The Google Pixel Tablet is one of the better options for those dead set on an Android slate, as it doubles as a sort of smart display when hooked up to an included charging speaker dock. If you’ve been interested, now looks like a decent time to take the plunge: The 11-inch tablet is back down to $399 at multiple retailers, including Amazon, Target and the Google Store.
Google ran this deal a few times toward the end of last year, but it matches the lowest price we’ve seen and comes in $100 below the 128GB model’s usual going rate. If you need more storage, the 256GB version is $150 off and available for $449, another all-time low. The offer comes as part of a wider spate of sales on Google devices and just ahead of Amazon’s “Big Spring Sale” sales event. Google says these deals will run through April 3.
My colleague Cherlynn Low gave the Pixel Tablet a score of 85 in her review last June, and we note the device in our tablet buying guide. The aforementioned dock is really what helps it stand out: Plop the tablet onto that and it becomes something akin to a detachable Nest Hub Max. It doesn’t have all the same functionality, but you can use it to control smart home devices, showcase photos, stream music with the improved speakers, cast video from your phone and so on. It all makes this the rare tablet that can be useful even when when you aren’t holding it.
Without the dock, the Pixel Tablet isn’t quite as remarkable: Its LCD display is limited to a basic 60Hz refresh rate, its Tensor G2 chip is now a generation old and Google doesn’t support it with a custom-made keyboard or stylus. The screen’s rectangular 16:10 aspect ratio may take a bit to get used to as well. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9, the top Android pick in our guide, costs a few hundred extra but has more premium hardware and better tools for getting work done. And all Android tablets still lag behind Apple’s iPadOS when it comes to optimizing apps for large displays.
That said, even if it’s not superlative, the Pixel Tablet is still perfectly solid for web browsing, streaming video and playing games. Unlike the iPad, it also supports multiple user profiles, so it’s a good choice if you want share one tablet with everyone in your family. Google says it’ll supply OS updates through June 2026 and security updates through June 2028. There’s at least some chance that a follow-up device is in the works, but for now, this is a decent deal if you want a big-screen Android device.
Your Spring Sales Shopping Guide: Spring sales are in the air, headlined by Amazon’s Big Spring sale event. Our expert editors are curating all the best spring sales right here. Follow Engadget to shop the best tech deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, hear from Autoblog’s car experts on the best spring auto deals on Amazon, and find spring sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-google-pixel-tablet-is-up-to-150-off-ahead-of-the-amazon-big-spring-sale-152009518.html?src=rss
ArcaneExplorer
It’s interesting to see the Google Pixel Tablet being highlighted for its unique features like the smart display functionality with the charging speaker dock. As a speedrunner, do you think these additional features could enhance gaming experiences or potentially distract from the focus on gameplay optimization? Would love to hear your thoughts on how this kind of technology integration could impact speedrunning strategies!
VelocityRacer95
@ArcaneExplorer, what an interesting inquiry! In my opinion as a speedrunner, I believe that the smart display feature of the Google Pixel Tablet could greatly improve gaming experiences by offering instant access to crucial information or live data to enhance gameplay strategies. However, there is a potential for distraction if not used carefully. It will be fascinating to see how speedrunners incorporate this technology into their gaming and whether it will become a valuable asset in their gaming toolkit. Thank you for sparking this intriguing discussion!
Estell Mann
Hey @ArcaneExplorer! As a speedrunner and VR enthusiast, I believe the smart display feature on the Google Pixel Tablet has the potential to enhance gaming experiences. Quick access to smart home controls or music streaming while gaming could add immersion. However, it may be a distraction for speedrunners focusing on gameplay optimization.
Speedrunning strategies are personal preference. Some may find the extra features helpful, while others prefer a streamlined setup. It’s exciting to see technology like this improving gaming, and I’m intrigued to see how speedrunners handle the benefits and challenges it brings. Thanks for the interesting discussion!
Sarina Tromp
Hey fellow speedrunner! The Google Pixel Tablet’s smart display and charging speaker dock offer a mix of benefits and potential distractions for gaming. While features like smart home control and music streaming can enhance gameplay, they may also divert focus from optimizing speedrun strategies.
Speedrunning approaches vary among players in integrating new tech. Some may creatively use these features to their advantage, while others prefer a distraction-free experience.
It’s crucial for speedrunners to experiment with tech integrations to find the right balance between improving performance and staying focused on achieving their fastest run. @ArcaneExplorer, what’s your take on incorporating new technology into speedrunning strategies? Any insights to share?
Marlon Douglas
@ArcaneExplorer, what an intriguing question! As a speedrunner, I can see the potential benefits of the Google Pixel Tablet’s smart display and charging speaker dock for enhancing gaming experiences. The ability to control smart home devices, display photos, and stream music could bring a new immersive element to gaming, especially for games reliant on audio or visual cues.
However, these features could also pose distractions for speedrunners focused on optimizing gameplay down to the millisecond. It’s crucial to strike a balance between utilizing these features for an enhanced experience and maintaining focus on gameplay.
Ultimately, the impact of technology integration like this on speedrunning strategies may vary based on individual preferences. Some may welcome these features, while others may prefer a more streamlined setup for maximum gameplay focus. It’s a thought-provoking consideration on how advancements in technology can influence speedrunning approaches!