The Pixel Slate 12.3″ is the latest and first premium device that is a tablet and runs on the Chrome OS. With this incredible device, Google has tried to compete with the Surface Pro and iPad Pro. It has a stylish design, powerful hardware, attractive display and sufficient accessory ecosystem.
Considering the hardware, the Pixel Slate looks like a device that is up to the task. In addition, Google has offered some features with this convertible Pixel Slate that Apple refuses to. For example, it has more open hardware and a full, desktop-class browser, but is Google Pixel Slate worth the price?
Well, we have tried to find out what the Pixel Slate 12.3″ has to offer at this price. We have reviewed its hardware, features, functionality and performance along with battery life.
Specs Sheet
Processor: Intel Dual-Core i5-8200Y (8th Gen.) / 1.3GHz Max. Turbo Speed 3.9GHz
Display: 12.3-inch FHD (3000 x 2000) Resolution
Graphics: Intel UHD 615 Integrated
RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB SSD
Battery: up to 10 hours Weight: 2.9lbs
Operating System: Chrome OS
Based on the hardware, Google Pixel Slate looks impressive and powerful device. Let’s find out whether it has the features and software to match its hardware.
Design
Google Pixel Slate comes in dark Midnight Blue colour that gives a hint of elegance and class. Moreover, this colour allows the Pixel Slate to blend in a modern office. It features anodized aluminium chassis which is durable and can handle the knocks and bumps. However, the device bezels look a little chunky, compared to the new iPad Pro models.
Without the keyboard, the Pixel Slate is around 0.3 inches thick and weighs around 1.6lbs. If we compare it with Apple and Microsoft devices, it is somewhat lighter than the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 but thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro 12.9-inch.
With the keyboard, Google Pixel Slate feels a little less portable and weighs around 2.9lbs. with an attached keyboard, its thickness also doubles to 0.6 inches.
Display
Google Pixel Slate comes with a 12.3-inch FHD display with a 3000 x 2000 screen resolution. Its screen generates 120 percent of the sRGB colour spectrum. This is slightly higher than the 116 percent average colour spectrum. We tested and viewed its display at 35 degrees to the right and left, and its colours stayed strong.
The Pixel Slate emits up to 337-nit which is also higher than premium laptop average of 316 nits. In comparison to Apple and Microsoft devices, this is a lower number. Surface Pro 6 delivers 408 nits while iPad Pro delivers 484 nits.
Keyboard
Google offers an additional keyboard with the Pixel Slate like Apple and Microsoft. The Pixel Slate comes with a unique keyboard with powerful magnets that holds the tablet in place. You can also adjust the angles to any position using the magnets for a better view and usage.
As compared to the iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard Folio, Google Pixel Slate has a comfy keyboard, with backlit keys and decent travel. Thanks to its breezy clicks, we were able to write 77 wpm which is impressive considering our 85 words per average.
Connectivity
Google Pixel Slate gets a clear edge on iPad Pros when it comes to ports and connectivity. Not only it supports external storage, but it also has one more than the new iPad Pros. Its dual USB Type-C ports make it easy for the user to connect external devices and transfer data files.
However, Google has not included an audio jack as the Pixel Slate comes with a Type-C to 3.5mm audio adapter.
Performance
We tested the Pixel Slate with 8GB RAM and 8th Gen. Intel Core i5-8200Y. This is a highly productive combination that can deliver decent productivity with enough speed. We observed no difference in performance even after splitting the screen between a dozen tabs and a 1080p YouTube video.
However, Google Pixel Slate turned with a less thrilling number on the Geekbench 4 general performance test. The 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop falls below the premium laptop average of 12,792 with 8,071.
On the contrary, the Pixel Slate provides above-average performance as a premium convertible laptop. It offers superb visuals with vivid colours, thanks to Intel UHD 615 Integrated graphics. You can run heavy software with ease and creative professionals can use media editing software without any lagging.
Battery life
Google claims that the Pixel Slate has a battery that can keep its tab alive for up to 10 hours. On our battery performance test, Google Pixel Slate lived up to its performances and delivered 9 hours and 51 minutes of battery life. This is 1.5 hours more than the average battery expectation and half an hour more than the Surface Pro 6.
Verdict
Overall, Google Pixel Slate is a decent 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop that lives up to most of the expectations. This is a powerful laptop to carry around for creative work and other office tasks.
