Google returns to the Android tablet realm with the Google Pixel Tablet. This tablet is more than a mere extension of the Google Pixel phone lineup, though. Its features and design rival that of competing tablets—including the Apple iPad—and it adds capabilities, such as a home hub, that competitors lack. Plus, this tablet’s price is attractive, especially considering it comes with a speaker dock.
The Google Pixel Tablet is a perfect companion for those with Android phones.
The Google Pixel Tablet has a vibrant, 11-inch display and 128GB of storage. It runs using the Google Tensor G2 processor and Google’s own Android 13 operating system. Pricing starts at $499 (add $100 to bump storage up to 256GB).
I've spent two weeks testing the Google Pixel Tablet, using it for a wide range of productivity, communications and entertainment tasks. Keep reading to discover why I believe Google knocked this one out of the park as a general-purpose tablet.
Google Pixel Tablet Design
Versatile To The Max
If I had to sum up the Google Pixel Tablet in a single word, the word that instantly comes to mind is versatile. Right out of the box, I found this tablet to be extremely intuitive to set up and use, especially for someone who already uses an Android phone, a Chromebook, or any of the latest Google Pixel smartphones.
The tablet looks and feels like an iPad (or Samsung tablet) with rounded edges, one camera on the back, no buttons on the front, and the power and volume buttons on the sides. The overall dimensions and the 1.1-pound weight of the Google Pixel Tablet made it comfortable to hold in my hands for extended periods. Measuring 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches, I love how thin this tablet is and how easy it is to hold.
The Google Pixel Tablet is light enough to hold in your hands for extended periods.
When you position the tablet in portrait mode, the USB-C port sits on the bottom center, along with two speakers; another two speakers can be found integrated along the top edge. As a tablet, it looks pretty much like any other tablet on the market—aside from four small connectors on the back plate that are used to attach it to the supplied dock.
Google’s choice to bundle the dock with the tablet marks a unique combination not found among the Google Pixel Tablet’s competitors. And it sets the stage for the Google Pixel Tablet to expand its functionality when it’s connected to the dock. In fact, the tablet and dock combo replaces the need for a Google Nest Hub Max smart home hub.
The charging speaker dock that comes with the Google Pixel tablet can be set up on any flat service ... [+]
The dock can sit on a flat surface like a desk, coffee table or nightstand. Just pop the tablet onto the dock—it snaps on easily using magnetics—and the tablet charges via it’s internal connectors. The speaker hub positions the tablet at an easily viewable angle and keeps the tablet in place using magnet. It looks similar to how the Google Nest Hub Max sits mounted on a speaker, but the Google Pixel Tablet sittings closer to the surface.
When you want to resume using the Google Pixel Tablet as a traditional tablet, simply remove it from the dock. You can then access the Home Screen and launch whatever apps you need.
You get an 8-megapixel camera with an 84-degree field of view on both the front and back of the tablet. When holding the tablet in landscape mode, the rear camera sits in the upper right corner, while the front camera sits centered above the display. While editing photos and videos is a breeze using the tablet’s roomy display, most phone cameras far exceed the capabilities of the Google Pixel Tablet’s camera when it comes to taking pictures or shooting video. It’s more than adequate, however, for participating in video calls.
Google Pixel Tablet Features
Customizable Software
The initial setup process took just a few minutes, and the results were sufficient to carry on effectively. That said, I spent about 45 minutes further customizing and personalizing the tablet to match my preferences and explore the options. I appreciated how I could coordinate any of the three casing colors (Porcelain, Hazel or Rose) with the lock screen and home screen color pallets. I also loved that I could adjust the wallpaper and lock screen graphics, change the theme, move icons around on the home screen, add apps I use daily and tweak system settings, like notifications and sounds. The tablet comes preinstalled with an impressive range of Google apps.
The Google Pixel Tablet works with all Google apps and services, including Google Docs (shown here).
Once connected to the dock, you can customize the display to shows photos, the time and date, weather, news headlines and more. Plus, the tablet has Google Assistant readily accessible, so you can talk to the tablet as you would a smart speaker. This means you can use it to control other smart devices in your home, initiate video calls, dictate messages, or play music, for example.
The Google Pixel Tablet is able to stream TV shows, videos, movies, music and other content from all ... [+]
The Google Pixel Tablet does an excellent job integrating all of Google’s popular apps and services into the tablet. So, you always have access to Gmail, the Chrome web browser, Google Photos, YouTube, Google Drive, Google TV, Google Meet, Google Docs, Messages, Contacts and more. I found the size of the display—combined with Android 13—made it easy to do split-screen multitasking. I could easily surf the web and respond to email, for example, at the same time.
Whether I held the tablet in my hands, placed it on the dock, or used it with the optional Pixel Tablet Case (with built in kickstand), the screen immediately adjusted to how it was being used and automatically compensated for the ambient light of my room.
While the Google Pixel Tablet's optional case has a built in kickstand and nicely protects the back ... [+]
The Pixel Tablet Case nicely protects the back and sides of the tablet, but it doesn’t protect the front of the display when it’s being transported. For this, you’ll need to invest in a different type of case or a screen protector film, such as the Speck ShieldView Glass Screen Protector ($49.95).
As someone who carries my tablet in a messenger bag and frequently uses it while on the go, not being able to easily protect the screen during transit seems like a design flaw in the official case. The optional Pixel Tablet Case does, however, have a convenient kickstand on the back, which makes it easy adjust the tablet’s viewing angle. The case can also stay on the tablet when you attach it to the speaker dock.
While Google hasn’t released its own pen-shaped stylus or Bluetooth keyboard specifically for the tablet, these accessories are available from third parties. The tablet supports any USI 2.0 stylus, for example.
As with its Pixel phones, Google backs this tablet with five years of security updates. This includes anti-phishing and anti-malware protection.
Google Pixel Tablet Performance
A Smooth Operator
I found my experience working with the Google Pixel Tablet as enjoyable and intuitive as using any of the Google Pixel phones. Its Android OS interface works well on the larger display, and it keeps the overall appearance of the apps consistent with what I was accustomed to using on a Pixel phone. The virtual keyboard or numeric keypad pops up on the touchscreen display as needed and is very responsive.
Google apps and service integration is excellent, and similar to what you find on the latest Google Pixel phones. Apps with animations, graphics, photos or video looked sharp and were highly responsive. This includes my experience with games and complex photo editing apps, like Adobe Lightroom.
As for the display itself, I found it bright and vibrant. It carries a 500 nits brightness rating, which means the tablet is suitable for use in bright environments. This was my experience as I moved the tablet from space to space, including a sunny kitchen and home office. It’s just not great in direct sunlight, but that’s the case with most tablets currently on the market.
The fingerprint scanner is built into the rather skinny power button located on the side of the tablet. At first, this location proved tricky, especially as I walked through the initial scan of my fingerprint. Once saved, I could consistently and quickly unlock the tablet or use Google Pay for online purchases.
The internal speakers make any audio sound excellent on their own or when used in conjunction with the speaker dock which add to the volume and vibrancy of the audio being played. The audio output from the speaker dock didn’t disappoint: Audio from movies, TV shows, streaming music, audiobooks and podcasts sounded amazing.
The speakers filled my average size room with rich audio, and it performed better than I expected given its size. And when I wanted private listening, I could easily pair the Google Pixel Tablet with any of the optional Google Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, or any Bluetooth earbuds or headphones for that matter, is a quick process.
The performance of the cameras was less impressive. They were fine for video calling, but less so for actual photography. I found it a better choice to take pictures on my phone, then wirelessly transfer them to the tablet for editing, viewing and sharing.
Battery
Battery life is up to 12 hours (when the tablet is used for basic functions). It’s easy to keep the tablet charged, using either the dock or a USB Type-C charging cable. I found the two charging options made it easy to keep the tablet going for extended periods. As expected, when using the internal speakers extensively (without the tablet being connected to the dock), for example, this drains the tablet’s battery a bit faster. Compared to an iPad Pro, the battery lasted a bit longer when the two tablets were used for similar purposes.
My Final Thoughts
The design of the Google Pixel Tablet is the ideal size for working, gaming, and communications. At 1.1 pounds, it is easy to carry around and hold in your hands for extended periods. The display is bright and detailed, and the integrated speakers impress. It zipped smoothly between apps and services when I was multitasking.
The biggest reason I recommend the Google Pixel Tablet, though, is for its versatility. It’s only tablet that is built to serve multiple purposes. I love how the tablet transforms into a smart home hub when it’s connected to the included speaker dock. Yet it works just as well as a standalone handheld tablet that stands up well to its competitive from Samsung, OnePlus and Apple.
I recommend the Google Pixel Tablet to anyone looking for a reasonably priced and powerful Android tablet that can serve you well at home and on the go.
How I Tested The Google Pixel Tablet
Throughout the days I used the tablet, I relied on it to manage my email and social media accounts. I also used it with Google Docs and Microsoft Word to see how well it handled word processing. I then synced the tablet with my Google Photos account and gained quick and easy access to my personal photo library. And while the Google Photos app offers powerful viewing, editing and sharing features, I also installed Adobe Lightroom to see how well the tablet handled more advanced photo editing tools.
Listening to music and podcasts with the Google Pixel Tablet connected to the charging speaker hub ... [+]
Next, I streamed music, podcasts and audiobooks—using the tablet on its own, while it was connected to its dock, and with it paired with Google Pixel Buds Pro earbuds. I then streamed TV shows and movies, which resulted in a throughly enjoyable viewing experience. And when it came to web surfing, I made a point to open multiple browser windows at once and to visit various websites with just Chrome open on the screen. I then visited the same websites, but also while using the split-screen mode and multitasking capabilities built into the tablet.
My Expertise
I have been writing about consumer technology for more than 25 years and continue writing articles, reviews and news stories to a wide range of publications and websites. In addition to Forbes Vetted, I regularly write tech articles for AARP the Magazine and AARP Bulletin. I continue to write books that cover various mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
In March 2023 my book, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Work Effectively from Anywhere was published by Entrepreneur Media. It covers the many ways remote workers can incorporate mobile technology, including tablets, into their professional lives and workflow.
How Does The Google Pixel Tablet Compare To An iPad And Other Android-Based Tablets?
Out of the entire iPad lineup (which includes the iPad, iPad Pro and iPad Air models), I found the Google Pixel Tablet most closely compares to the Apple iPad 10th Generation (which has a starting price of $449). However, the iPad does not come with a speaker dock.
I'd recommend an iPad for anyone who already uses Apple equipment, since your apps, data, photos and content will automatically sync between all of your computers and devices via iCloud.
For Android smartphone users, however, I highly recommend the Google Pixel Tablet based on its versatility, compact design, its included speaker dock and its affordable price. Using Google apps and services, your content, photos and other data can automatically be set up to sync with your Android-based smartphone and smartwatch, as well as your Windows or ChromeOS-based computer. Syncing Google app-specific data with a Mac (or any iOS device) is also possible using the right apps and services.
For business-related tasks, if you want to stick with an Android-based device, the Samsung Galaxy S Series, for example, comes with and supports the S Pen stylus. It does an excellent job handling higher-end productivity, communications, and entertainment-oriented tasks. The Galaxy Tab S8 has a starting price of $600, but the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, has a starting price of $1,000—making it considerably more expensive than the Google Pixel Tablet.
For the average person who wants to manage their email accounts, do some light word processing, or crunch some numbers via a Google Sheets spreadsheet, for example, the Google Pixel Tablet can easily handle these tasks and so much more. It also offers messaging and video calling capabilities (thanks for the built in cameras, three microphones and four speakers).
I found the Google Pixel Tablet also made it easy to manage my social media accounts; edit, display and share photos; handle online shopping; surf the web; and play games.
Is The Google Pixel Tablet Worth Buying?
After spending two weeks testing the Google Pixel Tablet, I definitely recommend it to any current Android mobile device, Chromebook or Windows PC user who is looking for an affordable, secure, customizable and powerful tablet that takes full advantage of the Android 13 operating system. Between the apps that come preinstalled, the Google services integrated with the tablet, and all of the apps available from the Google Play Store, it’s easy to adapt this tablet to meet just about anyone’s mobile computing needs.
What Is The Google Tablet’s Charging Speaker Dock?
At the moment, the Google Pixel Tablet is the only one that comes with a charging speaker dock. This is a tabletop accessory that holds the tablet at a convenient viewing angle, keeps the tablet charged, and has robust speakers built in. The dock allows the tablet to be used 24/7 as a smart home hub that fully integrates with Google Assistant.
Are Google Apps And Services Integrated Into The Google Pixel Tablet?
Yes. The Google Pixel Tablet comes with many Google-related apps (and the Chrome web browser) preinstalled on the tablet. However, from the Google Play Store, all other Google apps are available (for free). Thus, it's easy to use this tablet to surf the web, handle multiple email account, stream any type of multimedia content, or do work using the Google Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, etc.).
If you already have a free Google account set up or use Google Photos, Gmail, Messages, YouTube, or any other Google apps or services, all of your content can be set up to sync with this tablet, your other devices, and your Google Drive cloud-based storage.
What Google Pixel Tablet Accessories Are Currently Available?
At the same time the Google Pixel Tablet was released, Google released the optional Pixel Tablet Case ($79), a 30w USB-C Charger ($25) and Google USB-C to USB-C cable ($20). The tablet works seamlessly with the Google Pixel Buds Pro ($160) or Google Buds A-Series ($79) wireless earbuds.
Several companies (including Speck), have already released compatible cases, screen protectors and alternate hubs/stands for the tablet. However, as the Google Pixel Tablet will likely become as popular as the Google Pixel smartphones, you can expect many other third-party companies to introduce accessory products in the near future.
Since the tablet is compatible with any USI 2.0 (Universal Stylus Initiative) style, you can choose from inexpensive options from HP ($77), Lenovo ($50), Penoval ($57) and others.
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