Google Pixel Slate 8th Gen Intel Core I5 (8GB + 128GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Google Pixel Slate is a high-end, 12.3-inch 2-in-1 Chrome OS tablet featuring a premium aluminum chassis, a vibrant 3000 x 2000 "Molecular Display," and impressive front-firing speakers. Key pros include excellent battery life (nearly 10 hours), strong performance from its Intel Core i5 processor, and a comfortable, optional detachable keyboard with superior keys and trackpad. However, significant cons include high overall system cost, lack of a headphone jack, and software instability, featuring bugs such as connectivity issues and inconsistent Android app scaling. Additionally, the optional Pixelbook Pen suffers from poor palm rejection and weak magnetic attachment. Ultimately, while hardware-capable, the device is considered a difficult recommendation over competitors like the Surface Pro 6 due to its unpolished, costly experience.

The Google Pixel Slate is described as an impressive but unpolished 2-in-1 hybrid that struggles to justify its high cost, featuring a top-tier 12.3-inch "Molecular Display" and excellent front-facing speakers. However, the device suffers from poor lap stability due to a flimsy keyboard case, high accessory costs, and significant software issues, including poor palm rejection and app bugs. While performance on the Core i5 model is adequate, the lack of refinement makes it hard to recommend over competitors like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro 6.

The Techaeris review describes the Google Pixel Slate as a premium-built, 12.3-inch tablet featuring an excellent "molecular display" and solid battery life. However, the device suffers from inconsistent app optimization in tablet mode and high pricing, particularly when adding necessary keyboard and pen accessories. While praised for its, design, front-firing speakers, and dual USB-C ports, the reviewer ultimately deems it a mixed-bag "work in progress" that struggles to justify its cost against established alternatives. Techaeris

The Google Pixel Slate is praised for its "superb" hardware, featuring a 12.3-inch "Molecular Display" with 3,000-by-2,000 resolution, a slim design, and impressive front-firing speakers. Pros include the display quality, excellent battery life lasting nearly 13 hours, and a high-quality build. However, the device is criticized for a high total cost of ownership, as the keyboard and stylus are not included, and the software experience, specifically Android app integration, remains inconsistent. For a better value, the review suggests alternatives like the HP Chromebook x2.

The Guardian's 2018 review characterizes the Google Pixel Slate as a high-performance, "productivity powerhouse" in laptop mode, positioning it as a superior alternative to traditional Android tablets. Featuring a 12.3-inch "Molecular Display," the device offers excellent, fast performance, top-tier speakers, and a long-lasting battery. However, the tablet faces drawbacks, including a high price point with essential accessories sold separately, notable weight, and inconsistent Android app compatibility, leaving it as a "work in progress".

The Google Pixel Slate is a premium 2-in-1 featuring a sharp 12.3-inch "Molecular Display," robust front-firing speakers, and a sleek aluminum design. While offering strong performance for web browsing on the Core i5 model and long battery life, the device is hindered by unoptimized Android apps, a lack of a headphone jack, and a high total cost due to necessary, separately sold accessories. Positioned for Chrome OS enthusiasts, it falls short for power users compared to rivals like the iPad Pro, making it a high-end niche option. Trusted Reviews

The Google Pixel Slate is positioned as a superior laptop replacement to the 2018 iPad Pro due to its desktop-class Chrome browser, which allows for full browser extensions and superior multitasking compared to mobile-first browsers. Its versatility is further enhanced by its capability to run Android and Linux apps, creating a workflow that mirrors a traditional PC, while the Molecular Display and high-quality speakers offer top-tier media consumption, according to a long-term review by Forbes. Hardware pros highlighted in the review include the premium build quality and the comfortable, tactile backlit keyboard, which is praised over the iPad's Smart Keyboard. The device, however, faces significant cons regarding its unpolished tablet software, with reports of "janky" animations and stuttering Android apps, the review notes. Furthermore, the high total cost of the device, including necessary accessories, is a disadvantage compared to the iPad Pro's superior refinement, according to the Forbes review. For the full, detailed review, visit the Forbes article.

The BGR review highlights the Google Pixel Slate as a top-tier "Chrome tablet of consequence," pairing a high-resolution 12.3-inch "Molecular Display" with a sleek aluminum design and excellent front-firing speakers. Key pros include strong performance, particularly in the Intel Core i5 variant, capable of handling heavy multitasking alongside all-day battery life and dual USB-C ports. However, significant cons include a high overall cost when accessories are added, an inconsistent Android app experience, and the omission of a headphone jack.

The Mashable review describes the Google Pixel Slate as a premium-built, 12.3-inch Chrome OS tablet featuring a high-resolution display and strong front-firing speakers, yet it is hindered by the lack of a headphone jack and a fingerprint-prone finish. While offering a full desktop browsing experience, the software is described as buggy, suffering from jittery performance,, and underoptimized Android app support. Due to high pricing, expensive accessories with poor "lapability," and inconsistent performance, Mashable deems the device a "dud" and recommends the Pixelbook or Surface Pro 6 instead.