Tablets have from being gadgets for gaming and entertainment to devices we use for productivity purposes. Some of the largest computing entities have embraced this fact and are creating modern hybrid tablets that factor in both the work and entertainment aspects.Similar to Apple’s iPad Pro and Microsoft’s Surface, Google has released a fancy tablet by the name of Pixel C. This 10.2-inch tablet docks with an optional tablet, which is really necessary if you want to explore all it has to offer. The innovative keyboard dock transforms the Pixel C from a typical Android tablet to a premium laptop. This top-end device bridges the gap between Google’s Nexus devices and the Chromebook Pixel laptop. The Pixel C is capable of charging wirelessly when connected to the USB Type-C power cable.
Design
Pixel C has all the qualities you’d expect from a premium tablet. With a chassis polished with an anodized aluminium with a minimalistic metal frame, the tablet looks and feels expensive. It weighs 517 g which is comfortable to hold but heavier than the 437 g iPad Air 2.The Pixel C stands 242 x 179 x 7 mm with a 10.2 inch display, a size which aims to offer both work and play. While in landscape orientation, the device’s lock/ power button is found at the left of the top edge, with the volume keys right at the top left and the USB-C port on the same side just at the bottom.On the sides of the Pixel C tablet, there are dual stereo speakers with a 3.5 mm headphone port on the right side.At the back, it features an 8 MP camera along with the unique Chromebook light bar displaying Google’s trademark colors. It is stunning and can show the battery level of the Pixel C when tapped twice even while the device is off.
Display
The Google Pixel C tablet bundles a 10.2-inch display. Though, the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4 are complemented with displays of 12.9-inch and 12.3-inch respectively, the lower inches on the Pixel C make it more travel-friendly. It features a 2560 x 1800 resolution and a 308ppi pixel density, which outdoes the 264ppi on the Air 2 and the 281ppi on Nexus 9, which means crystal clear displays of texts and media content.Based on DisplayMate tests, the Pixel C screen is brighter by 25% compared to top range tablets which can increase up to 500 nits, making it more viable for outside views.The screen is also equipped with a Low Temperature PolySilicon technology which lowers the power consumed by the display. This means you have an on-screen experience that is excellent, with sharp, bright images while saving on battery life.
Software and Performance
The Pixel C is powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow software system, which means users can have access to the Play Store apps, to enhance work and fun experience. The fact that it is also a Google product, means that it will also be first in line for future Android updates. The operating system adds a taste of its iconic features, including improved privacy controls for your apps, Google Now functionality and a Doze power-saving mode.Pixel C makes use of Marshmallow’s enhanced Now voice command functionality incorporated with the tablet’s four microphones. Its technology is identical to Amazon Echo which means improved voice recognition on the Pixel C.However, the downside is that its multitasking abilities aren’t exactly excellent and the Pixel C lacks a multi-window functionality.Google’s Pixel C is powerful Android tablet, packed by a quad-core Nvidia X1 processor complemented with a Maxwell GPU along with a 3GB DDR4 memory.
Battery Life
Pixel C has a 34.2 Wh battery able to handle intensive system tasks such as video streaming and 3D gaming. The battery is said to last up to three full days even with heavy usage.
Camera and Audio
Tablet cameras are not known for being great, and the 8 MP on the Pixel C is adequate per tablet standards. Its 2 MP front-facing camera comes in handy for video calls on Hangouts and Skype.The Pixel C is complemented with dual stereo speakers on the sides, which are fairly good when it comes to watching content.
Verdict
The Pixel C is generally a top end Android tablet that doubles up as a laptop which is all about high-end productivity. It has powerful specifications such as its processing powers and battery life.The Pixel C comes in two variants, a 32 GB which costs US$499 and a 64 GB costing about US$599. This makes the Pixel C cheaper compared to its competitors the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 4. However combined with US$149 worth optional keyboard, this tablet isn’t really that cheap.What are your thoughts on Google’s Pixel C? Share with us in the comments.
