First Look: Google's Pixel Tablet Is a True iPad Competitor

pcmag.com:

Google is finally returning to the tablet market with the $499 Pixel Tablet, a new slate that takes aim at Apple’s $449 entry-level iPad. The Pixel Tablet is nothing like the Nexus 7, the niche fan favorite from a decade ago. Much like the way the iPad integrates within Apple's ecosystem, the Pixel Slate is designed to work seamlessly with other Pixel devices, including the new Pixel Fold, and make your life easier along the way.

We got a chance to spend some time with the tablet ahead of Google's announcement at the I/O developer conference in Mountain View. Here are our first impressions.

The Nexus 7 was a small slate with a seven-inch screen, not too far off in size from some modern-day phablets. The Pixel Tablet is much larger by comparison, starting with its 10.95-inch screen. It measures 10.2 by 6.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 17.4 ounces (1.1 pounds). That's a little larger than the iPad, which measures 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches and weighs 1.05 pounds.

The Pixel Tablet is made from a coated aluminum shell that has a nice texture to hold. Google says it’s a nano-ceramic material that was inspired by the feel of porcelain. More than 30% of the total materials are recycled, and 100% of the aluminum enclosure is recycled. It comes in Hazel, Porcelain, or Rose, colors that match the Pixel 7 series. The overall appearance is rather plain, but in an appealing Google-y way.

The corners are smooth and the side edges are rounded in a way that makes the tablet feel smaller in your hand than it really is. Even so, it’s large enough to support productivity and deliver enjoyable media experiences at the same time.

The screen is particularly impressive. It has 2,560 by 1,600 pixels in a 16:10 aspect ratio. The pixels make