve placed it on there. Metal charging pins align with magnets to also charge the device wirelessly. Anytime you want to just take the tablet off, grab it and go.
Acting as a smart display
The dock can play an active role when you need it to. As an example, you can cast content from it to other compatible devices, like a Chromecast connected to a TV, for instance, but you can also cast to the Pixel Tablet as well. That means it also works as part of the Nest ecosystem in the Google Home app where you can add it and play music simultaneously, making this a connected speaker in its own right. You can’t cast to the dock on its own though—you need to place the tablet on it for it to appear as a casting selection.
That’s all on top of the fact it works like a Nest Hub when you talk to it. Set up Google Assistant and the Pixel Tablet listens for all of your commands, basically turning the tablet (when docked) into a smart home hub of sorts.
Most tablets sit idly by laying flat on a table or couch, but Google wants the Pixel Tablet to do something even when it’s not really doing anything. That’s why the screen can turn into one giant clock or a shared screensaver that tells you pertinent info about the weather, while also pulling images from your Google Photos to turn it into something like a digital photo frame. If you’re familiar with the Nest Hub, this will look and feel a lot alike.
Performance and experience with the Pixel Tablet
Google’s own Tensor G2 chipset—the same one in the Pixel 7 series phones—powers the Pixel Tablet’s overall performance, and while it’s nothing groundbreaking, it’s still pretty effective. I didn’t just use the tablet to watch shows or movies, I wanted to try various use cases. That included reading books and comic books, editing photos and playing games via Xbox Game Pass.
Editor’s note: to learn how this tablet helps integrate with and control your smart home devices, read Andy’s detailed article on the Best Buy Blog.
You could do all of those things with any Android tablet, but the dock changes the convenience in doing so. Propping up the tablet made many tasks feel that way for me, especially when watching a show or playing a game. I would’ve liked if Google threw in a pen for the benefit of editing photos or drawing, but third-party ones should work fine with the Pixel Tablet.
It also proved to be a pretty good multitasker with split-screen letting me use two apps at once. The most widely known apps are optimized for the tablet, though many Android apps simply stretch out from their phone versions, so it’s won’t always appear seamless. Mutitasking also takes on a different form in that the tablet supports multiple user accounts. If you want to share it with one of your kids, for instance, you can set up the Kids Space app to maintain a separate experience appropriate for your kid. The lack of headphone jack complicates things, unless you get wireless headphones for them.
Bear in mind the Pixel Tablet either comes in 128GB or 256GB storage sizes with no memory card slot, so sharing also means dipping into the same storage. And I would expect partners or kids wanting to share this. The 11-inch display is beautiful, only making all this easier to appreciate and work with.
The Pixel Tablet for video calls
The rear camera is nothing to write home about, whereas the front camera is far more useful for video calls. Like the iPad’s Center Stage, it has a similar feature called Continuous Framing that automatically pans to keep you centred in the frame during video chats. Again, with the dock in tow, it’s easy to do these calls hands-free, though it’s much easier to do so on a table rather than sitting the dock on your lap.
While I tend to do video calls on my laptop, I could see the benefits with the Pixel Tablet, especially if I was talking with someone beside me. The 84-degree field of view is reasonably wide enough for group chats, so if you plan on using this device to talk to others on video, you won’t have a problem here.
Final thoughts on the Google Pixel Tablet
The Pixel Tablet is one of the best ways for Google to prove Android works in tablet form. Other options from Samsung and Lenovo work well in their own right, except this is stock Android on a larger screen. There’s nothing revolutionary going on with this device, yet its simplicity feels refreshing. It has an 11-inch screen without a big footprint, even if you throw in the dock, and if you choose to travel or commute with it, you can take the dock or leave it.
I expect Google will continue to update the device to add or improve features, possibly broadening what it can do. It’s also possible Google doesn’t make a tablet to succeed this one, leaving the Pixel Tablet to roll on its own for a longer while. Time will tell.
The Google Pixel Tablet is available in either 128GB or 256GB in porcelain or hazel.
The front camera is far more useful for video calls.
The power button is also a fingerprint sensor. I hate typing in PINs.
Learned up propping up the tablet that will benefit reading and playing games like on xbox game pass.
I learned it can turn into something like a digital photo frame
I learned about the wireless charging!
I learned that you could use it as a Nest Hub which is a great feature
The included dock system is something I didn’t know that this tablet includes
I like the docking feature and using it as a monitor. It’s nice to know they have update support for a while.
I didn’t know these had video calling capabilities now. Great feature!
I learned it can turn into something like a digital photo frame
I learned it can work like a Nest Hub !
The docking station
wireless charging
the docking station
The digital picture frame!
Learned about the wireless charging
Wireless charging since it is very important in today’s wireless world.
It’s great the docking station adds to it’s utility.Super review!
Acting like a smart display when im not using it !! 🙂
to have wireless charging is a helpful feature to have especially in the kitchen
I like that it works as a NestHub so you can use it as a clock or photo frame on the counter when not in active use.
I love the technology of the ‘Continuous Framing’ that will keep you centred during calls – very useful for those who WFH!
Android on a larger screen. There’s nothing revolutionary going on with this device, yet its simplicity feels refreshing. SIMPLICITY is nice and I love the dock
I didn’t know the dock could cast content to other devices like Chromecast to tv.
définitivement le chrome cast intégré !!!!!!
I like that the power button doubles as an unlock feature
The fact that it has wireless charging while docked is a flexible feature that definitely makes sense and is something to consider with this tablet.
I learned that it can do Continuous Framing (I am always moving) and the wide degree angle which is great for video calls with our son who lives in Belgium, my husband and I will actually both be in one frame and not half of me.
Wow so many great features I learned from Ted. One, I like that the power button doubles as an unlock feature. The way it reads a fingerprint is pretty cool. Second, I like that it can turn the tablet (when docked) into a smart home hub of sorts. Definitely some great features from Google Pixel Tablet!
i did not know that the The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor for a quicker way to get past the lock screen, very cool feature!
It works as a Nest hub when you talk to it – very handy!
I learned the dock is handy I would keep it docked, I do like the dock.
i love the docking system great to use in my living room
Love the digital photo frame feature, so when it’s not in use, it can be used to show family portraits!
The included dock system is something I didn’t know that this tablet includes!
I take a lot of photos and would love to use this as a digital photo frame when it is not being used
I learned that it can be used as a digital photo frame
I learned about the built in chromecast
I was fascinated to read in Ted Kritsonis’s review that the Pixel Tablet includes reading books and comic books, and I can edit photos on it and even play games. My grandson who spends a lot of time with me will be happy to know that he can play Xbox on it, if I understand that right. Such an amazing Tablet!
i learned about the wireless charging feature which would be handy to have
built in chromecast is the “I’m sold” feature
I learned that the dock doubles as a wireless charger – great feature!
The wireless charging is a great feature.
I the Google Pixel Tablet learned it has wireless charging while docked so it is ready to take with you whenever you need it.
I like the dock it comes with, which makes it so nice to work with and the 11 inch tablet with stereo sound speakers.
I learned it has an awesome feature of wireless charging.
https://twitter.com/okJays/status/1712119506464624961 entered on X
like that i can cast to the tablet, i assume i can use it as second screen for my phone.
I’ve learned about the multitasking with split-screen.
The Continuous Framing would be great for video calls.
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