Google Pixel Tablet: A Mixed Bag of Excellence and Mediocrity

"Discover the Google Pixel Tablet and its unique dual functionality as a smart display and tablet. Explore its impressive screen quality, enhanced visuals, and seamless integration with Google Assistant. Learn about its strengths and limitations, and find out if it's the right device for you."

Google's Pixel Tablet has garnered attention for its unique dual-functionality as both a tablet and a smart display. While the device shines when operating as a smart display, offering a stunning screen and impressive features, its performance as a standalone tablet leaves much to be desired. This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the Pixel Tablet, highlighting its potential as a smart display while acknowledging its shortcomings as a standalone tablet.

Impressive Smart Display Features:
The Pixel Tablet's standout feature is its ability to function as a smart display when docked. With a brilliant 10.95-inch LCD screen boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, it surpasses the clarity and visual appeal of its predecessor, the Lenovo Smart Display 8. Users can enjoy a captivating viewing experience, particularly when showcasing their Google Photos Recent Highlights reel, thanks to enhanced colors, definition, and overall eye-catching visuals. Additionally, the tablet's integration with Google Assistant enables seamless control over smart home devices, such as Philips Hue lighting systems, and provides timely weather updates and accurate voice commands.

Enhanced Audio and Design:
The Pixel Tablet's docked configuration also delivers improved audio quality, outperforming the built-in speakers of the Lenovo Smart Display. The placement of speakers on the side of the chassis projects sound further into the room, creating a more immersive audio experience. Moreover, the tablet's magnetic attachment to the dock ensures stability while adjusting the volume manually, while allowing easy detachment when needed.

Shortcomings as a Standalone Tablet:
Detaching the Pixel Tablet from the dock unveils its limitations as a standalone device. While the tablet boasts a decent screen for casual use, its lack of brightness becomes apparent during more focused video viewing sessions. The physical buttons for volume control feel cheap and clicky, undermining the overall tactile experience. Holding the tablet in a natural grip obstructs the speakers, resulting in a noticeably compromised audio quality. Additionally, extended usage leads to a warm backside, particularly on the right-hand side, and the absence of a face unlock feature further hinders convenience. Furthermore, the tablet's 60Hz refresh rate falls short when compared to other devices with higher refresh rates, causing some blur and eyestrain.


The Google Pixel Tablet's dual-functionality approach showcases its potential as a smart display, providing users with an upgraded visual and audio experience compared to previous models. However, as a standalone tablet, it falls short in terms of brightness, button quality, audio placement, and overall performance. While the concept of combining a tablet and smart display is intriguing, the Pixel Tablet's compromises and relatively high price point make it less compelling for those seeking a top-tier tablet experience. Nonetheless, as a smart display, it offers a commendable upgrade and serves as a viable option for users interested in enhancing their smart home setup.