Yes, Google makes tablets under the Pixel Tablet brand

Google manufactures the Pixel Tablet, a device that runs Android and is designed to work seamlessly with other Google products and services. The company released its first Pixel Tablet in June 2023 after stepping away from the tablet market for several years. Before that, Google made the Nexus line of tablets in partnership with manufacturers like Asus, but those were discontinued around 2015.

The Pixel Tablet is Google's direct competitor to Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series. It comes with Google's own processor, called the Tensor chip, which is the same processor found in Pixel phones. The tablet runs the latest version of Android and receives software updates directly from Google for several years after purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Google's current tablet is the Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, which runs Android and includes Google's Tensor processor.
  • The Pixel Tablet integrates with Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Play, and Google Assistant out of the box.
  • Google previously made Nexus tablets from 2012 to 2015 but discontinued that line before returning to tablet manufacturing.
  • The Pixel Tablet comes with a charging speaker dock that doubles as a smart home hub when docked.
  • You can purchase the Pixel Tablet directly from Google's website or through major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.

What comes with the Pixel Tablet

The Pixel Tablet includes a charging speaker dock in the box, which is unusual compared to most tablets sold today. When you dock the tablet, it charges and functions as a smart speaker with Google Assistant built in. The dock has stereo speakers and can control smart home devices if you have a Google Home setup.

The tablet itself has a 11-inch display, a rear camera, and a front-facing camera for video calls. It comes with 128 GB of storage space and 8 GB of RAM. The battery lasts roughly 12 hours of typical use, according to Google's specifications. Unlike some competitors, the Pixel Tablet does not come with a stylus or keyboard in the standard package, though you can purchase those separately.

How the Pixel Tablet compares to other tablets

The Pixel Tablet sits in the mid-to-premium price range, positioned between budget Android tablets and Apple's iPad Pro models. It costs less than an iPad Air but more than basic Android tablets from Samsung or Amazon. The main advantage is tight integration with Google services—Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Play all work smoothly without extra setup.

Unlike iPads, which use Apple's iPadOS, the Pixel Tablet runs the full Android operating system. This means you have more control over file management and can install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store if you choose. However, the app ecosystem for tablets is smaller on Android than on iPad, so some apps designed specifically for tablets may only be available on Apple's platform.

Google's history with tablets

Google's tablet journey started in 2012 with the Nexus 7, a 7-inch tablet made in partnership with Asus. The Nexus line expanded to include 10-inch models and was sold through 2015. These tablets were popular with people who wanted pure Android without manufacturer customizations, similar to how Pixel phones work today.

After 2015, Google stopped making tablets for nearly eight years. During that time, the company focused on phones and smart home devices. The return to tablets with the Pixel Tablet in 2023 signals that Google sees renewed demand for larger Android devices, especially ones that integrate with smart home ecosystems.

Where to buy a Pixel Tablet

You can purchase the Pixel Tablet directly from Google Store, the official Google website. The tablet is also sold through major electronics retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. Prices are consistent across retailers, though sales and discounts vary by season and retailer.

Google also offers financing options through its website if you want to spread payments over several months. Some carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile sell the Pixel Tablet as well, though the tablet does not require a phone plan—it can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or an optional cellular connection.

Software and updates on the Pixel Tablet

The Pixel Tablet ships with Android 13 or later, depending on when you purchase it. Google commits to providing major Android updates for at least three years and security updates for at least four years from the release date. This means your tablet will receive new features and security patches regularly without you having to do anything.

Because Google manufactures the Pixel Tablet directly, updates arrive faster than on other Android tablets, which often depend on manufacturers and carriers to push updates. You also get Google Assistant built in, which works across the tablet and the charging dock for voice commands and smart home control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Pixel Tablet without a Google account?

You can set up and use a Pixel Tablet without a Google account, but many features will be limited. The Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Photos, and other Google services require a Google account. You can still browse the web, watch videos, and use third-party apps from other sources, but the experience is designed around Google services.

Does the Pixel Tablet have a microSD card slot?

No, the Pixel Tablet does not have a microSD card slot for expanding storage. You get 128 GB of built-in storage, and that is the only option. If you need more space, you can store files in Google Drive or other cloud services instead.

Is the Pixel Tablet waterproof?

The Pixel Tablet is not waterproof, but it has some water resistance. It can handle splashes and brief exposure to water, but you should not submerge it or use it in heavy rain. If it gets wet, dry it thoroughly before using it again.

Can I use the Pixel Tablet as a smart home display?

Yes, when docked in the charging speaker dock, the Pixel Tablet functions as a smart home hub. It can control compatible smart home devices, display camera feeds, and respond to voice commands through Google Assistant. You need a Google Home setup to use this feature.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular versions?

The Wi-Fi version connects to the internet only through wireless networks. The cellular version has a built-in SIM card slot and can connect to mobile networks, similar to a phone. The cellular version costs more but gives you internet access anywhere you have cell service.