Google’s new 256 Pixel is on sale

When looking for a new tablet, it's easy to automatically default to iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs, but there are actually other tablets that are worth your consideration. Consider the Google Pixel Tablet, which is currently available for $449 ($150 off) at Best Buy and Amazon in the 256GB configuration—a record low for the higher storage model. The larger model is actually less expensive than the $499.99 base model thanks to the current discount.

While the 11-inch 16:10 Pixel Tablet's screen isn't as comfortable to read on or browse on as a 4:3 device, it performs admirably as a multimedia consumption device—especially when connected to the tablet's included cloth-wrapped speaker dock. When the included speaker dock is removed, playback will resume automatically over the tablet's four speakers. The speaker dock has a decent sound quality. Furthermore, it offers one-touch access to other quick settings and basic smart home controls, despite not being as powerful as a true smart home hub. Additionally, it positions the tablet's 8-megapixel, 1080p front camera at the perfect angle for video calls.

The Pixel Tablet is limited in what it can do. It makes use of Google's Tensor G2 chip, which is optimized to run Android smoothly. Multimedia, games, apps, and browsing are all fluid experiences. Though Android still doesn't feel as natural for these large slates as iPadOS does, it does get a little hot. Split-screen app functionality is available, and while tablet-specific apps are excellent, their selection is still limited when compared to competitors. It's merely a decent midrange tablet, but for some of you, that might be sufficient.

The Tensor G2 chip, which powers the Pixel 7 series, is also utilized by Google's 11-inch Pixel Tablet. In order to use it as a de facto smart display, it also includes a magnetic charging dock.