The Google Pixel Slate is a highly anticipated device that marks a significant departure from the traditional Chrome OS experience. By leveraging the power of Android, Google has created a unique tablet that combines the simplicity of Chrome OS with the flexibility and features of the Android ecosystem.

Design and Display

The Pixel Slate boasts a sleek and sturdy design, featuring an aluminum body with a matte finish that provides excellent grip and durability. The device is available in three sizes: 12.3 inches (1280 x 800 pixels), 10.6 inches (1920 x 1080 pixels), and 8.2 inches (1536 x 2048 pixels). All versions feature a high-quality PixelSense display with excellent color accuracy and brightness.

The larger 12.3-inch model is the most impressive, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience that’s perfect for media consumption, gaming, or productivity tasks. The bezels are relatively thin, providing a more compact footprint without sacrificing screen real estate.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel Slate is powered by Intel’s Celeron N4100 or Core m3-8100Y processors, depending on your configuration choice. These chips provide sufficient performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing, although more demanding applications may require some patience.

Google has also optimized the device with a dedicated 4GB or 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app switching. Storage options range from 32GB to 256GB, depending on your configuration choice.

Android Experience

One of the standout features of the Pixel Slate is its seamless Android integration. By leveraging Google’s expertise in Android development, the device provides a more intuitive and feature-rich experience compared to traditional Chrome OS tablets.

The Pixel Launcher offers a clean and customizable interface, complete with support for gesture navigation and Google Assistant integration. Android apps are also available on the Play Store, providing access to millions of titles and services.

Keyboard and Accessories

Google has designed a range of keyboard options specifically for the Pixel Slate, including the Pixel Slate Keyboard, which features a built-in trackpad and decent typing experience. The keyboard is available in two variants: wireless and wired, with prices starting at $199.

Additionally, Google offers a range of accessories, such as the Pixel Slate Pen, which provides precise stylus input and support for gesture recognition. Other options include cases, screen protectors, and power banks.

Battery Life

The Pixel Slate’s battery life is surprisingly impressive, considering its compact size and feature-packed design. According to Google, users can expect up to 12 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 9-11 hours of mixed usage.

Connectivity and Ports

The Pixel Slate features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with support for Power Delivery, DisplayPort, and data transfer. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Pixel Slate’s front-facing camera is decent, capturing clear photos in good lighting conditions. However, the rear-facing camera is somewhat lacking, with a 8-megapixel sensor that struggles in low-light environments.

For audio enthusiasts, the Pixel Slate features dual speakers with Google’s proprietary audio processing technology, providing an immersive listening experience.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Slate is an innovative tablet that redefines the Chrome OS experience by integrating Android into its DNA. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and seamless Android integration, this device offers a unique value proposition for users seeking a portable and feature-rich computing solution.

While it may not be the best choice for demanding applications or gaming enthusiasts, the Pixel Slate is an excellent option for those who want a versatile tablet for everyday tasks, media consumption, or creative pursuits. With its competitive pricing starting at $599 (base model) and going up to $1,199 (high-end configuration), the Pixel Slate is definitely worth considering.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Celeron N4100 or Core m3-8100Y
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB
• Storage: 32GB to 256GB
• Display: 12.3-inch (1280 x 800 pixels), 10.6-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels), or 8.2-inch (1536 x 2048 pixels)
• 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: Front-facing 8-megapixel camera, Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera