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.
I learned about the dock and the split screen.
Split screen feature
split screen feature, that’s a first!
I learned about the split screen and I think that is a great plus.
I learned about the split screen feature which is very cool
Learned that it is capable of split screen which would be great for me.
The split screen feature i a plus.
I learned that the power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor for a quicker way to get past the lock screen. I love it!
I like the split screen feature the best. Thank you =)
I learned its ceramic-style finish, lightweight and with suitable brightness for varying situations
One thing I learned is about the split screen! I often multitask so this would be perfect for me.
The split screen function for the win
The split screen feature is nice.
The split screen feature. Hands down.
The split screen feature is my deciding factor.
I like the split screen.
I like that the can use Chromecast with it
I learned that metal charging pins align with magnets to also charge the device wirelessly on the dock.
The split screen feature is a winner.
The split-screen for sure!
The split screen for using two apps at once sounds like it would be very convenient.
Being able to Chromecast to the tablet!
I learned about the split-screen letting me use two apps at once.
It’s simple to use in Ted’s conclusion. It’s not fancy but gets the work done.
Being able to Chromecast to the tablet!
Thanks for pointing out their is no headphone jack. I guess it’s time for Blue Tooth!
I learned that this tablet has an 11-inch screen which would be perfect for me for video calling.
The split screen
I learned it can be docked to double as a digital picture frame or clock.
I learned the tablet has a split screen. I really like that.
Great for reading books and comic books, editing photos and playing games.
the split screen for using two apps at once would be very helpful and the only way to work and be entertained at the same time
the split screen for using two apps at once would be great for working on it and listening to music
I learned that this tablet acts like a Nest hub, which makes it very convenient.
I learned that the Pixel Tablet is capable of split screen which would be great for me to follow a recipe and control music while I cook!
From Ted’s review, I learned about the split screen for using two apps at once. Very convenient.
i learned that the design and set up are straightforward. It is the right item for me. Easy to set up the way I want and need it to be and everything else is gravy after that.
I bought an angled wireless charging dock for my phone for the same reason as this tablet. Being a ke to comfortably use it while charging. Ted showing off reading comics and books was nice. Some reviewers forget that some people read stuff and not just play games but it would have been nice to see him play some games. He didn mention that he did play some games.
I learned about the split screen, what a great feature.
That included dock would be a changer for me as well, so that, plus I’d like to use it as a clock rather than having it sit on the counter.
Thanks for the review Ted, I had no idea this tablet had Chromecast built-in. This is a very underrated feature.
The one thing I’ve learned about this tablet thanks to what Ted mentioned in his article (or video) that helped me decide if it’s right for me is the guaranteed updates. Google is great for that. The new Pixel phone includes many years.
I learned that the dock feature is very handy so you can easily see the screen without having to pick the device up and that I can talk to it and give instructions. Perfect for beside my bed.
I learned that the Pixel Tablet either comes in 128GB or 256GB and that the docking system makes it useful at all times.
You had me at split screen!! That would be so handy!
I learned that it can be used as a smart home hub
I learned it has a split screen and included dock.
I learned it has the G2 chipset. Awesome tablet.
I learned about the split screen so I can use two different apps at the same time
I learned about the split-screen letting me use two apps at once.
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