The Pixel Tablet, Google’s latest offering in the tablet market, presents a promising opportunity for the company to make an impact. Unlike previous attempts, this device is not intended to be a portable tablet, but rather a companion screen for use within your home. While some may find this concept unappealing, it resonates with individuals like myself who rely heavily on laptops and phones for productivity. The Pixel Tablet strikes a perfect balance, avoiding unnecessary features and focusing on flawless video performance. Additionally, when docked, it can easily fulfill simple tasks like playing music or setting a timer from across the room. Although there are a few software bugs, overall, the user experience feels innovative and well-executed. The device exhibits a certain “it just works magic,” and the underlying concept is solid. With some software updates to address these bugs, Google has the potential to create an extraordinary multi-use device.
Let’s address the primary purpose of the Pixel Tablet – video consumption. As an avid consumer of video content, I must say that this tablet is perfect for this purpose. While it may not boast an exceptional OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate like the OnePlus Pad, it excels in accurate color representation. Furthermore, unless you’re positioned directly under direct sunlight, the screen remains viewable from a wide angle without any visible pixels. The tablet also features four speakers that deliver excellent sound quality, which even amplifies when docked. Personally, I primarily use the dock for music due to its placement in my office. Holding the tablet with both hands may cover the speakers slightly, but for the most part, it still produces sufficiently loud audio thanks to the other speakers compensating. However, I often prop the tablet on a table or nightstand using the Google-designed Pixel Tablet Case. At this point, I cannot imagine using a tablet without a kickstand case, and Google’s case is exceptional. It incorporates a stylish and functional ring around the dock, though it is rather expensive at $108. Regrettably, there aren’t many alternative options on the market that provide the same level of functionality while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design. Thus, the case becomes a necessary addition to fully enjoy the tablet’s capabilities.
However, the Pixel Tablet falls short when it comes to social media usage. The popular apps do not perform optimally on the tablet as they are essentially enlarged phone apps. While they remain usable, the experience feels subpar considering the tablet’s price ($700 or $808 with the case). Although running two of these apps side-by-side or using the tablet in portrait orientation slightly improves the situation, it still feels like an inadequate fix. This issue is even more apparent when considering that the tablet’s design seems better suited for landscape orientation. Additionally, the speaker dock hardware presents another quibble. Priced at $180 in Canada, it lacks the desired weight to give it a more substantial feel, especially when lifting the tablet off the dock. Consequently, the weak magnets fail to provide enough stability, causing the tablet to detach from the base even with minimal force applied while adjusting the volume. Although users eventually adapt to this flaw, investing in a heavier base with stronger magnets will undoubtedly enhance the premium feel of this tablet/dock combination.
The Pixel Tablet launch aligns with Google’s commitment to expand its Pixel hardware portfolio, following closely behind the release of the Pixel Watch. The company has successfully adopted the playbook previously perfected by Apple. However, it cannot escape its track record of prematurely discontinuing products, which looms over this endeavor. Like the Pixel Watch, the Pixel Tablet is a first-generation product, which brings excitement but also the risk of having unrefined software. Similar to the OnePlus Pad, the tablet experiences issues with widgets, which are even more problematic when the tablet is rotated 90 degrees. Additionally, despite having ample widget space on the home screen, users are forced to keep the redundant “At-a-glance” feature pinned in the top left corner, rendering cool weather widgets useless. These shortcomings do not detract significantly from the Pixel Tablet’s primary purpose of video consumption and web browsing. Nevertheless, they expose the limitations of Android on tablets. The presence of Pixel and OnePlus tablets in the market, along with the rising popularity of large-screen foldable phones, may help drive Android’s progress in this area. However, it remains a risky proposition, especially during the first few years. It remains to be seen if Google has the determination for a multi-year venture.
Despite its drawbacks, the Pixel Tablet does offer some advantages within the Google ecosystem. For example, users have the ability to link the Android Messages app, allowing them to send and receive text messages directly from the tablet. While lacking the seamless setup of Apple’s iMessage, once configured, it allows the tablet to partially replace the need for a phone when moving around the house. Regardless of the outcome of the first Pixel Tablet, I hope Google has a long-term plan for tablets. If the company wishes to maintain its flagship status, it must act accordingly in the consumer market. The key is to consistently innovate year after year. The Pixel Tablet presents a brilliant concept, and it would be a missed opportunity if another company were to refine this idea while Google is so close to achieving perfection.
Against all odds, the Pixel Tablet has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. I am amazed at the power a large, fully charged screen possesses. I find myself reaching for it constantly, especially when undertaking household chores or sitting outdoors, as it perfectly serves as a background for YouTube or streaming TV. The presence of the dock ensures that the tablet is always charged and readily accessible. While it would be ideal if Google could enhance the tablet’s smart home integration, I am content with a big screen that effortlessly moves around my home, delivering an excellent media experience. I seldom feel that I am fully utilizing my smart displays or tablets, but this device has changed that perception. It has transformed auxiliary devices that I rarely used into a versatile computer that seems capable of doing it all within my home. I am a massive fan of the Pixel Tablet and would eagerly purchase more docks if they were more functional and affordable. If you enjoy consuming content and have yet to invest in a tablet or smart display, this device is an ideal choice.
For more insights on Google’s Pixel tablet, I highly recommend checking out Dean Daley’s and Jon Lamont’s thoughts on the device.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
