Taking Google’s sleek Pixel Tablet for a test run

Is the new Google Pixel Tablet in it for the long haul? The company is the tech-world equivalent of that handsome rich kid at school who'll try anything once, however outlandish, and then face absolutely no consequences whatsoever when they crash and burn (there's even a whole website dedicated to abandoned projects, Killed by Google). As Google pivots towards creating hardware to better deliver the software that shapes, guides and controls our lives, it was inevitable that a dedicated tablet would be in the works.  

The first Google tablets were branded Nexus 7 and released in 2012, just as interest in the company’s Android operating system started to snowball. These days, Android is the dominant mobile OS, with over 70 per cent market share, and Android tablets are two a penny, whether they’re sleek premium devices from Lenovo and Asus, or one of the myriad knock-off designs of dubious origin and quality that clog up Amazon search results. 

When it builds hardware, Google pitches itself at the premium end of the market. Its Pixel Chromebook was of legendarily tough construction, and the current generation of Pixel phones are constructed to tough standards. The new Pixel Tablet feels similarly solid, although the rugged hardcase with built-in stand is an expensive extra. That said, you do get a Charging Speaker Dock, a welcome addition that transforms this device from simple media player to all-round smart home hub. 

The Pixel Tablet clips magnetically onto the dock, which charges as well as directs the sound through the large speaker. Then it’ll enter hub mode, which replicates the features of Google’s earlier Nest Hub, albeit with a bigger screen, better sound and the ability to take the screen with you. The size is pretty optimum as well, not so large as to be unwieldy.

Hub mode is where you access Google Assistant, that font of trivia, train times and weather reports, although you can of course set it to spool through a Google-curated gallery or your own photo reel. The addition of the dock makes this tablet a cut above the rest (although a spare USB-C socket would have been a nice addition to the cloth-coated base unit). 

Otherwise, this is a smart, snappy and thoroughly useful screen to have lying around. Powered by Google’s own Tensor G2 chip, it makes light work of streaming, with a crisp 2560 x 1600 resolution 11in screen and integral speakers that are more than sufficient for casual watching. The forward-facing camera works with Google’s Meet video calling system, and there’s the added bonus of being able to stream media from your phone to the dock with Chromecast. 

All in all, the Pixel ecosystem feels exceptionally mature and well thought out, with the 13th iteration of Android a smooth and minimal experience. Pixel Tablet is available in either Hazel or Porcelain colourways, with 128 or 256GB storage. The front and rear cameras are boosted by Google Photos’ impressive set of editing tools; compatibility with the latest USI 2.0 stylus pens also adds to the functionality. The only thing that’s missing is a keyboard case, possibly because Google is pitching the Pixel Tablet as a multimedia machine first and foremost. The aftermarket will surely conjure up some options before long. 

Google Pixel Tablet, from £599, Store.Google.com

Also available from amazon.co.uk