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Google’s flagship Android tablet and iPad rival have been on sale for over a year, so will there be a second generation? We examine the Pixel Tablet 2.
Last year, the Pixel Tablet entered the tablet market as an unusual and unique concept. Its charging speaker dock and Chromecast capabilities made it stand out from the crowd.
However, as there was no option to buy the tablet without a docking station (now fixed) it was a tough sell at the original price of £599/$499.
When is the Pixel Tablet 2 release date?
It is known that Google will unveil the Pixel 9 range (including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) at the next Made by Google launch event.
This takes place on August 13 and the hardware event could mark the launch date of other new Google devices, like the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds.
It’s also possible we’ll see the Pixel Tablet 2 join the party, but it seems the least likely to make an appearance.
Despite Phone Arena reporting that the Pixel Tablet 2 “will be one of the new devices,” citing industry insiders like Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), leaks for the tablet have been few and far between, which isn’t a good sign.
We’ll know for sure in a few days, but I wouldn’t be shocked if we don’t see the Pixel Tablet 2 until later this year or even next year during a two-year refresh cycle at the earliest.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How much will the Pixel Tablet 2 cost?
While there are no leaks yet on the price of the Pixel Tablet 2, it is widely believed that Google will follow the same pricing structure as the original.
That would mean it costs £599 / $499 for 128GB of storage, including the docking station (worth £139 / $129 for the Pixel Tablet). Then the 256GB comes in at £699/$599.
However, I’m not convinced that Google will go down this path again.
Many reviews, including mine, criticized Google for not offering the tablet on its own. Now that Google seems to have learned from that mistake, I hope this will be the case for the second generation from the start.
The wisest move in my opinion would be to place the Pixel Tablet 2 on its own at around £399/$399 and leave the docking station as an optional extra (with a bundle discount).
It would at least help the device rival the iPad.
What we want to see in the Pixel Tablet 2
Since there are no rumors about the Pixel Tablet 2 due to its specs, design and such, here’s what we’d like to see Google change and upgrade.
An improved screen
The display on the Pixel Tablet is decent, but can certainly be improved. I’d like to see Google upgrade to an OLED panel with higher peak brightness and a 90 or 120 Hz refresh rate.
Perhaps this is an upgrade that we can offer as Pixel Tablet 2 Pro at a higher price, which could happen this time.
In the Android 14 beta, 9to5Google spotted mentions of ‘Clementine’ and ‘Kiyomi’, hybrid citrus fruits. The original Pixel Tablet was codenamed ‘Tangor’, which also hints at the same horticultural idea that suggests these new codenames pertain to the Pixel Tablet 2.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Better sound
While the audio is good on the Pixel Tablet, the Charging Speaker Dock was disappointing, especially compared to the Nest Hub Max, which is essentially the same device but with a fixed screen.
More and better quality drivers are needed, especially if Google is going to put a comparable price on the docking station.
Faster charging
Google, along with rivals like Samsung, is one of the tech companies lagging behind when it comes to charging speeds.
The Pixel Tablet only charges at 15W via USB-C, which is very slow by modern standards, so this should jump to 25W or higher.
Chromecast without needing the dock
The Pixel Tablet is the only tablet to offer Chromecast functionality, meaning you can cast content from your phone to it from streaming services like Netflix and the like.
However, for this to work it needs to be paired, which seems a shame. I want to be able to move the tablet around the house and use this feature when I take it on vacation without a dock.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Usable dock without needing the tablet
Conversely, it is also not possible to use the dock without the tablet connected, which is also a missed trick.
It’s 2024, why can’t I see it as a device I can use from Spotify or similar apps? Of course, Google would have to put some more technology into it so that it isn’t dependent on the tablet, but it doesn’t feel like a big ask.
We’ll be keeping an eye on Pixel Tablet 2 news and rumors and will update this article as they emerge.