This is in Google’s first Android tablet since 2015

A full eight years after the Pixel C (test), Google is trying again with the tablets after the device category officially ended in 2019.

The pixel tablet should be more than just a large display for media consumption and surfing, because with the help of smart software adjustments and a dock with integrated speakers, it can be used as a smart display.

As Google revealed in October 2022 when announcing the Pixel 7 smartphones and the Pixel Watch (test), the Pixel Tablet should be lying around somewhere in the home when not in use. Instead, a magnetic charging dock was developed that not only charges the tablet in a fixed place, but also turns it into a smart home center – a kind of Nest Hub.

Speakers are on board the dock, which are intended to improve the sound for video and music, but also for video calls. While the tablet is docked, it also changes the user interface of the home screen, which is then reminiscent of Google’s smart displays such as the Nest Hub.

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As far as the hardware equipment of the Pixel Tablet is concerned, Google installed an eleven-inch diagonal LCD with 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. It is said to deliver a maximum brightness of up to 500 nits and has an aspect ratio of 16:10. Support for pen input for styluses according to the USI 2.0 standard is also on board.

As already confirmed in October, Google’s own Tensor G2 chip, which also does its job in the Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a, is also included. The LPDDR5 RAM measures eight gigabytes, and the UFS 3.1 flash memory is 128 or 256 gigabytes depending on the variant.

Two cameras, each with eight megapixels and an f/2.0 aperture, are installed for video calls, photos and selfies. To keep you in the picture during calls, the camera software supports a tracking mode.

The tablet also has four speakers, three far-field microphones – including for voice control via Google Assistant – Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 and an ultra-wideband chip. The USB Type-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, pogo pins are integrated on the back for the connection to the charging dock.

As far as the battery life of the 27-watt-hour battery is concerned, Google speaks of a runtime of up to twelve hours for video playback. As with the Pixel Fold, a fingerprint sensor for biometric unlocking is located in the power button.

On the software side, the Pixel tablet comes with Android 13, which has various optimizations for large screens such as tablets and foldables on board. Among other things, it offers a split-screen mode in which content can be dragged and dropped from one app to another.

The tablet also offers various modes in dock mode: Here users can use the tablet as a picture frame for their own photos, for example. An ambient EQ adapts the screen to the brightness in the room. The home panel provides complete smart home control. It is visually based on the new Google Home app, which will be released as a finished version at I/O 2023. So far it was only available as a preview version for testing.

There is also a hands-free mode for operation, in which the Google Assistant plays a central role. In addition, the Pixel Tablet supports the cast function to transfer content such as videos from the smartphone to a larger screen.

Google has also announced 50 apps specifically for the tablet interface. Among other things, there is Disney Plus and Whatsapp. The Messenger can be used in the new Companion mode on the Pixel Tablet.

Google promises software updates for its tablet for a total of five years. However, these are the monthly security patches. Google usually delivers new Android versions for three years.

The Pixel Tablet weighs 493 grams and is available in the colors Hazel and Porcelain. It has an aluminum frame with a “nano-ceramic coating”. The cheapest model with 128 gigabytes of memory, which includes the dock, costs 679 euros in Germany. The model with 256 gigabytes costs 799 euros.

Google also offers other accessories: The charging dock can be purchased separately for 149 euros so that the tablet can be used as a nest hub in several rooms. There is also a folio case with a stand for 99 euros.

Google has not yet revealed exactly when the Pixel Tablet will be available, only that it will start in June. It can be pre-ordered from today.