Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsNOT suitable as Nest Hub replacement. Android OS on Pixel seems more "phone" than tablet oriented.
Reviewed in Canada on December 26, 2023
Update after 4 months of usage (up to 3 stars from 1):
My youngest son loves the Pixel Tablet now. It took him about a month to warm up to it. I don't love/hate it, but I no longer get frustrated when using it myself.
Original:
Tip: For a tablet experience purchase a Samsung android tablet, or an Ipad.
Bought this on Black Friday sale for a Xmas gift for the family to replace a relocated Nest Hub. Contrary to some advertising I may have imagined, the Pixel Tablet docked does not come close to the functionality of a years old $50 nest hub (easily controlling lights, playing music, varied photo frame). I can't even return this "sad decision" (new product name idea from my kids). Had planned on kids being able to use it as a fallback from their Samsung tablets but nobody likes the greasy texture of the matching Google case. When you try to lift the Pixel off the stand (when it's in the cover) usually the stand will lift with it as the magnet is too strong. So you need to hold down the stand with one hand and lift/angle the Pixel with the other hand. Then you try to use the Pixel and it keeps trying to "guess" & "suggest alternatives" to what you are trying to do instead of just letting you do something. Average interaction time from most family members on it was just a few unimpressed minutes.
Save yourself some time and stop thinking about Pixel tablets if you want a tablet. If you want a home hub, get a Nest Hub (Google hasn't completely destroyed these yet). For Tablets stick with Samsung or Apple.
Usually I like or dislike or am a bit ambivalent about gadgets but I *hate* this Pixel table & cover combo.
