The Google Pixel C is Google’s own take on the tablet. Branded separately from the Nexus line, this is an attempt to showcase what Android is capable of and to take the fight to both the Apple iPad Air 2 and Microsoft Surface. But does it do enough to sit at the top of the Android tree?
The design and build of the Google Pixel C is top class. The device is well put together, weighing in at 517g and measuring 242 by 179 by 7mm. It is slightly bulkier than an iPad, but not enough to annoy. It is certainly light and comfortable enough to carry around with you all day.
The aluminium chassis exudes quality with its matt finish and smooth lines. The 10.2-inch screen is slick and the finish is excellent. The screen runs at 2,560 by 1,800-pixels at 308ppi with a 1:2 ratio. This screen is top of the crop right now and it shows. Reproduction is sharp, colours are rich and the overall viewing experience is a good one.
The Google Pixel C is powered by an Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and 3GB of RAM. It also has Wi-Fi, USB Type C, decent speakers, front and rear cameras and all the usual toys you expect to see on a premium tablet.
The main news for the Pixel C is the keyboard. It’s an optional extra, like the one for the Surface – however, you do need it if you plan to use the tablet for work. The keys have great feedback and while the attaching and reattaching of the keyboard can be a little fiddly, it is an essential accessory.
As you would expect, the Google Pixel C runs Android 6.0. Multiple reviewers and my own experience using Android and IOS tablets for productivity purposes shows that in their current state, these mobile operating systems (in this case Android) aren’t naturally comfortable with larger screens. Navigation can be clunky and multitasking simply doesn’t work right now. However, it’s great to use for traditional tablet use for simple e-mail, browsing and gaming.
Overall, the Google Pixel C is an excellent piece of hardware. If Android can be optimised to work properly on a tablet, this could be a top pick.
Jesmond Darmanin is a technology enthusiast who has his own blog at www.itnewsblog.com.