The Google Pixel Tablet, with its aluminum build and choice of porcelain or hazel finishes, looks good and feels comfortable to hold, for when you’re lounging around with a book or a show—and right now, it’s down to $319 from $399. It has an 11-inch screen (2560×1600 resolution) which reportedly displays vivid colors and handles sunlight surprisingly well, and a four-speaker audio setup that is clear but a bit light on bass. If you’re into more booming sound, this might feel lacking but for everyday streaming or calls, it gets the job done nicely.
Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel Tablet is a solid device for multitasking, with this PCMag review reporting smooth performance even with a dozen apps open at once. This is especially handy for anyone who juggles tasks regularly and relies on split-screen functions. Connectivity-wise, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, so you’re all set for reliable streaming and device pairing. Additionally, it comes with 128GB of internal storage, but if you need more, you can double it to 256GB for an extra $80 right now ($100 regularly).
On the camera front, the Pixel Tablet’s 8MP lenses on both the front and back are built more for video chats than photography, with its continuous-framing feature keeping you centered during Google Meet calls. Battery life might be underwhelming if you’re hoping for all-day use, with tests showing just over five hours of streaming at full brightness (compared to Google’s claimed 12 hours). Your mileage may vary. You can recharge it with a USB-C cable or use Google’s optional $129 Charging Speaker Dock, which adds value as a charging stand and audio booster (but adds cost). This dock also lets the Pixel Tablet switch into a voice assistant and smart display, a pretty cool feature for those wanting a bit more from their tablet. When docked, it even supports casting with its built-in Chromecast, multi-room audio, and smart display and speaker functions.
If a smart display is what you’re looking for, the Google Nest Hub Max at $229 could make a good option. But if it’s a powerful tablet that you want, you might want to consider the renewed Apple iPad Pro, now at $449 (down from $549).
