Pixel Tablet: Long Term Review - Is It Good Now?

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After months of daily use, let's dive into the Pixel Tablet's long-term performance, exploring its strengths and limitations as a productivity tool and smart home hub. Together, we'll analyze Google's Android tablet experience, covering battery life, software optimization, speaker dock functionality, and its overall value proposition.
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Timestamps
--
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - New features/updates since launch
3:19 - The dock
6:29 - General hardware
9:00 - Software
10:45 - Performance, camera, battery (quick overview)
11:54 - Hopes for the future

[@jordanintheknow]

Hope you all enjoyed!! What should we talk about next? =)

[@buckysrevenge]

How your dog has been patiently waiting for you to be done with the video 😂

[@vlastimir77]

Sony phones 🥺

[@basharalmaraziq]

Tips and Tricks for diving in Google Ecosystem

[@Babas013]

Pixel watch

[@Moonwaterz-nh9sf]

Try to talk a little slower, so your voice doesn't go high pitch. Will we ever see third party charging docks or other peripherals/accessories?

[@e39lwd]

I've had the Pixel Tablet for about 6 months and my experience has been mostly positive. - Hardware is much better than I expected. I fully prepared to be disappointed by the screen and while yes, I wish it was OLED, the 60 Hz hasn't been as huge a let down as I expected because it's so smooth that it doesn't bug me as much. - Software is a 10/10 for me. I'm a huge fan of the Pixel Experience on my phones and I knew what I was getting into. Even then it's been a great experience since day one. Performance is also a non issue. I play some casual Clash of Clans on the tablet and it's never left me wanting more. - When I bought mine there was a deal that included the Google kick stand case for free. Sadly I recently dropped my tablet and damaged the flexible layer on one of the corners and it peeled off. I ended up buying a second case because I couldn't deal with that eye sore. - Hub mode is nice but it feels less polished than the Nest Hubs. It would've been nice to somehow have the complete Nest Hub OS running on the Pixel Tablet as that looks nicer when dealing with assistant commands. It also feels more consistent than what hub mode offers. Nevertheless, it works and keeps the tablet topped up while also giving me a large photo frame. As a skeptical buyer the Pixel Tablet exceeded my expectations and made me want to use a tablet again. The last tablet that did that for me was the HTC Nexus 9.

[@metalcrip89]

I've had mine since launch day last year I've loved mine so much and use it every day for multimedia docked the speakdock is and amazing add on as i always have it always ready to go whenever i need it without ever needing to worry about it randomly being dead.

[@Ern.308]

Same 👍

[@unlikenoah]

I do like mine quite a bit. Still having a 60Hz screen is still super obvious and I just hope that will be improved on the 2nd generation. Software was always great to use and the device feels very comfortable. I'm still happy with my purchase after a year, even tho I still think its too expensive.

[@Lanhoj]

I've always enjoyed the Pixel Tablet, however, I don't use it for gaming, at all. It fits in well with my other: - 3 Google Home display devices (Lenovo, Hub Mini & a clock) - 4 Google Home Mini speakers So yes, I'll admit I have a lot of Google Home devices. Other than being yet another Google Home device, I use it pretty much exclusively for: - watching videos - browsing the web - writing longer emails or using Sheets/Docs when my laptop is out of reach Can my phone do all that? Sure, but I personally feel a tablet is better for doing those things. If you're looking for an iPad alternative, this probably isn't for you. But, if you're looking for a solid, fairly reasonably priced tablet, I'd say it's worth checking out.

[@MichaelBTech]

I've been loving this resurgence of Android tablets. I like that each Android tablet today offer something a little different. Pixel Tablet is the best "leanback" tablet especially because of the dock. Great video as always and I think a higher refresh rate and a pro model will be good! Something I'd love is the ability to have Google Discover on the lock screen.

[@tonymancini9958]

This was an excellent video!!! I really enjoyed how you went through each monthly update and highlighted the big changes. I wish there were more long-term review videos of many phones and tablets, this tablet in particular. I am very interested in this product so seeing a long-term review was ideal. Please keep them coming! Maybe a two year review of the Google Pixel Tablet would make the tech world explode?! I am really hoping Google sticks with this product and makes some hardware changes and continues to refine the software. In general I think this is a good product if you can find a deal for it.

[@rorywalters1614]

The price of the dock is an absolute joke, it costs more than a HomePod mini, can’t work on its own and only works with one tablet, doesn’t have wireless features, and doesn’t sound as good.

[@BrokeTech]

It's a fucking joke, googles robbing us with the price on that thing.

[@kdt110]

Good thing it's included in the box then, I think they're only selling the dock as a replacement option or if for some reason you want more than one

[@haudace]

If it wasn't for the google name, the sales would have absolutely tanked. That dock is absolute nonsense.

[@Redeemer8916]

Great video. Watching on a Pixel Tablet! I liked your updated review. My fingerprint thing works flawlessly,, I'm sorry to hear yours is broken.

[@frog19970118]

Nice seeing Nexu 5 limited red edition making a subtle appearance in the video 😀

[@crispyjokingtuna1495]

Thanks for your insights. I’m considering getting one since right now google is offering a pretty asesome trade in deal for the pixel tablet (ie a $400 for a 7th gen iPad which go for 1-200 on the used market)

[@buckysrevenge]

I've been pretty happy with the tablet, using to watch videos, read books, bedside hub, and laptop replacement when i connect a keyboard and mouse. The fingerprint scanner almost always works for me so i have few complaints since i bought the device

[@FigWidIt]

I have the Hazel color Pixel Tablet and it's a fine tablet. I love the high PPI of the display, text looks sharp on it. The rounded edges and matte-like feeling of the back makes the tablet super comfortable in hand. I use it mainly for video streaming and reddit scrolling so my usage is light.

[@jimmycychowski1142]

In regards to the fingerprint scanner mine has been flawless, when setting up, just set up the maximum number of fingers, I have two main fingers I normally unlock the tablet with, so multiple copies of them, seems to work great for me, I use Extend unlock also.

[@kirby6-kg8nj]

I'm loving all the Pixel Coverage!!!!!

[@High5748]

It's odd how it doesn't have the circle to search features yet like some of Google's older devices do. You'd figured this would be a perfect device for it.

[@Originalcrf]

Loved your dog!

[@NarcolepticRaccoon7]

If they allowed the dock to be sold separately, a great feature to add would be auto speaker pairing. If you're casting audio to a dock and then walk away with the tablet, a different dock should pick up on where the tablet is located and take over from there. Otherwise, surround sound speakers with group device casting (already available with Google Nest hubs)

[@n.h187]

Glad you touched on the huge difference in region pricing. In the UK the pixel tablet just isn't competitive enough for the price considering various iPad models exist.

[@NateAsOfLate]

Agreed with you, the fingerprint reader was fine at launch, and barely usable now. Without face unlock, it's very clunky to put in a pin, etc to unlock. That is a MUST fix for gen 2. And the refresh rate... Absolutely noticable, 90 or 120 hertz variable rate would be much nicer.

[@matthewsjardine]

Does this tablet have a desktop-class browser? I don't use tablets much as productivity tools, but from my findings, Safari on iPad and Samsung Browser on Galaxy Tabs can be run as a desktop first experience, instead of a mobile browser that is set to load the desktop version of the site. This also impacts the web technologies they support.

[@Xanduur]

First time I’ve seen your videos. lots of good information. I miss the Pixel C tablet.

[@Nctrnlhyp]

I need to know how good is the audio and volume of it when using as for video calls

[@liquidbat78]

I love my Pixel Tablet but I wish it had the calls and texts feature that Samsung Tablets have so I can use my table to take and make calls when I'm home.

[@raygun310]

I hope google will bring floating windows to android. It's been a mature feature for many android skins for so long that it's already a long overdue feature for pixel phones, let alone a tablet with a big screen

[@FredJanon]

What stylus could be used? Thanks

[@CollinsDynasty]

For what I use it for which i sbasically an office desk companion is perfect but I still wish you were able to use the front facing camera for security when your not home like the the Nest Hub Max.

[@CoolTatts]

I honestly haven't taken the dock out of the box. I just use this as a portable tablet when I travel with a stylus for work notes. I should try out the dock at some point.

[@YumeFox]

Fully agree with improvements you suggested. In Euros, the tablet sells for 679, or almost 730USD. For that money you're getting a tablet with a nice dock, yes. But with a 60Hz display and an operating system and third party apps that still feel unoptimized. It is an extremely tough sell. I was excited when they announced it at first, but that excitement quickly tempered down when I saw the Euro-price..

[@mjnz]

I bought one at release but it sat on the couch for 3 or 4 days straight. Decided I have zero use case for one so returned. But I'm glad it's an option ofc

[@jimmycychowski1142]

Great review, I'll have to agree on most of the points given, my main problem with the Pixel Tablet is the speaker base, as was explained, the speaker dock is absolutely a waste of space if the tablet isn't docked to it. Our household is fully in the Google ecosystem, that means, home speakers, home hub, Pixel smartphones, Pixel Buds Pros, Chromecast TV's etc, what's a real pain is I've had occasions, in the bedroom where we currently have the Pixel tablet docked, my partner has at times taken the tablet of the dock connected her Pixel buds pro to it, and away so goes, however now that leaves me for example, I like to listen to podcasts or even audiobooks sometimes on the speaker, not with my own wireless headphones, or Pixel Buds Pros, just lay in bed and listen, however that is not possible, and the dock is useless, that is such a bad design decision by Google in my opinion. To remedy this I now have a home hub mini on my side of the bed, and my partner has the Pixel Tablet on her side of the bed, not ideal, but a compromise.

[@everusualsuspect]

I want one but the screen size is too small for me. I want my Slate replaced without losing the size. Hope there's a 'Pro' version running Android that doesn't cost OTT

[@AngerThePeople]

I wonder if it could be used in a desktop mode set up?

[@theresaasaa523]

Where can I get this tablet to buy

[@icyphoenix3]

My dad has the Pixel Tablet and I used it for a while but it lacks the productivity I needed for work and school. I ended up going with the Galaxy Tab S9 and I'm glad I did despite having everything else Pixel.

[@FredJanon]

It's 499€ at the moment in the French Google Store with a 100€ store credit to use within a year. I'm considering buying it although my experience with previous Google tablets was bad, all hardware failures.

[@maxxf6008]

What model keyboard is that?? 8:15

[@XP9724]

Shout out to that red Nexus 5 chilling in the cut. My mom had that one and i had the black one back in the day😎

[@svcross-do]

Can you do the same with the one plus pad?

[@JhustineProvido]

I just traded in my 6 year old ipad for 399.99 for this (thanks google) binge watching reviews now

[@bloodcell6282]

I just did the same thing, traded my 5th gen iPad mini which I really liked but I’m a Mac computer person and a google phone person.

[@XP9724]

1:25 Don't tell me the Pixel tablet has double tap to wake but the phones don't. I miss that so much from LG phones, double tap to wake/sleep was so useful.

[@workdesu]

Forcing aspect ratio on app that is not optimized for tablet is a great tweak Google. that look so much better. tbh my only complain is the screen. not that its bad but a 90hz OLED display will make it 300% better and much more pleasant to look as a docked clock

[@The_Native]

I use the Samsung Tab S8+. Even the Tab S8 is big enough for working. I worked with the whole school and after some updates I think Samsung Nites is amazing. I had a Samsung before but with the Pixel 8 Pro I got my first Pixel. I LOVE the Pixel Phones and LOVE the Samsung Tablets. Switched from DropBox to Drive only. Can share everything instantly, also with Quick Share. But a notes app like Notes on Samsung would be bomb.

[@BlackTearsYT]

The Pixel Tablet was good at launch, too. The hub mode could use more polish (and I'd like the speaker to function as a Nest speaker without the tablet) but otherwise, for the price, I'm more than satisfied with it. It's fast, battery life has been good, screen has been good enough, surfacing profile switching is cool, the case with the ring is actually kinda nice and convenient, the fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, sound quality is very good on its own and on the stand. Now with all the added features, it's even better, but it's important to have realistic expectations of a device. It was never trying to be an artist's workhorse or a laptop replacement in the way Samsung or Apple tries to be with their premium tablets. It's mostly a streaming and basic app usage device that has a function when you're not actively using it (unlike most tablets that just sit around). Not saying it's the greatest thing around but I think the pitch for it was clear and it's always done a great job of fulfilling the niche it wanted to fill, and has only gotten better at that with time. I'm not sure what else in this price point does a better job of what the Pixel Tablet is trying to do. Just my opinion though.

[@Nitram9893]

I use my tablet almost every day abd I love it. No problems with the fingerprint scanner

[@misx80]

I am still missing the feature to output to an external display...

[@zunkman1]

The Pixel Tablet was advertised last year as a tablet that doubles as a hub. 10 months later - As a tablet I'll give it a 10 out of 10. As a hub - let's put it this way - I have a genuine Hub 1 foot away from the Pixel Tablet. Hub mode (being generous) is no more than 2 out of 10. And NO GPS!!!!

[@MichaelPatrickCrowley]

It's the perfect tablet for my 5 year old and it looks great sitting on my desk on the charger when he's not using it.

[@ItsBrown__]

Do you think there will be a pixel tablet 2?

[@kylenorris9585]

You should do a review of it with Graphene Os on it

[@e3vL1]

Fingerprint sensor works flawlessly for me over 95% of the time. Probably because i bought the official case with finger grooves on power button

[@ChrisWachtman]

12:35 "The dock needs to be much cheaper" AND "needs to work separately from the tablet" I could see it becoming cheaper OR working separately, but not both as long as it is an accessory for one specific device. If it worked with more devices, I could imagine more effort being made to sell docks. If they made an $80 Nest Mini that can magnetically dock/charge/integrate my tablet and my phone, I would probably buy 3 or 4 of them.

[@ericmolina3489]

Circle to search has since been added to the pixel tablet

[@tanvir10029]

at 6:33 is the video quality very blocky or is that just me?

[@jordanintheknow]

No youre right is is very blocky, I think something happened during the rendering process - so frustrating!!

[@Greg-fs2rh]

It doesn't surprise me that Google didn't make the dock so that you could use it with the Nest and Audio Speakers. That is what stopped me from buying one. I have 4 speakers in my place and this would have worked in my kitchen connected to the rest of my speakers.

[@kirby6-kg8nj]

Of course it's good! Ours has been amazing!!!!!

[@Zaba...]

This or the S6 lite?

[@Alexisglez555]

I can confirm the next tablet with the pen, I work on a broadband company and I've seen the marketing material

[@JeskidoYT]

does it have 90hz as well?

[@japyoo2248]

This only has 60hz right?

[@kylenorris9585]

A Lap dock would be great

[@farishanafiah8461]

I'd buy one if the next-gen successor has 12GB RAM and wired video out. Google is that close on making a direct Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 competitor.

[@netnomad47]

Make it 120hz and OLED. And make a 10inch, 12inch and 14inch version would be a great idea. And it will sell very well

[@charliehelmijr]

This is such a weird choice. If you have a panel of quick settings, and put them on the left side of the notification panel. Why would you cut them off at less of half of the screen and make people swipe to go to the next one? Why would you just show them under each other, and use more of the screen? Isn't that 'quicker'? Or at least make it sot gat you swipe down and see more of them?

[@Luke357]

Video was pretty good. But 14 minutes is not "super long" I'd honestly enjoy a 20-minute video if it meant you could get all your points across without rushing.

[@phritza]

they should bring back the soli face unlock from the pixel 4 to the tablet.

[@Kevkf]

I am waiting for a Pixel Tablet Pro. With better Screen / Hardware, optional Keyboard Case and Stylus. Definitely an own app from Google to take Notes (similar to Samsung Notes). Generally Pro-Apps should be pushed for development. Android is lacking a lot in comparison to iPadOs.

[@jason96]

I wish Google made a smaller version of the tablet. 8.9" inch screen would be perfect. I need a good tablet to replace my Nexus 7 2013 that I bought on launch

[@justinadams6167]

I've been interested in the pixel tablet for a while, but I find myself wanting a tablet overall less and less. Great video , helpful information.

[@kimschieldknecht5113]

Pixel tablet pro in the future?

[@MelissaWoo]

I'm watching this vid on my Pixel tablet - great for media consumption.

[@_daniel.rad_]

Yeah! It's good ❤.

[@vaneguerra]

Id buy the next one if it has a pen, needed it for work.

[@Lucas_Antar]

The dock should have a heavier weighted no charging or speaker dock for $20, then have a charging only dock for around $40, and finally the dog with a charger and speaker for $60 cuz that's always really worth.

[@Rinnara21]

Definitely a tough sell at this price point. I was on the hunt for a new tablet a couple of months ago but the reviews weren’t doing this tablet any favour for this price. I ended up getting the iPad 10th gen for £375 and I found it an amazing value. My children were not familiar with iOS at all but love the experience, the way the apps run and the aspect ratio for gaming. Sometimes I think google needs a reality check on their prices.

[@JoseDiaz-yu2in]

How about 5g?

[@ChasingState]

Ive found that even though the pixel tablet has the tensor chip G2, it runs video games better than my Google pixel 8 Pro with the tensor G3 chip. I'm completely shocked as to why a lower grade tensor chip runs video games better than my more expensive phone with a newer chip.

[@RichieAustinMagician]

the pixel tablet is £399 in the UK with £100 store credit the doc is £139

[@ankushkaul5092]

Would have liked to only bit more in how will it works as smart home display with day to day tasks using voice assistance.

[@Ghien_Cong_Nghe]

I hope in the future it has 120hz

[@NM_rocker]

For me a keyboard case similar to Apple's Magic Keyboard would probably seal the deal. I'm not really all that interested in the dock

[@Riz_]

Hi Jordan, I was so very disappointed by the Pixel tablet. I am glad you mentioned the cost, it was certainly not worth the asking price. I thought it had some qualities but the price and poor speakers hampered this tablet in my view.

[@levipb1403]

They definitely should force developers to optimize their apps for big screens

[@sandrodesouza377]

I forgot this tablet even existed…..

[@Reyn_the_Insane]

Until Google makes an artist-friendly tablet that has a pen on par with the S Pen or Apple Pencil Pro, I'm sadly sticking with the Samsung Tab. I much prefer the pixel software, but if I can't draw on it out of the box then it's not worth it to me.

[@LAFadhel]

If they make a Bigger Model with 120Hz. I see myself ditching Samsung completely.

[@JeskidoYT]

only if, ONLY IF, this tablet goes on sale HALF off, I'll just on it FAST and sell my bluetooth speakers

[@newfnshow031]

the speakers sound much worse than any Bluetooth speaker worth selling and it's much less useful. Also, nobody is gonna pay anything worth selling for a used Bluetooth speaker. Even if u did this the speaker in the box sucks

[@andyH_England]

I own one, so I can talk from that perspective, and although it is a first go, the Pixel is disappointing in too many regards: 1/ In the UK, the price is too high, £600 for the base model, and for the spec (see below), it is of poor value. 2/ At £600, I would expect OLED and 120Hz. 3/ No keyboard support - the deal breaker for me. 4/ No dedicated pen with onboard charging; for a tablet, that is a big omission. 5/ Only one size. Needs to have a larger option. 6/ The dock needs to be better thought out. It should have Bluetooth capability for when you are using the tablet. 7/There have been only four years of updates; two months after its release, they gave the Pixel 8 seven years. 8/There was not much they could do about it, but Tensor 2 is mid-range, and Tensor 3 would have been better, as that was only a few months away. 9/ No 12GB RAM option. I heard that Google realises this and is giving it a reboot to try and fix its mistakes. My take is that it is poor value and underwhelming, but it has potential. I hope the Pixel Tablet 2 gets Tensor 4 and comes with OLED and 120Hz, 12GB option with a native keyboard and pen for a similar price (£600).

[@Scooper48]

I think people are expecting more from this Tablet than Google intended

[@achintya.kambli]

Dashing couple!

[@sergesolid3747]

Cool gadget but I’m still ok with my iPad Pro 2017, lol

[@kumedzanimuloiwa2058]

I agree with the fingerprint reader issues, bollocks, never consistent...

[@newfnshow031]

If this were $250 with a laminated display i would prob grab it but since it isn't this is a skip for me.

[@PapaNexus]

For what it offers it's not worth the price. If it was $399 Car it would be more reasonable

[@jevonsims900]

Why does his voice sound so robotic? I had to check my playback speed for this video.

[@NarcolepticRaccoon7]

Probably reading from a teleprompter

[@rodrigofernety]

i want one

[@TomWakeford]

I heard it doesn't have voice match - so if I speak to it and my wife would, it will still access all my accounts? Hard pass if so.

[@7techno77]

I watched this on mine, the fact that it lives in the kitchen is why it gets used so much. Mainly just use it to watch KZbin.

[@smaza2]

omg cool dog!!

[@SpectrGamingg]

Hot take: Its always been good (but I am a fringe usecase, since I WFH, where it's meant to shine)

[@denonfd]

In Germany we should pay 679 € for the 128 GB Variant. No Way Google.

[@Ellifiknow]

The next pixel tablet will probably be light years ahead of this one and cost about $100 more