The future of Google’s Pixel Tablet is currently shrouded in uncertainty, as recent leaks have indicated that plans for a successor might have been shelved. Despite this, it appears that development for a Pixel Tablet 2 reached an advanced stage, boasting several appealing upgrades before it was ultimately scrapped.
The most significant upgrade would have been the display; the Pixel Tablet was expected to include a 120Hz refresh rate screen, along with a modest increase in peak brightness.
The existing Pixel Tablet is equipped with a 60Hz LCD screen, which many consider inadequate given its starting price of $499. A review by Digital Trends noted, “Scrolling through menus and apps appears sluggish and choppy, as do various system animations.”
This situation was exacerbated by software bugs, disappointing battery life, and a design that didn’t quite meet expectations from the Pixel team.
Additional improvements were reportedly planned for the Pixel Tablet 2, including upgrades to the camera system. The front camera was expected to increase from an 8MP to a 10MP sensor, while the rear unit would transition from an 8MP to an 11MP camera.
“Another anticipated enhancement was support for DisplayPort output up to 4K,” the report indicated. The company was also considering a refreshed accessory lineup, which would include a new keyboard case.
Another notable improvement was an increase in battery capacity, moving from 6,900mAh to 7,200mAh. While this upgrade may seem minor, any improvement would have been welcomed for a tablet previously criticized for its battery efficiency.
Interestingly, Google hasn’t completely abandoned its aspirations in the tablet market; reports suggest that work on a potential Pixel Tablet 3 is in progress, along with plans for an enhanced version aimed for release in 2026.
However, there is concern surrounding Google’s historically casual approach to committing to specific form factors and providing meaningful iterative upgrades. The Pixel Tablet exemplifies this trend, even as the company pivots towards foldable devices, like the recently launched Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Despite Android’s advancements in optimizing software for foldable devices, the platform still struggles with tablet computing. In a surprising turn of events, Google is reportedly planning to unify Chrome OS with Android, striving to compete with Apple’s iPad ecosystem. Whether this strategy can revive interest in the Pixel Tablet remains uncertain.
In retrospect, Google might find success by concentrating efforts on improving two struggling platforms and creating a cohesive architecture for large-screen devices based on Android.
