The Google Pixel Slate is a highly anticipated tablet that aims to bridge the gap between Android and Chrome OS. As a device designed for productivity and entertainment, it’s essential to examine its features, performance, and overall value.

Design and Display

The Pixel Slate boasts an elegant design with a sleek aluminum body and a compact footprint. It’s available in two sizes: 12.3 inches (Pixel Slate) and 10.6 inches (Pixelbook Go). The display on the larger model is a stunning QHD+ panel with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, providing crisp visuals and vibrant colors.

The Pixel Slate features a robust kickstand that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles, making it suitable for both work and play. However, some users may find the device’s weight (1.6 pounds) to be slightly heavy for prolonged usage.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel Slate is powered by Intel’s Core i5 or i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This configuration provides a seamless experience for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.

Google has also optimized the device’s software with Chrome OS, which offers an intuitive interface, seamless integration with Google services, and robust security features. The Pixel Slate comes with a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security and supports Google’s Titan M chip for secure boot and hardware-based encryption.

Battery Life

Google claims that the Pixel Slate can deliver 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 impressive considering its size and performance.

Connectivity and Ports

The Pixel Slate features USB-C ports with support for Power Delivery (PD) and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect external displays or transfer data quickly. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Pixel Slate boasts an impressive dual-camera setup, featuring a primary 8-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a secondary 8-megapixel camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens. The device also supports 4K video recording at 30fps.

For audio enthusiasts, the Pixel Slate features dual speakers with support for Google’s Hi-Fi audio technology, providing an immersive listening experience.

Software and Features

The Pixel Slate runs on Chrome OS, which offers a unique blend of Android and desktop-like functionality. Users can access the Google Play Store to download apps, browse the web, or work on documents using Google Drive.

Some notable features include:

• Google Assistant integration
• Smart Lock with facial recognition
• Titan M chip for secure boot and hardware-based encryption
• Support for Android apps through the Google Play Store

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Slate is a powerful and versatile tablet that offers an excellent balance of performance, design, and value. Its impressive display, robust software features, and seamless integration with Google services make it an attractive option for users who want a device that can handle both work and play.

While some may find the price (starting at $599) to be steep, the Pixel Slate’s capabilities and features justify its cost. For those invested in the Google ecosystem or seeking a Chrome OS-powered tablet, the Pixel Slate is undoubtedly worth considering.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
• RAM: Up to 16GB
• Storage: Up to 256GB
• Display: 12.3-inch (QHD+) or 10.6-inch (FHD), touchscreen
• 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: Primary 8-megapixel camera with f/1.8 aperture, secondary 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens
• Audio: Dual speakers with Google Hi-Fi audio technology