Google hopes to improve Android tablets.
A Google Pixel tablet with a Tensor chip is currently in development and is scheduled to release in 2023.
That’s thanks to Google, which offered us a sneak peek at the Pixel tablet at its Google I/O 2022 press conference. The Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch, which were both announced at the Google I/O event, are part of Google’s existing Pixel device portfolio, and while we don’t know much about this new slate just yet, we do know that it will probably run Android 13. There may possibly be a second “Pro” tablet in the pipeline, according to rumours.
Here’s what we know so far about Google’s planned Pixel tablet, which will hopefully prove good enough to claim a spot on our list of the best tablets on the market.
Google Pixel tablet: Latest news (Updated September 11)
- Here is all we know about the recently leaked Google Pixel “Pro” tablet.
- Expect powerful Tensor chips in a cost-effective compact according to leaked Google Pixel tablet specifications.
- The Pixel Tablet’s camera hardware has been revealed through a leak.
- Two 8MP cameras are included, one on the front and one on the back.
- According to a rumour, the Pixel Tablet might function as a docked smart screen.
Google Pixel tablet: Price and release date speculation
Thus far we don’t know much about the Pixel tablet, but we do know the release date, and it’s….2023.
So we could see it debut any time that year, but realistically it’s unlikely that Google would bring this new tablet to market early in 2023. It seems far more likely that the Pixel tablet would debut in the spring or fall, when Google has traditionally released hardware.
Fall seems especially likely when you consider that Google’s last tablet, the Pixel Slate, was launched in October of 2018. And before that, Google released the Pixel C tablet in December of 2015. So if past behavior is any indicator, expect to see the next Google Pixel tablet debut in the latter half of 2023.
Google Pixel tablet: Design
At the Google I/O 2022 event where it was unveiled we got a brief peek at some promo shots of the tablet, and they suggest it will be a pretty bland-looking tablet.
Based on that teaser, we expect a simple streamlined slate with rounded edges and relatively thick bezels. There’s clearly a front- and rear-facing camera, but we’ll have to wait and see how good they are.
Unfortunately, the bezels around the display are more prominent than we’d like, so here’s hoping Google can shrink them down between now and launch.
As a Google tablet dubbed “Tangor” on the website of the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI), the Google Pixel Tablet could also have a stylus. Given that the Pixel Tablet is the only tablet Google is currently working on, it is probable that the product will support stylus input.
If this is accurate, it may provide the Pixel Tablet with a useful tool to compete with competing tablets, particularly the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and newer iPads.
The recurring rumour of a Nest Hub with a removable screen also exists, however it’s possible that the Pixel Tablet will already have that capability. A Google Dock that can charge the tablet is mentioned in the Android code base; when the tablet is docked, it might
Google Pixel tablet: Specs
The Google Pixel tablet is expected to have a first-generation Tensor processor, which could deliver a range of AI and smart functionalities, along with 4GB of RAM, which should keep costs low. These facts were discovered in AOSP code.
It’s also interesting to note that both the front and rear sensors are rumoured to use the IMX355 technology from the Pixel 6’s selfie camera, even though few people use tablets for photography.
With these specifications, the Pixel tablet is probably targeting the low-priced or midrange tablet market rather than attempting to take on products like the iPad Pro.
Google Pixel tablet: Android 13
The Google Pixel tablet is being worked on by the same folks who work on Android, and Google brought it up during its 2022 I/O event as an example of how the company is working to improve the experience of using Android on tablets.
This was part of a larger promotion for all the new features coming in Android 13, including some that should shine on the Google Pixel tablet.
Most notably, Google has committed to updating over 20 of its own apps to be more useful and usable on “large screen” Android devices like tablets (as opposed to “small screen” devices like phones). In addition, the overall tablet interface is getting an overhaul, as you’ll be able to see more info at a glance and have always-on access to a task bar that runs along the bottom. As you might expect, there will also be drag-and-drop functionality between apps.
Google is also working with third-party developers to make their apps more tablet-friendly. This includes Zoom, TikTok, Facebook and Canva. And the Google Play Store will make it easier to find tablet-optimized apps.
And while we’re still learning what to expect out of Android 13, we already know that it will arrive with support for features like virtual surround sound, themed third-party icons, Bluetooth LE audio, notification permissions and better tools for managing your battery usage. And since Android 12L made so many small improvements in the overall experience of using Android on a tablet, it’s likely Android 13 will continue that trend.
Google Pixel tablet: Cameras
The camera specifications for the Google Pixel tablet are not well known. Kuba Wojciechowski, a leaker and developer, tweeted the anticipated camera hardware that we would see on the Pixel Tablet. Two 8MP cameras are included, one on the front and one on the back.
The entry-level iPad has an 8MP rear and 12MP front camera, in contrast to the iPad Pro versions’ 12MP front and rear cameras.
Google Pixel tablet: Outlook
It’s still way too early to have a well-informed opinion about Google’s planned Pixel tablet, but what we’ve seen so far is undeniably intriguing.
Google made a big show of cutting back its tablet development efforts in 2019, after the presumably disappointing showing of the Pixel Slate, so it’s exciting to see the big G roll up its sleeves and take another crack at designing the ideal Android tablet.
Just take a look at our list of the best Android tablets you can purchase to see how many Samsung tablets are included, including the fantastic Galaxy Tab S8 and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. The Android tablet industry could also use some competition. We’ll simply have to wait and watch whether Google manages to create a new rival that competes with Samsung’s top tablets; it would be good to see this happen.