The Google Pixel Slate is a highly anticipated addition to the Pixel series, marking a significant departure from traditional laptops and smartphones. As a Chrome OS tablet with Android app support, the Pixel Slate offers an exciting blend of productivity and entertainment features. But does it live up to its promise?

Design and Display

The Pixel Slate boasts a sleek and premium design, featuring a durable aluminum body with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The device measures 11 inches diagonally, making it compact enough for easy portability. Weighing in at just 1.6 pounds, the Pixel Slate is surprisingly lightweight considering its size.

The display on the Pixel Slate is one of its standout features. With a stunning Quad HD+ (3000 x 2000 pixels) resolution and an impressive 293 PPI density, visuals are crisp and vibrant. The screen’s color accuracy is also noteworthy, making it ideal for creative professionals or casual gamers.

Performance

The Pixel Slate is powered by the latest Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and either 64GB or 256GB of storage. These specs ensure smooth performance for most tasks, including web browsing, email, document editing, and even Android apps.

In our testing, we found the Pixel Slate to be responsive and snappy, handling demanding applications like Google’s own apps with ease. However, it may struggle with more resource-intensive programs or gaming.

Battery Life

Google claims up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive considering the device’s size and power consumption. In our tests, we achieved around 10-11 hours of mixed usage, which is still respectable.

Android App Support

One of the Pixel Slate’s most significant advantages is its ability to run Android apps via Google Play Store integration. This means users can access a vast library of mobile apps, including popular titles like Netflix, Spotify, and even Fortnite.

However, some apps may not be optimized for tablet use, which can lead to awkward navigation or compromised user experience. Nevertheless, the Pixel Slate’s Android app support is a major selling point.

Camera and Audio

The Pixel Slate features an 8-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture lens, capable of capturing excellent photos in good lighting conditions. The front-facing 8-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture is also suitable for video calls or selfies.

For audio enthusiasts, the Pixel Slate includes dual speakers with Google’s proprietary Smart Sound technology, which adjusts sound levels based on ambient noise levels.

Software and Security

The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS with Android app support, ensuring seamless integration between web-based services and mobile apps. Google also provides robust security features like Google Play Protect, regular software updates, and a built-in VPN for secure browsing.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Slate is an innovative device that combines the best of both worlds: Chrome OS productivity and Android app support. While it may not be perfect, its stunning display, impressive performance, and generous storage options make it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile tablet experience.

With prices starting at $599 (base model) and going up to $1,599 (high-end configuration), the Pixel Slate is positioned as a premium device, but its versatility and feature set justify its cost.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core m3, i5, or i7
• RAM: Up to 16GB
• Storage: 64GB or 256GB
• Display: 11-inch Quad HD+ (3000 x 2000 pixels)
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support
• Camera: Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with OIS, Front-facing 8-megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture