Google’s I/O Developer Conference finally gave Pixel fans a lot to look forward to, both in terms of new hardware and the latest software developments for Android and AI. Google finally launched its first-ever foldable, the much-awaited Pixel 7a, and the Pixel Tablet, its first tablet device in a long time.
While a lot of folks were expecting the Pixel tablet to be expensive, Google gave fans a pleasant surprise when it announced an SRP of $499, with the dock accessory included. Now this does sound fine and dandy especially for buyers in the United States, although if you’re in the United Kingdom, you might have to shell out a bit more cash should you decide to pre-order Google’s new tablet.
That’s because the Pixel Tablet comes with a higher £599 price tag for UK buyers, which does seem a bit steep especially when compared to its US pricing. Google hasn’t given an exact reason for the price difference though, at least at the moment.
In terms of hardware, the Pixel Tablet comes with a 10.95-inch LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate, with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 276 ppi, and 500 nits of max brightness. The tablet comes in two colour variants, which include “Porcelain” with a white bezel surrounding the display, and a “Hazel” version with a black frame around the screen. The tablet runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, the same chip found in the Pixel 7 series handsets. This is backed by 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, and Google’s Titan M2 chip for security, in addition to a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics.
One big feature that sets the Pixel tablet apart from competing devices is the inclusion of a magnetic dock, which transforms the tablet into a smart display with access to smart home features. Based on this, it looks like Google has positioned the tablet more as a software-focused hub control centre, rather than a computing powerhouse like Apple’s iPad line. For power, will be run on a 27 watt-hour battery, which charges via the dock (or an optional USB-C charger).
Software-wise, the device will come with your standard suite of Google-centric apps, with a user interface designed for larger displays. Google says that the tablet will come with up to five years of security updates.
In terms of imaging, the tablet will come with a much simpler camera setup compared to other Pixel devices, with a pair of 8-megapixel cameras on the front and back, with fixed-focus and ƒ/2.0 aperture. One advantage however is that the Pixel tablet will incorporate some of the camera features found on the mainline Pixel phones, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Long Exposure, Night Sight, and even Portrait mode for the front camera.
You can pre-order the Pixel Tablet now on Google’s online store, and from participating retailers.
