Google Pixel Slate: The Android Tablet That Could Have Been a Chromebook

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The Google Pixel Slate is a tablet that has been shrouded in mystery since its release. Marketed as an Android device, it’s actually more similar to a Chrome OS tablet than anything else. With a powerful processor and a beautiful display, the Pixel Slate has all the makings of a great tablet – but its confusing software setup holds it back from truly reaching its potential.

Design and Display

The Google Pixel Slate boasts a stunning 12.3-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. The screen is bright, vibrant, and features excellent color accuracy, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web. The device’s aluminum body feels premium in hand, and its weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

The Pixel Slate also features a robust kickstand that allows for flexible viewing angles, although it may not be as sturdy as some users would like. One notable omission is the lack of a headphone jack – a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare on modern devices.

Performance

Under the hood, the Google Pixel Slate packs a punch with its Intel Core m3 or i7 processor options. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the latter offers improved performance with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.

In our testing, we found that the Pixel Slate handled demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming with ease, although it may require some patience due to its limitations. Google has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition – although this is not supported in Android.

Software

Here’s where things get confusing. The Pixel Slate runs on the Android operating system, but it’s actually more similar to Chrome OS than anything else. You’ll find Google Assistant integrated into the device, as well as a plethora of Chrome OS features like split-screen multitasking and seamless web app integration.

However, this also means that you can’t use the Play Store or any other Android apps on the Pixel Slate – at least not without some serious hackery involved. For most users, this will be a major drawback, but those who are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem may find it appealing.

Battery Life

One area where the Pixel Slate excels is battery life. According to Google, users can expect up to 12 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 11-12 hours of mixed usage, which is more than respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Pixel Slate features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, as well as a headphone jack (which we’ve already mentioned is absent on some configurations). The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera

The Pixel Slate boasts an improved front-facing camera with 8-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 8-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Slate is an intriguing device that’s held back by its confusing software setup. With its powerful processor and stunning display, it has all the makings of a great tablet – but its limitations in terms of app support and functionality hold it back from truly reaching its potential.

For users who are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Slate may be an attractive option for its seamless integration with Chrome OS features. However, those looking for a traditional Android experience or more robust app support will need to look elsewhere.

Technical Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core m3 or i7
RAM: 4GB or 8GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC or 256GB SSD
Display: 12.3-inch Quad HD, 3000 x 2000 pixels
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours web browsing or 10 hours video playback
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
Camera: Front-facing 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera