Google makes tablets, but the current lineup is small
Yes, Google makes tablets. As of now, Google sells the Pixel Tablet, which launched in 2023. It is the main tablet Google currently manufactures and markets directly to consumers. Google also made earlier tablets called the Nexus line, but those are no longer in production or sold new.
The Pixel Tablet is an 11-inch device that runs Android and integrates with Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Play. It is not the same as an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab — it is built specifically around Google's ecosystem. If you are looking for a tablet made by Google that you can buy today, the Pixel Tablet is your option.
Key Takeaways
- Google currently makes one tablet model: the Pixel Tablet, released in 2023 with an 11-inch screen.
- The Pixel Tablet runs Android and works best if you use Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services regularly.
- Google's earlier Nexus tablets are no longer made or sold new, though used models may be available secondhand.
- The Pixel Tablet comes with a charging dock that doubles as a speaker, which is included in the box.
Pixel Tablet specs and what it does
The Pixel Tablet has an 11-inch screen, 128 GB of storage, and runs the latest version of Android. It uses Google's Tensor chip, the same processor in Pixel phones. The battery lasts around 12 hours of typical use, though that varies based on screen brightness and what apps you run.
The tablet comes with a charging dock that includes a speaker. When docked, the tablet can act as a smart display — you can ask Google Assistant questions, control smart home devices, or play music without picking it up. This dock is included with the purchase, not sold separately.
The screen is bright enough for reading and video, and the speakers are decent for casual listening. If you plan to edit photos or videos, or play demanding games, performance is solid but not exceptional compared to higher-end iPad models.
How the Pixel Tablet compares to other brands
The Pixel Tablet costs less than most iPad models but more than budget Android tablets from Samsung or Amazon. It sits in the middle of the tablet market in terms of price. The main difference is software: the Pixel Tablet gets Android updates directly from Google, often before other Android tablets, because Google makes both the hardware and the operating system.
If you use an iPhone or Mac, an iPad will integrate more smoothly with your other devices. If you use Android phones and Google services, the Pixel Tablet will feel more natural. If you want the cheapest tablet option, Amazon Fire tablets cost less. If you want the most powerful tablet, iPad Pro models are more powerful.
The Pixel Tablet's main strength is that it is a pure Google device — no bloatware, no delays waiting for Android updates, and tight integration with Google's apps and services. Its main weakness is that Google does not make as many tablet models as Apple or Samsung, so your choices are limited.
Where to buy the Pixel Tablet
The Pixel Tablet is sold through Google's own store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major electronics retailers. Prices vary slightly by retailer, but the manufacturer's suggested price is the same across all of them. You can also find refurbished or open-box models at a discount if you do not need a brand-new unit.
Some carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile also sell the Pixel Tablet, sometimes with a cellular option that lets you use it on their networks. The Wi-Fi only version is cheaper and works anywhere you have internet access.
Google's history with tablets
Google made tablets before the Pixel Tablet. The Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 were popular Android tablets that Google sold from 2012 to 2015. They were discontinued because Google shifted focus to phones and Chromebooks. For several years, Google did not make any tablets at all.
The Pixel Tablet returned Google to the tablet market in 2023 after an eight-year gap. Google has not announced plans for a second-generation Pixel Tablet yet, so it is unclear whether Google will continue making tablets long-term or if this is a one-off product.
Should you buy a Pixel Tablet
Buy a Pixel Tablet if you use Google services heavily, want a tablet that gets Android updates quickly, and like the idea of a device that doubles as a smart display when docked. It is a solid all-around tablet that does not excel at any one thing but does most things well.
Do not buy a Pixel Tablet if you need a tablet for professional work like photo or video editing — an iPad Pro is more powerful. Do not buy one if you want the cheapest tablet possible — Amazon Fire tablets are cheaper. Do not buy one if you use an iPhone and want seamless integration — an iPad will work better with your other Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Pixel Tablet without the charging dock?
Yes. The dock is included and convenient, but the tablet charges with a USB-C cable like any other Android device. You can use it without the dock, though you lose the smart display feature when it is not docked.
Does the Pixel Tablet work with a stylus or keyboard?
The Pixel Tablet does not have a built-in stylus and does not support one. You can buy a Bluetooth keyboard to use with it, but there is no official Google keyboard case like iPad has. Third-party keyboard cases are available from other manufacturers.
How long will the Pixel Tablet get Android updates?
Google has committed to three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates from the release date. That means the Pixel Tablet will receive updates through 2026 at minimum, though security patches may continue longer.
Is the Pixel Tablet waterproof?
No. The Pixel Tablet is not waterproof or water-resistant. You should keep it away from water, though brief splashes are unlikely to cause when ready damage. If you need a waterproof tablet, some iPad models have water resistance ratings.
Can I watch Netflix and YouTube on the Pixel Tablet?
Yes. Both apps work on the Pixel Tablet. Netflix and YouTube stream smoothly on the 11-inch screen. The speaker quality is adequate for casual viewing, though external speakers will sound better.