Tech enthusiast Joe Maring recently reviewed the Google Pixel Tablet and expressed displeasure with the item, noting that it was not the revolutionary product that was expected. Following a nearly five-year break, Google introduced the Pixel Tablet, which doubles as a smart home display and attempts to reshape the Android tablet market. But a review six months later and Maring’s two-week test uncover a number of problems that might put off prospective purchasers.
Design and Build Quality
While Maring acknowledges the Pixel Tablet’s aluminum frame covered in a “nano-ceramic coating” provides a pleasant tactile experience, the tablet’s overall appearance and design decisions receive mixed reviews. The fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button is commendable, but issues arise with the tablet’s docking mechanism. The charging dock, although equipped with an impressive speaker, suffers from weak magnets, causing the tablet to frequently detach unintentionally.
Screen, Audio, and Cameras
The Pixel Tablet boasts an 11-inch LCD display with vibrant colors, but its 60Hz refresh rate raises eyebrows, causing animations and scrolling to appear sluggish. Audio quality is praised, but the tablet’s four speakers prove problematic when holding it, leading to muffled sound. The 8MP front and rear cameras are described as adequate, but with fixed focus and mediocre low-light performance.
Performance and Battery Life
Google’s Tensor G2 chipset powers the Pixel Tablet, delivering satisfactory performance for various tasks, including gaming. However, the review highlights significant concerns about battery life. Streaming a 4K video for just an hour can deplete over 15% of the battery, and gaming exacerbates the issue, with a notable percentage loss after only 30 minutes. The charging setup is also criticized for limiting charging to 90% on the dock, requiring manual intervention for a full charge.
Software and User Experience
Running on Android 14, the Pixel Tablet offers a familiar Pixel software experience optimized for its larger display. Multitasking features are praised, but Maring points out a significant flaw with third-party apps that lack tablet optimization, displaying in a small window with black bars. The review emphasizes persistent bugs, including issues with voice commands, app opening confusion, and the tablet’s tendency to get stuck in dark mode.
Accessories and Price
Despite a well-received first-party case, the Pixel Tablet’s accessory lineup feels incomplete. The absence of an official keyboard and stylus from Google is highlighted as a missed opportunity. The tablet starts at $499 for the 128GB model, with an additional $129 for extra charging docks.
Verdict
All things considered, Maring comes to the conclusion that although the Pixel Tablet has potential conceptually, its implementation is flawed for a number of reasons. Comparing it to other Android tablets, such as the OnePlus Pad or Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, which both provide more functionality at a cheaper price point, makes it less enticing due to the poor display, issues with the speakers, and software bugs. The Pixel Tablet’s release raises questions about Google’s tablet initiatives even while there is room for development in subsequent iterations.
Google’s Pixel Tablet will have a difficult time carving out a place in the crowded tablet industry, especially because there are already more appealing options available.
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