Google’s flagship Android tablet and iPad rival has been on sale for over a year so will there be a second generation? We investigate the Pixel Tablet 2.
Last year, the Pixel Tablet arrived as an unusual and unique concept in the tablet market. Its Charging Speaker Dock and Chromecast abilities made it stand out from the crowd.
However, with no option to buy the tablet without the docking station – now remedied – it was something of a hard sell with its original price of £599/$499.
When is the Pixel Tablet 2 release date?
It’s well known that Google will be unveiling the Pixel 9 range (including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) at its next Made by Google launch event.
This takes place on 13 August and the hardware event could be the launch date of other new Google devices such as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds.
It’s also possible we could see the Pixel Tablet 2 join the party, but it seems like the least likely to make an appearance.
Despite Phone Arena reporting that the Pixel Tablet 2 ‘will be among the new devices’ citing industry insiders such as Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), leaks for the tablet have been thin on the ground which isn’t a good sign.
We’ll find out for sure in a matter of days, but I wouldn’t be shocked if we see the Pixel Tablet 2 later in the year at the earliest or even next year on a 2-year refresh cycle.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How much will the Pixel Tablet 2 cost?
Although there are no leaks on the Pixel Tablet 2 price yet, it’s widely thought that Google will follow the same pricing structure as the original.
That would mean it costs £599/$499 for a 128GB storage capacity and includes the docking station (worth £139/$129 for the Pixel Tablet). Then the 256GB will come in at £699/$599.
However, I’m not convinced that Google will go down this path again.
Many reviews, including my own, criticiced Google for not offering the tablet on its own. Now Google seems to have learned from that mistake, I’m hoping it goes with this from the start for the second-generation.
Pitching the Pixel Tablet 2 at around £399/$399 on its own and leaving the docking station as an optional extra (with a bundle discount) would be the wisest move in my opinion.
It would help the device rival the iPad at the least.
What we want to see in the Pixel Tablet 2
Since there are no rumours on the Pixel Tablet 2 for its specs, design and the like, here’s what we’d like to see Google change and upgrade.
An improved screen
The display on the Pixel Tablet is decent but it could certainly be improved. I’d like to see Google upgrade to an OLED panel with higher peak brightness as well as a 90- or 120Hz refresh rate.
Perhaps this is an upgrade to offer as the Pixel Tablet 2 Pro at a higher price point, which might happen this time around.
In the Android 14 beta, 9to5Google spotted mentions of ‘Clementine’ and ‘Kiyomi’ which are hybrid citrus fruits. The original Pixel Tablet was codenamed ‘Tangor’ which also refers to the same horticultural idea suggesting these new codenames relate to the Pixel Tablet 2.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Better audio
While the audio is good on the Pixel Tablet, the Charging Speaker Dock was disappointing, particularly 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 similar price on the docking station.
Faster charging
Google, along with rivals such as Samsung, is one of the tech companies dragging its feet when it comes to charging speeds.
The Pixel Tablet only charges at 15W via USB-C which is very slow in 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 such as Netflix and the like.
However, it must be docked for this to work which seems a shame. I want to be able to move the tablet around the house and use this feature when I’ve taken it on holiday without the dock.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Usable dock without needing the tablet
Conversely, it’s also not possible to use the dock without the tablet attached which is another missed trick.
It’s 2024, why can’t it show up as a device for me to use from Spotify or similar apps? Sure, Google would need to put a bit more tech inside so it doesn’t rely on the tablet but it doesn’t feel like a big ask.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for Pixel Tablet 2 news and rumours and will update this article when they appear.
