As a tech enthusiast, I recently embarked on a journey with the Google Pixel Slate i5, a device that had piqued my curiosity with its promise of bridging the gap between a tablet and a laptop.
If you have been thinking about buying this product, but are not really sure whether you should risk it or not, I have you covered! In this article, I will be reviewing the Pixel Slate i5 and tell you what I think about it.
So, if that is what you want to know, you have reached the right place. Keep on reading till the end to learn more…
Google Pixel Slate i5: Overview Of Specification!
| Operating System | ChromeOS |
| Display | 12.3” LCD Touchscreen |
| Processor | 8th Generation Intel Core i5 |
| Storage | 128 GB (maximum 256 GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB (maximum 16GB) |
| Battery | 48 WHr |
| Camera | Dual 8MP Front Camera, 8MP Rear Camera |
| Sensors | Triple-Axis Gyroscope and AccelerometerMagnetometerMagnetic SensorAmbient Light SensorAntenna Proximity SensorsPixel Imprint Fingerprint Sensor (on Power Button) |
| Ports | 2x USB C, 4K External DisplayPort |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2WiFi 802.112x Dual-Band MIMO (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) |
| Dimensions | 7 mm (Height) x 290 mm (Length) x 202 mm (Width) |
| Materials | Anodized Aluminum Body, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Color | Midnight Blue |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs or 0.72 kg |
| Release Date | July 2021 |
| Price (2023) | $999 |
Google Pixel Slate i5: Features
The Google Pixel Slate i5 strikes a balance between tablet and laptop, offering a unique blend of features. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its key attributes, discussing what I liked and disliked. From build quality to performance, I have got it all covered.
Build Quality & Design
The Google Pixel Slate i5 boasts a sturdy build with an anodized aluminum chassis, ensuring durability. Its elegant design, characterized by rounded edges, exudes a premium feel. However, the wide screen bezels, while not overly large, might be considered a drawback compared to some competitors.
Display
Featuring a 12.3” display with a 3,000 x 2,000-pixel resolution, the Pixel Slate i5 delivers vibrant colors and crisp images. The screen’s brightness, at 337 Nits, ensures visibility even in broad daylight. While touch recognition is excellent, the 60 Hz refresh rate could have been higher to match competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Book 2.
ChromeOS
ChromeOS, while suitable for students, may not meet the demands of professionals requiring a broader range of supported apps. However, it excels as a laptop/tablet hybrid, offering a responsive UI. Note that not all Android apps are supported, which could be a concern for gamers.
Keyboard And Pen
The Pixel Slate Keyboard, though a pricey add-on, offers a seamless typing experience with backlit keys. The circular keycaps, while initially unusual, prove comfortable. The Pixel Pen, though suitable for artists, has some issues with the Google Assistant feature. It’s worth considering if you prioritize creative tasks.
Storage
With 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, the Pixel Slate i5 handles multitasking and storage needs efficiently. This combination ensures swift application loading and ample space for files. Higher storage options are available at a premium for those requiring more capacity.
Camera
The 8 MP front and back cameras are decent but not exceptional, especially considering the price point. They perform adequately for casual photography and video calls but can’t match the quality of modern smartphones.
Ports And Connectivity
The tablet’s connectivity options impress, including USB-C ports for charging, data transfer, and external displays. Wi-Fi support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks enhances connectivity, while Bluetooth 4.2 facilitates connections to wireless devices. A minor inconvenience is the lack of a dedicated HDMI port, necessitating a USB-C to HDMI adapter for external displays.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel Slate i5 offers approximately 12 hours of usage on a single charge, with a 2-hour charging time. While decent, some smartphones with larger batteries outperform it in this regard.
Performance
Powered by an 8th Generation Intel i5 processor, the Pixel Slate i5 provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and Google apps. While not matching laptops in performance, it delivers a smartphone-like experience without slowdowns.
Is Google Pixel Slate i5 Worth A Buy?
The Google Pixel Slate i5 is an attractive option for users seeking power, versatility, and a high-quality display. ChromeOS’s integration with the Google Play Store adds to its appeal. However, it comes at a price premium and has average battery life. Users needing substantial storage or additional ports should explore alternatives.
So, is the Google Pixel Slate i5 worth the investment? It depends on your needs. If you crave a sleek, versatile device with a stunning display and ChromeOS compatibility, it’s a solid choice. But, bear in mind its price tag, average battery life, and limited storage. It’s ideal for those seeking a blend of performance and style but might not be the one if you’re on a budget or need all the ports in the world.
In the end, my journey with the Pixel Slate i5 was a mixed bag of highs and lows. It’s like that exotic cocktail you sip cautiously – refreshing, but you’ll need to decide if it’s worth the bill.
Best Alternatives To Google Pixel Slate i5 in 2024!
The Google Pixel Slate i5 is a tablet that runs on Chrome OS and has a 12.3-inch display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a detachable keyboard. It was released in 2018 and is no longer available for purchase from Google.
If you are looking for some of the best alternatives to the Google Pixel Slate i5 that you can use in 2024, here are some options:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
This Android tablet has a 12.4-inch AMOLED display, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and an S Pen stylus. It also supports a keyboard cover and a wireless mouse. It has a long battery life, a quad-speaker system, and a fingerprint scanner. It is one of the best tablets for productivity and entertainment.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2023)
This iOS tablet has a 12.9-inch mini-LED display, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 128GB to 2TB of storage, and an Apple Pencil 2. It also supports a Magic Keyboard and a trackpad. It has a powerful M1 chip, a Face ID system, and a LiDAR scanner. It is one of the best tablets for creativity and performance.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
This is a Windows tablet that has a 13-inch PixelSense display, 8GB to 32GB of RAM, 128GB to 1TB of SSD, and a Surface Pen. It also supports a Type Cover and a Surface Arc Mouse. It has an 11th-gen Intel Core processor, a kickstand, and a Windows Hello system. It is one of the best tablets for versatility and productivity.
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
This is a Windows tablet that has a 12.3-inch IPS display, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 256GB to 1TB of SSD, and a ThinkPad Pen Pro. It also supports a folio keyboard and a TrackPoint. It has an 11th-gen Intel Core processor, a fingerprint reader, and a webcam privacy shutter. It is one of the best tablets for security and durability.
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6
This Android tablet has a 12.6-inch OLED display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and an M-Pencil. It also supports a smart magnetic keyboard and a wireless mouse. It has a Kirin 9000E chip, a quad-speaker system, and a multi-screen collaboration feature. It is one of the best tablets for entertainment and multitasking.
Wrapping It Up!
The Google Pixel Slate i5 offers a compelling package for those who prioritize performance and a sleek design, making it an ideal choice for productivity on the go.
In case you wanted to know about Google Pixel Slate i5 and whether you should give this product a try, I would say think before you invest. It is about a lot of money for a not-so-fascinating product.
If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
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