Google Pixel Slate Review: Google makes first move into the world of tablets

Having made waves in the smartphone world with the Pixel range, Google is coming for tablets 
The new Pixel Slate weighs only 0.7kg, perfect for travelling
Google
Amelia Heathman3 December 2018

Google is now into tablets. At this year's Made with Google event in New York, the tech giant revealed its new device to take on Apple's iPad range: the Google Pixel Slate.

Designed to complement last year’s Pixelbook laptop, the Slate marks the next step in Google’s hardware expansion plans.

Can this device wipe out all the other tablet competition out there?

Google Pixel Slate: Design

Google has taken some of the elements that were starting to look outdated on the Pixelbook, like those thick bezels around the screen, and improved them for the Pixel Slate. It has a bright, dynamic 12.3-inch screen with a minimised border around the screen. The molecular display is crisp and clear, with 293 pixels per inch, to ensure a sharp and smooth picture.

The tablet’s Midnight Blue colour hides some of the dirty marks the silver Pixelbook picks up, and the aluminium back looks smart too.

Weight is important for any tablet, and as this one is 7mm thin and weighs in 0.7kg, you can carry it around all day and not feel like it is weighing you down.

The detachable keyboard case has undergone some design revamps with circular keys that apparently improve typing efficiency; a nice touch which also fits in with the rest of the hardware range.

The Pixel Slate has a bright, dynamic screen
Google

Google Pixel Slate: Software

The Google Pixel Slate is fitted with Google’s Chrome OS software, specially designed to work on touchscreen devices, with a focus on speed, simplicity and security.

And it shows. It’s very responsive and easy to use, with virtually no lag between actions - important when you’re working away all day, and it’s easy to switch between typing on the keyboard and touching the screen, or you can rely on the trackpad.

The tablet comes loaded with barely any apps, choosing to rely on Google’s cloud apps such as Google Drive, Docs and Sheets. This makes it easier to log in and start using the device, as you can access everything from the browser. The split-screen feature allows two programmes open side by side achieved with a simple gesture; necessary for productivity.

There is a dedicated Google Assistant button on the keyboard, and whilst Google’s AI is one of the better ones out there, day-to-day I didn’t get much use of it aside from accidentally pressing the button.

For security, there’s a fingerprint scanner at the top so you can unlock your device securely, an important feature if you’re carrying around work documents. The software also auto-updates every six weeks to incorporate new features and security patches so the tablet is proactive in staying secure. And thanks to the cloud nature of ChromeOS, if you lose the device you can wipe it securely, so no one gets access to your documents.

The new Pixel Slate comes in Midnight Blue
Google

Google Pixel Slate: Accessories

In terms of accessories, there’s the Folio keyboard and cover which attaches easily to the tablet and has an adjustable back so you can prop the device up. However, after only two weeks of using the case, the fabric around the edges has already started to come away meaning this cover is definitely not as sturdy as it should be to protect the tablet.

The case is expensive too - priced at an additional £199, which is a shame as its pretty much necessary if you want this device to replace a laptop.

Google has also updated its Pixelbook pen in Midnight Blue to match the Pixel Slate. Handwriting recognition has been improved for the pen so you can handwrite notes and turn them into text. A button on the pen automatically brings up the Google Assistant too for more AI help.

The circular key design on the Slate keyboard improves typing efficiency
Google

How easy is it to use?

It’s sufficiently easy to get set up and go on the Google Pixel Slate, as long as you’re fully bought into the Google cloud-scape with Gmail.

There were a few issues I ran into again and again: such as opening documents. If you’re using an app like Outlook, documents will attempt to open up in Infinite Painter, so you need to go through Chrome to open them up in Docs. This isn’t a problem with the Pixelbook so I’m not sure what’s happening here.

As well, that flexible keyboard doesn’t have the sturdiness of a laptop, meaning you need a solid surface to type - not so useful during presentations. Though I like the design of the keyboard, typing on a such a flat surface can strain your wrists after a while. However, I did notice I was making fewer mistakes when typing thanks to those circular keys.

Where the Google Pixel Slate does excel is battery life. It’s supposed to last for around 10 hours usage and over casual usage of three days in the office, taking it between meetings, and transcribing, it certainly lasted well between charges.

The Pixel Slate is designed to complement Google's expanding hardware range
Google

Extra features you need to know

The camera comes with Google’s signature Portrait mode in case you want to take pictures with it but it also provides a crisp view when using the device for Google Duo, its version of FaceTime, or Skype.

Those front-firing speakers are notably good too - when using the device to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime, there's no need need to connect a Bluetooth speaker because they work well by themselves.

Google Pixel Slate: Price

Overall, I’m a big fan of the Google Pixel Slate. It looks good, functions well as a tablet and that keyboard means it’s a stylish way to replace a laptop, though it does have its downsides.

There’s a variety of chips, RAM and storage options available but prices start at £549 going up to £1,549 without the additional keyboard, making this firmly a premium device. The tablet is available to buy now.

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