Google Pixel Tablet Review: Integration as a Smart Home Hub
This sleek and modern device is Google’s latest addition to the tablet market, and it promises to offer a unique experience with its smart display feature. In this review, I will share my thoughts on the Google Pixel Tablet, including its design, performance, display, and features.
When it comes to design and build quality, the Google Pixel Tablet is a standout device. It has a matte nano-ceramic coating on the back that feels great to the touch, and the bezels around the screen are uniform, although they are a bit chunky. Additionally, the tablet comes with a speaker dock that can charge the device and transform it into a smart display. However, there are some drawbacks to the Pixel Tablet, such as the lack of a headphone jack and below-average battery life.
Key Takeaways
- The Google Pixel Tablet boasts a sleek and modern design with a matte nano-ceramic coating on the rear.
- The device’s smart display feature is a standout feature that sets it apart from other tablets on the market.
- However, the lack of a headphone jack and price are drawbacks to consider before purchasing the Pixel Tablet.
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel Tablet has a sleek and modern design that is comparable to other high-end tablets on the market. The rounded sides and soft-touch finish make the tablet comfortable to hold in both portrait and landscape orientations for extended periods. The tablet itself is made of high-quality materials, including an aluminum frame that gives it a sturdy and durable feel. The device is weighs about 493g, just a tad heavier than Apple’s latest iPad Air (462g) making it easy to carry around and use on the go.
One of the most unique features of the Google Pixel Tablet is its dock, which allows the tablet to be propped up easily on a shelf or desk. The dock also doubles as a speaker, providing high-quality sound for music, movies, and other media. The dock is a particularly useful feature, providing both a charging station and a high-quality speaker in one convenient package.
Performance, Hardware and Display
When it comes to performance, the Google Pixel Tablet does not disappoint. Powered by the Tensor G2 chip, which is also found in the Pixel 7 smartphone line, this tablet can handle a variety of tasks with ease. The processor is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in the base configuration, which is more than enough for most users.
One of the standout features of the Google Pixel Tablet is its dock. When docked, the tablet transforms into a versatile smart home device. It charges the tablet while acting as a smart display with Google Assistant integration for controlling smart home devices.
In terms of hardware, the Google Pixel Tablet is well-built and feels solid in the hand. The undocked tablet measures 10.2 by 6.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs approximately 493g, making it easy to carry around. I have to say, the display on the Google Pixel Tablet is quite impressive. It boasts an 11-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which makes for a sharp and clear picture. The colors are vibrant and true-to-life, and the brightness is more than enough to use the tablet outdoors.
Battery Life and Charging
The Google Pixel Tablet offers impressive battery life, lasting about 11 hours on a single charge. While not the longest among Android tablets, it’s still excellent. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on how you use the tablet, but overall, I am quite impressed with the battery life.
Charging the Pixel Tablet is also a breeze. The tablet comes with a USB-C charger that plugs directly into the wall. I have found that the tablet charges quickly, and I can get a decent amount of charge in just a short amount of time. Additionally, the tablet supports fast charging, so you can get even more charge in less time if you need it. One thing to note is that the Pixel Tablet will charge up to 90 percent on the dock by default to preserve its battery’s longevity. However, you can override this in settings to get it to go all the way to 100 percent if you need it.
Features
Charging Speaker Dock
The Google Pixel Tablet comes with a charging speaker dock that makes it easy to charge your tablet and listen to music or watch videos at the same time. The dock has a sleek design that complements the tablet’s minimalist look. It also has a USB-C port that allows you to charge other devices. I also have to give a shoutout to the dock that comes with the Pixel Tablet. When docked, the tablet turns into a smart display that can show information like the weather, calendar events, and even recipes. The dock has a built-in speaker that provides decent sound quality, and it charges the tablet while it’s docked. Overall, the display and visuals on the Google Pixel Tablet are definitely a highlight of the device.
Smart Home Controls
The Google Pixel Tablet is integrated with Google Assistant, which makes it easy to control your smart home devices. With just a few taps on the screen, you can turn off the lights, adjust the thermostat, and even lock the doors. The tablet’s interface is intuitive, and you can customize it to suit your needs. The dock also enhances audio performance with powerful speakers, making it perfect for media playback and video calls. This multifunctional dock allows the tablet to seamlessly transition between personal and shared household use, adding significant value and utility in a smart home setup.
Built-in Chromecast
The Google Pixel Tablet’s built-in Chromecast allows you to cast video and music from another device to the tablet’s screen. Alternatively, you can cast media, your entire screen, or a specific app from the Pixel Tablet to any device with Chromecast built-in, such as a smart TV. Remember, when casting your Pixel Tablet’s screen to another device, like a TV, all your actions, including message notifications and password entries, are visible on the screen you cast to.
Important: To dock your Pixel Tablet or use Hub Mode, a Charging Speaker Dock is required.
Ecosystem
The Pixel Tablet is part of the Google ecosystem, which means it integrates seamlessly with other Google products and services. For example, you can use Google Drive to store your files, Google Photos to backup your photos, and Google Play to download your favorite apps and games. The tablet also comes with Google Duo, which allows you to make video calls to your friends and family.
Overall, the Google Pixel Tablet is a versatile device that offers a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality tablet. Whether you’re using it to stream content, control your smart home devices, or stay connected with friends and family, the Pixel Tablet has everything you need to stay productive and entertained.
Pros and Cons
After using the Google Pixel Tablet for a while, I’ve come up with a list of pros and cons that I think are worth mentioning.
Pros:
Powerful Processor: The Google Pixel Tablet is powered by the Tensor G2 processor, which is the same processor found in the Pixel 7 line of phones. This makes the tablet fast and responsive, and I’ve never experienced any lag or stuttering while using it.
Great Display: The 11 inch display on the Pixel Tablet is bright and sharp, with excellent color accuracy. It’s great for watching videos, browsing the web, or reading books.
Versatile: The Pixel Tablet can be used both as a tablet and as a smart display, thanks to its dock. When docked, it can show you the weather, your calendar, and even play music or videos.
Good Battery Life: The Pixel Tablet has a battery life of around 11 hours, which is pretty good for a tablet of this size.
Cons:
Expensive: The Pixel Tablet is quite expensive, especially when compared to other Android tablets. It’s also more expensive than the base iPad, which might be a deal-breaker for some people.
No Headphone Jack: The Pixel Tablet doesn’t have a headphone jack, which means you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter if you want to listen to music or watch videos with headphones.
Standard Refresh Rate Display: The Pixel Tablet lacks a higher refresh rate display, resulting in less smooth scrolling and gaming compared to some other tablets.
Overall, the Google Pixel Tablet is a great tablet for people who want a powerful and versatile device. However, its high price and lack of a headphone jack might be a deal-breaker for some people.
Conclusion
After using the Google Pixel Tablet for several weeks, I can confidently say it is a great device for those who want a simple and efficient tablet. One of the best things about the Pixel Tablet is its lightweight design. It’s easy to carry around and doesn’t feel heavy in your hands. The 11-inch screen is also a great size for browsing the web, watching videos, and reading e-books.
The Pixel Tablet runs on Android, giving you access to the Google Play Store and all the apps that come with it. This is a huge plus, as there are millions of apps available for Android devices.
The dock is what makes it stand out as a whole package, allowing for easy charging and turning the tablet into a smart home hub. The most compelling reason to buy it is if you want a smart home hub and a capable tablet. Otherwise, it would be hard to find a reason to buy it which is the primary downside to the Pixel Tablet, the price. It’s not the most affordable tablet on the market, but if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality device that will last you several years with the ability to become at smart home hub with the Speaker Dock, then the Pixel Tablet is definitely worth considering.
Why choose Google Pixel Tablet
Incredible Battery Life
Get at least 11 hours of battery life
Versatile Dock Feature
Not just your tablet, the Pixel Tablet can be transform into a smart home hub allowing seamless integration and control of smart devices
Google Ecosystem Integration
seamless integration with Google services like, Gmail, Google Drive and Google Assistant enhances productivity and connectivity across devices