Google’s Pixel Tablet has spent nearly a year doubling as a smart home display, taking on devices like the Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show. Now, with a steep discount, is it finally time to take the plunge?
A Tablet That Wants to Be More
Google re-entered the tablet game last year, a move met with cautious optimism. The Pixel Tablet, an 11-inch device running Android 13 on the Tensor G2 chip, was positioned as a versatile gadget—part tablet, part smart display. The company marketed it as a device that seamlessly transitions between entertainment, productivity, and home control.
At launch, the $499 price tag raised eyebrows. While the hardware felt premium, the Android tablet experience has always been a mixed bag. Now, with a 30% discount dropping the price to $279 on Amazon, its value proposition has shifted. That’s a different conversation entirely.
Performance, Design, and the Charging Dock Factor
For a device that wants to replace both your tablet and smart home hub, performance matters. The Pixel Tablet runs on Google’s in-house Tensor G2 chip, delivering solid performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking is smooth, and the small bezels make for a sleek look. But Android’s tablet optimization still lags behind iPadOS, and the refresh rate maxing out at 60Hz is noticeable when scrolling.
One of its key differentiators is the included charging dock, which doubles as a speaker. This turns the Pixel Tablet into a pseudo-Nest Hub Max when idle, displaying photos, smart home controls, or Google Assistant responses. It’s a clever idea but not quite a full replacement for a dedicated smart display.
Where It Shines, Where It Stumbles
So, how does the Pixel Tablet compare to stationary smart displays?
- Better than the Nest Hub and Echo Show in terms of flexibility. It’s a full Android tablet when detached, something fixed smart displays can’t offer.
- Worse in terms of immediacy. Picking it up from the dock takes a moment, which can feel slow compared to instant voice activation on a Nest Hub.
- Better sound than expected. The dock’s speaker isn’t premium, but it outperforms built-in smart display audio.
- Software hiccups remain. Android still isn’t perfect on larger screens, but the Pixel Tablet fares better than previous Google attempts.
One issue some users report is getting used to the pick-up motion. Unlike an iPad with a Magic Keyboard or a laptop with a hinge, lifting the Pixel Tablet from its dock isn’t as fluid.
Is the Price Cut Enough?
The current price drop brings the Pixel Tablet down to $279—making it cheaper than some dedicated smart displays. That alone makes it a compelling buy, especially for those already in Google’s ecosystem.
At $499, it was a tough sell against iPads or Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs. But at this discount? It starts making a lot more sense. Whether it finally finds its audience remains to be seen.
