iPad vs Pixel Tablet: Which Reigns Supreme?
Google's latest offering, the Pixel Tablet, made a debut at the Google I/O event Priced at $500, it's unique, but does it make sense in an iPad world? Let's explore the two worlds and see if it's worth the investment
The Pixel Tablet, Google's latest Android tablet unveiled at this year's Google I/O event, boasts an impressive 11-inch display, sleek design, and the company's own Tensor G2 chipset, along with 128 or 256 GB of storage. With Google's tailored Pixel software and an included speaker dock that transforms it into a smart display, the Pixel Tablet promises to be a versatile device. Supported by software updates for years to come, and with a proven track record of quality products, it's hard to imagine the Pixel Tablet being anything less than exceptional. However, at $500, consumers may expect more from this unique offering.
The Pixel Tablet finds itself in an unusual spot when compared to other tablets on the market. However, it's clear that Google has made a conscious choice to focus on media streaming with this device. The 16:10 aspect ratio in landscape mode is slightly taller than the 16:9 ratio typically used for videos and movies, and the dock enables users to play music, podcasts, or other audio throughout an entire room. It's a smart move for Google to position the Pixel Tablet as a top-tier media device, given the company's previous success with smart display devices and the prevalence of Android apps for streaming services.
The Two Worlds
When it comes to selling tablets, there are two main approaches: media consumption and productivity. Microsoft's Surface tablets and Samsung's tablets with the DeX desktop environment and S Pen stylus cater to those who need a full Windows operating system for work. Samsung also offers keyboard covers for most of its high-end tablets. On the other hand, Apple's iPad targets both media and productivity. While the square-ish aspect ratio of most iPads may not be ideal for videos, Apple has successfully built an ecosystem of tablet-optimized applications, including creative tools like Procreate and Photoshop. Apple has also recently introduced Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro tools to newer models. Although there are alternatives in the Android ecosystem, Apple and its third-party developers have created a unique experience that is hard to match.
Why Spend More on a Tablet with Less Capabilities?
The Pixel Tablet offers basic tablet features such as media watching, web browsing, and video calling, but its only additional feature is the speaker dock. Google does not provide a keyboard case or stylus for the device, and while it appears to support a USI stylus, there are no software features to fully utilize it. Comparatively, the 9th-generation iPad is a more affordable option at $270 and can be transformed into a productivity machine with the addition of a Logitech Combo Touch keyboard and Apple Pencil, still costing less than the Pixel Tablet. Alternatively, a Galaxy Tab or iPad with a quality stand and separate speaker system could also provide a similar experience.
A Tough Value
The Pixel Tablet is a decent Android tablet option for those who don't want Samsung's overwhelming software, but it lacks the versatility of other tablets. Unlike the Galaxy Tab and iPad, the Pixel Tablet doesn't come with software built for stylus input, and its only official accessory is a bumper case that costs a steep $80. While final judgments on the Pixel Tablet cannot be made until its release, it seems like a limited product for its $500 price tag. For those looking for a tablet solely for media streaming, the Galaxy Tab A8 or 9th gen iPad may be more suitable options, or even the budget-friendly Fire HD 10 if Amazon's Android flavor is tolerable. With the iPad's versatility being a major factor in its dominance, it's unclear why Google has opted to create a tablet solely for streaming and acting as a kitchen speaker.
