The Pixel Tablet is Great and Terrible...At The Same Time!

This is the Google Pixel Tablet. It's a $500 USD Android tablet that comes with its own charging dock. That sounds great, but there is a lot that will keep people away from this one. And it's not just the price.
It's a great replacement for a Nest Hub Max or a Nest Hub in a lot of ways, but it also misses the mark because there's no Matter, Thread, Zigbee, or other technologies used in the smart home. It's also not perfect when it comes to the Hub features that allow you to control you home from the front page.
And then there's the Google Assistant. Some of this is good, and some of it isn't!
We hope you'll enjoy our Google Pixel Tablet review, and we hope you'll make the right purchasing decision!
Get one here: geni.us/GooglePixelTabletAYL (Amazon affiliate link) or here howl.me/ckVyJzDmHXc (affiliate link)
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Thanks for watching, and Don't Hate, Automate.
Brian

[@StaLight]

I just want video like this! So many review video just talks about Android tablet experience, not about Google Asisstant and Google Home experience. As a smart home youtuber you make a perfect video as always!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Too kind! Thanks so much!

[@OsCerna24]

This is one of those first generation products that despite the letdowns or shortcomes, I still want it desperately. Looking forward to purchasing it soon. Great review!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Enjoy it so much!

[@leogodreau9505]

I bought ot for the tablet use primarily. I use a tablet for work as my notebook as well as other services. The dock is a bonus. Si far, I'm loving it.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Great to hear Leo!

[@kevjapan]

Great review! I really hope this tablet sells well enough for Google to stick with the concept and make a 2.0 version of this. Smarts in the speaker base and a better sounding speaker are a must. Continued conversation is needed too. And Google either needs to fix the way multiply hubs work in a home. If the device can't intelligently decide which hub I'm talking to (you really think it would) at least give me the option to answer a task to a specific hub verbally, "Like set a 5 minute timer on my kitchen hub"

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks for watching!😃

[@AdamJakowenko]

Thanks so much for this video, it's the review I've been waiting for because everyone else glosses over so much functionality their reviews are worthless to me! The one clarification I was hoping for is around the Nest doorbell...we currently have a Nest doorbell and Hub max, and I was a bit confused about your doorbell section of the video...are you saying that when the doorbell rings, it just gives you that notification that you have to tap on then go through the menus just to see who's there and respond to them, or was all that tapping just for when you want to go back and look at a recent event? I'm trying to figure out if seeing who's at the door and responding when it rings is the same as the hub max or if with the tablet you need to go through that convoluted process just to respond. Thanks!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Adam, thanks for the kudos! Yeah that's exactly how it goes. You saw it when the Home Hub feature was turned on...you gotta pull down and tap the notification. Without the Hub on, you can tap in the upper left where it brings up a VERY tiny preview (I never showed that).

[@cevansdust]

Fantastic video! You’ve earned a new subscriber. Can you give any feedback on the video call experience using 3rd party apps? Specifically zoom? The pixel phones were noted as having image quality issues in video calling apps vs the native camera app. Other android phone and iPhones did not have the issue so it was a software problem. Android Police wrote an article about it. I am curious if it applies to the tablet as well and if the tensor chip heats up in extended sessions. I want a tablet with the best image quality for video calls. Considering this or an iPad.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Welcome and hello! Unfortunately, I can't give you anything related to Zoom. I thought the camera looked pretty good on this (tested with Google Meet), but don't expect it to be the best experience by any means. It's that same camera front and back, and not a huge specification there. I think in a lot of cases what you'll find with Google is...the hardware is a little under, the software is a little better. However, they can't fix Zoom's use of the camera because that's Zoom software. So everything Google works best with Google.

[@cevansdust]

I truly appreciate the reply! Keep up the great work.

[@madisonm2878]

Would this be a good option to run kiosk browser on-top of it with action tiles? Seems like this would be the ideal use case scenario for such a device!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Absolutely

[@grant26]

Do you need to be signed into your Google account to access home features? I don't want the kids to be able to access emails etc

[@AutomateYourLife]

The Home App seems to pull down and work without signing in on my Pixel phone. I don't have the tablet anymore though, so I can't guarantee that.

[@user-ih6tz4lf3t]

Thank you!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thank you!

[@markloughtonUK]

I use my nest hub max to display pictures and usually my wife is watching tv and i am using my Xiaomi Tab5. If i had the pixel tab instead then this wouldn't be possible. Its so nice for either of us to be able to glance over and see pictures every so often.

[@AutomateYourLife]

You can display pictures Mark!

[@markloughtonUK]

@@AutomateYourLife You missed my point. If I am using the pixel tablet then neither of us would be able to see the pictures if I am using it to watch KZbin etc. The nest hub max displays pictures all the time so I can glance across whilst doing other things 😁

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@markloughtonUK gotcha!

[@ronm6585]

Thank you sir.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thank you sir!

[@houstonshomeautomation3524]

I actually waited till your review came out after seeing a 1 min short from mkbhd . Grrat review I can't get this till next year. I'm also wary. I noticed googles second gen products moving away from smartthings for their own eco system . I'll struggle with .y echo sho 15 for now lol😂

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks sir! I worked on this just for you guys! I listened to the Show 10 next to this and it sounds better too :)

[@Max86421]

Nice! Something new 🤗👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hope you like it!

[@marcus_cole_2]

Wondering if you could do a video update on everything that Google has changed and removed from this platform. Specifically, these three features, primarily the first two. . 02: Another change in the recent update is the removal of ethernet support for the 7 and 10-inch models. Previously, there was a micro USB on the white cover of the 7-inch model that allowed you to connect a USB to ethernet adapter. This feature provided a reliable IP address with fast response and eliminated the need to reacquire an IP address. Unfortunately, this capability has been disabled in the latest update. 03: Additionally, Google has removed good quality synchronized audio in their recent update. Previously, if you used ethernet, you could synchronize all your devices, including the Mini and standard Home speakers, without signal drops or random reacquisition issues. However, with the removal of micro USB ethernet support for the 10 and 7-inch models, achieving reliable synchronization has become challenging. Now, you are limited to using Wi-Fi for all devices, which is less secure. As a result, latency has increased, affecting the quality of audio responses. The unit's response is no longer accurate, even when I am in close proximity to the device, while other units further away respond instead, causing confusion. . 05: So, for me, my 7-inch Google Nest Hub with a screen has now become primarily a picture frame, timer, and a minor home automation visual unit. In fact, since I have a computer in front of me that can perform all of these functions, except for visual spelling and audio synchronization, the practicality of the Nest Hub has significantly diminished. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with these changes in the comments.

[@AutomateYourLife]

We will do what we can, but it's a low use feature for sure. Still a really neat one

[@marcus_cole_2]

@@AutomateYourLife pretty much wherever there's a USB on these products there's usually an adapter somewhere out there that can support ethernet I have every product except for nest hub 7 now on ethernet they destroyed that feature... And if it's too difficult to do ethernet due to wire distance do ethernet over power IP (internet goes through the power of the house and then goes to the product)

[@rosiehawtrey]

@@marcus_cole_2 Yeah but network via powerlines is pretty dirty as regards signal interference, or it was the last time I looked at it... Everyone is trying to cheap out their products. It's depressing. None of the companies seem to have worked out, that the benefits of running a system home automation system are indirect, not direct. Even Tuya are catching the stupid at the moment - trying to charge for features that were free while trashing their app as quickly as they possibly can... But I really really wish google home would use sensors as triggers... That really is a pain in the behind. Would make my life so much easier because I wouldn't have to have duplicated sensors and routines - using a power strip as a bridging switch pack - but it's still a pain.

[@c849243]

Thanks!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Like this!😃😃

[@c849243]

What would we do without your expert advice and suggestions? Thanks for all you do, Brian!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thank you for all you do for us Big Bear!

[@MakeitZUPER]

Finally , a tablet that can charge wirelessly that's not from Amazon. I'm still going to hold out for an inductive version though, maybe Samsung will have a cloud free option that does what we all want & need. I don't like the idea of the connections getting dirty. As far as audio, they both sound like crap, lol. I would expect more from the charging base but in the end, I would use a higher quality audio speaker if I wanted to hear music. I think JBL may have the best quality option but I haven't really shopped around and don't know of any other new contenders that can compete. I would want it for home automation control and maybe as a universal remote for my home theater. I guess I will remain waiting for the right model with the features I need & want. Thanks for another great evaluation of a product that would otherwise trick us into buying it with its marketing.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ohhh the Nest Hub Max is a pretty good speaker. It's hard to truly capture that speaker because it fires out the front bottom and then the back with the woofer. :)

[@MakeitZUPER]

@@AutomateYourLife I edited my comment with a thankyou. you just missed it, lol.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@MakeitZUPER well thank you for watching!

[@christopher480]

Whats a cloud free option look like from samsung......i ask cuz they do not have one.....they still get you to sign up for their cloud too..:)

[@MakeitZUPER]

@@christopher480 Then I won't be getting a Samsung. I've been looking into replacement options for the OS on my cells, tablets, PC and laptop through YT Naomi Brockwell's page. Lots of options there.

[@rosiehawtrey]

Ah, I took advantage of the aliexpress total crap sale. Some tuya zigbee/wifi🤬 sensors. A torch glove and a clip on fan, both of which are surprisingly good. And some world class A1+ grade tat... Using a old Windows 10 tablet for a Hubitat dashboard. Can you run Google Home off Windows 10 because if so that'd be brilliant...

[@O1OO1O1]

Windows 11 has Android apps. You could use an emulator, but they're a pain

[@rosiehawtrey]

@@O1OO1O1 yeah, bluestacks will run G.H and hopefully I'll be able to dump it on the D: drive.

[@christopher480]

they should have put chrome os on this and added a keyboard and stylus and increase the price by 100 and make the dock bluetooth capable when the tablet is off it or it turns into a google home mini .....with an off button for the mic of course.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I like it. I like a lot of other formats for this device period.

[@TheDanny23rivera]

I've had my tablet for about a week and I'm a little disappointed. I think they should have leaned more into the smart home stuff then they did. They should have put the same program on the tablet that's on the Nest hub max that activates once docked. The docking program is so basic. The hub max had so many options, and gave so much information by just walking up to it like weather and which lights are on and travel time to work.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Totally agree. They need the interface to be on the same level

[@rosiehawtrey]

Cancer back again btw, appointment Wednesday. Cancer necrosis is not a pretty sight but at least no infection and its local. Hope you are well..

[@AutomateYourLife]

😳😩 keep fighting!

[@xrj315]

Can you adjust the speed level of fans on the Pixel Tablet? This feature isn't available on the phone while it can be adjusted on the Nest Hub. I wonder if the Pixel Tablet can do the same.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Any Assistant command seems to work on both the hub and Tablet. No differences in voice. Nor do I see any difference on the display on the Google Home app. Could be something about your specific fan?

[@xrj315]

So basically, the google home app and Hub Mode on the Pixel Table is the same as it is on the phone? I can set fan speed via UI not even using voice on the Nest Hub, but I can't find anywhere to set fan speed in the Google home app on the phone. So I want to check if the UI functionality is the same as Phone app or Nest Hub.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@xrj315 same as phone app

In my room I switch my hub for an Alexa and I'm happy with it. I still have my Lenovo in my arcade room though

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm happy you're happy!!

[@geo555]

does it have ZigBee buid it?

[@geo555]

*in

[@AutomateYourLife]

Nope

[@geo555]

@@AutomateYourLife why not?

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@geo555 lol I don't know I don't work for Google! 🤣

[@Bigglare]

I wonder how this compares to the Amazon Kindle Fire Max 11 as a smart home dashboard

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think it'll be better because it's less locked down. Pure Android helps 😃

[@anandparan3011]

Actually, i am waiting for Gen-2 of this product.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Google product cycles can be 3+ years!

[@ypark2877]

Excellent review of pros and cons

[@Nogitsune_Yako]

I'm satisfied with my Pixel Tablet.

[@andreamitchell4758]

I don't know why Amazon didn't do this , the speaker dock I mean, the fire tablets have had show mode for a long time now and the new fire max 11 finally has added a magnet and connector for the keyboard which would be perfect to be able to dock it to a speaker dock and have it double as an echo show, maybe Amazon will release one or there will be 3rd party ones in the future though. Also not sure why the pixel tablet has no keyboard folio case since it has the magnet and connector for it and no stylus either though you can use a stylus. Seems like the Pixel tablet would be better suited to productivity than the fire max 11 since it has a much more capable tensor 2 processor as opposed to the mediatec in the fire max 11 and 8 gigs of RAM as opposed to the 4 in the fire max 11. Both of these companies have their heads up their rectums, this is the exact opposite of how these 2 tablets should have been marketed and accessorized. The pixel tablet should have been marketed as the productivity tablet not the fire max 11 and the fire max 11 should have been marketed as a fire tablet and echo show combo / home hub (especially since fire tabs have show mode already baked in for generations now). I mean both tablets have the magnet connector so there is really no reason why they both shouldn't offer a speaker dock and a folio keyboard and a stylus, but the pixel is the much more powerful tablet and the fire max 11 is weaker, they both got the marketing backwards. Pixel should have been marketed for productivity and the fire max 11 should have been marketed for a smart screen speaker tablet combo. It would be great to see you do a review of the fire max 11 and maybe even a comparison video. Also I am very weary about the pixel tablet being a pixel 7 and pixel 7 pro owner because the TDP on tensor 2 is horrible and battery life on both phones is the worst I have experienced since my Nexus 6p.

[@andreamitchell4758]

Another thing that bothers me is that you can get the fire max 11 whole productivity bundle for less than half the price of the pixel tablet and dock yet the pixel tablet looks like it has a cheap plastic shell while the fire max 11 finally has an aluminum shell , the pixel tablet looks really crappy and cheap and the colors are very ugly too. And they should have waited till next year or the year after till tensor 3 or 4 and wifi 7 to come out with a new pixel tablet. Google will probably not refresh this tablet for at least 5 years (more like at least 8, remember the nexus tablet that was eons ago) and it will be stuck with wifi 6 and very poorly designed tensor 2 with crap TDP.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think there's more to come with that Max 11. I get the feeling Amazon has some plans for it

[@andreamitchell4758]

@@AutomateYourLife Hopefully and I don.'t think there is anyhting stopping 3rd partied from making speaker charging docks for it, like we saw with other echo devices, I did however go to best buy today and it was not on display yet but the pixel tablet was, and my god the display is awful the refresh rate looked terrible when scrolling it looks really jittery. That thing is WAYYYYY over priced

[@O1OO1O1]

Wait for then to add AI to Assistant, and for reviews of that. Google Assistant with no AI is essentially an annoying paperweight.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'll review it if it gets better! For sure 😃👌

[@RShingLaiHo]

That's a lot of 'buts'! I love it! lol

[@vacationboyvideos]

14:37 not as good as next hub max...nope...ill keep my hub max

[@AutomateYourLife]

Most folks will I think :)

[@vacationboyvideos]

@@AutomateYourLife thank u

[@OneWhoWas]

Crud i dont

[@Hansen710]

why is it only blurred the background.. this could save all the people that forget they dont have pants on in a video meeting. it would not matter if the doctor or judge was naked. this could be on the same level as AI when it comes to changing the future

[@AutomateYourLife]

I can't wait to forget pants in my next video meeting

[@electronicsandewastescrapp7384]

surely *this one* will be the ipad killer

[@AutomateYourLife]

Surely!

[@Winston0Boogie]

I'm so meh to this product.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Me too, sadly

[@worldwidewayman]

Got one when it came out. Love it. I simply cannot find a fault with it. The trouble with reviews like this is that they are usually more about the reviewer and their desires, often unrealistic, and their need to attract subscriptions, clicks, etc. Ego, in other words. Which is unfortunate.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Our audience expects smart home reviews. The Pixel Tablet is not a smart display like Nest Hubs, and that needed to be clear for our audience.

[@marcus_cole_2]

Thank you, Google for your lousy efforts. I sincerely appreciate your work on destroying the Google Nest Hub 7-inch and 10-inch models. However, I'd like to express my concerns regarding certain aspects that have impacted the usability of these devices. Firstly, the removal of USB over Ethernet has affected the availability of a dedicated Ethernet signal, which was a valuable feature. It would be great if you could consider bringing back this functionality to enhance connectivity options. Additionally, the elimination of the visual display of spelling has been inconvenient for individuals with dyslexia. Being able to see spelled-out words on a 7-inch screen was highly beneficial for copying and pasting onto other platforms. I kindly request that you reconsider this change, as it held significant importance for dyslexic users. Presently, the device seems limited in its functionality, primarily serving as a picture frame, a timer, and a source for general Q&A. However, the lack of on-screen indicators for the displayed information hinders its usability. It would be immensely helpful if you could address this issue, allowing users to locate the displayed content more effectively. Once again, I appreciate your excellent effort in destroying Google nest hub 7 and 10 inchs, and I kindly request that you convey these concerns to your engineering team for further consideration @GoogleHome @google.ca @NestHub @madebygoogle facebook.com/mjbillings/posts/pfbid0DsWHrP5mQFJQhQpYg1XaPCBJanYZ1ioWuF7riq7Y6W1t7SwZVN76sZdd2pUyeWqul

[@VirtousStoic]

This tablet should be lower priced for the inferiroty it has The silicon inside alone is so bad, and same goed for the pixel phones I am sick of google price gouging us for their inferior crap silicon Get the same silicon samsung gets for their phones and tablets and stop being frugal google You have the cash Use it Sorry i an no sucker, and i am not touching ur inferior products

[@AutomateYourLife]

You're saying you bought 3 then!? :)

[@SmartHomeHASHTAGS]

No ability to have the tablet sit in portrait mode on the stand is a missed opportunity for video calls.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I thought so too Michael

[@O1OO1O1]

Look up Google customer service revirws before buying a Google product. You're welcome.

[@VirtousStoic]

Pixel tablets and phones are horrendous because of their horrendous silicon that overheats, and has so many issues They are trying to copy apple, and save money Instead of just buy the best silicon out there like Samsung I am not buying any pixel product till they get good silicon

[@BasMeijer]

@@VirtousStoic I agree that the Tablet seems pricy but your statement is ridiculous. Googles prices in general are way lower than competing companies. Do you really think they will pay for using more expansive hardware? Of course not, you will pay! So, Google is not saving money, it is saving its customers' money! Sure, in some areas (e.g. high end gaming) at the cost of somewhat reduced performance. Also, in general it is Apple that copies Google/Android, not the other way around. It would surprice me if Apple didn't come with something similar to the Pixel Tablet, seems like such an obvious move. Although, I guess Apple doesn't care that its users buy their iPads to collect dust in a drawer?

[@igauravpandey]

​@@VirtousStoicMy pixel 6 doesn't heat 😄