Google Pixel Slate
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Note: The Google Pixel Slate is no longer available for purchase. This page is maintained for historical reference and to help owners of this device.
When Google unveiled the Pixel Slate in October 2018, it represented the company’s most ambitious attempt at a premium Chrome OS tablet. At $799 to $1,599 depending on configuration, this 12.3-inch detachable tablet featured a stunning 3000x2000 “Molecular Display” with a 3:2 aspect ratio, placing it squarely in competition with Apple’s iPad Pro and Microsoft’s Surface Pro. The device shipped in configurations ranging from Intel Celeron to Core i7, with 4GB to 16GB of RAM and 32GB to 256GB of storage. Despite its impressive hardware credentials—including an incredibly thin 7mm profile and just 1.6 pounds of weight—the Pixel Slate launched to a challenging reception. Chrome OS’s tablet mode implementation proved rough at launch, and the optional $199 Pixel Slate Keyboard drew criticism for its stability issues. Google discontinued the device just one year later, marking the end of their Chrome OS tablet experiment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional 12.3” 3000x2000 display with 293 ppi and excellent color accuracy | Chrome OS tablet mode was buggy and confusing at launch |
| Ultra-thin at 7mm and lightweight at 1.6 lbs for genuine portability | Android apps poorly optimized for large screens with stretched interfaces |
| Strong front-firing speakers with impressive stereo separation and bass | Pixel Slate Keyboard ($199 extra) wobbles on lap and lacks rigidity |
| Multiple processor options from Celeron to Core i7 for different budgets | No headphone jack, requiring USB-C adapter for wired audio |
| Fingerprint sensor in power button for quick biometric authentication | Celeron models underpowered for the high-resolution display |
| Fanless design for completely silent operation in any environment | High starting price of $799 plus $199 keyboard undermined Chrome OS value proposition |
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Google Pixel Slate Comparison Chart
 Google Pixel Slate | Google Pixel Slate | Google Pixel Slate | |
| Price | List Price: $1599.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $799.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $999.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | C1A | C1A | C1A |
| Performance Rating | 6.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz (max 4.20 Ghz) Intel Core i7-8500Y | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Core m3-8100Y | Dual-core 1.30 Ghz (max 3.90 Ghz) Intel Core i5-8200Y |
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB SSD | 64 GB SSD | 128 GB SSD |
| Screen Size | 12.3" | 12.3" | 12.3" |
| Screen Resolution | 3000x2000 | 3000x2000 | 3000x2000 |
| Screen Type | LCD display | LCD display | LCD display |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 7.95 x 11.45 x 0.27 inches (201.93 x 290.83 x 6.86 mm) | 7.95 x 11.45 x 0.27 inches (201.93 x 290.83 x 6.86 mm) | 7.95 x 11.45 x 0.27 inches (201.93 x 290.83 x 6.86 mm) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg) | 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg) | 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No |
| Webcam | front and rear cameras: 8 MP with 1080p video | front and rear cameras: 8 MP with 1080p video | front and rear cameras: 8 MP with 1080p video |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB-C (for charging and 4K display output) | 2 USB-C (for charging and 4K display output) | 2 USB-C (for charging and 4K display output) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Battery | 48Whr, Lithium-ion | 48Whr, Lithium-ion | 48Whr, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2026 | June, 2026 | June, 2026 |
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A Look Back at the Google Pixel Slate
The Google Pixel Slate represented a significant bet by Google on Chrome OS as a tablet platform. The device’s industrial design was genuinely impressive, featuring a smooth glass front with a soft-touch aluminum back that felt premium in hand. The symmetrical weight distribution made it comfortable to hold in portrait or landscape orientation, and the 7mm thickness made it one of the thinnest Chrome OS devices ever produced. Google’s attention to materials and build quality matched or exceeded what you’d expect from an iPad Pro of that era.
The 12.3-inch “Molecular Display” with its 3000x2000 resolution (293 ppi) and 3:2 aspect ratio was the Pixel Slate’s standout feature. According to Chrome Unboxed’s detailed review, the display offered excellent brightness and color reproduction, comparing favorably to competing tablets. The 3:2 aspect ratio provided more vertical space for productivity tasks compared to the 16:9 ratio common on laptops, making it particularly suitable for web browsing, document editing, and reading. The LCD panel delivered accurate colors and sharp text at the high pixel density, though it lacked the OLED blacks found in some competitors.
Connectivity was deliberately minimalist. The Pixel Slate featured just two USB-C ports for charging, data transfer, and 4K video output—no headphone jack, no SD card slot, no HDMI. This simplicity matched Apple’s philosophy with the iPad Pro but frustrated users who preferred more ports. The 48Wh battery delivered approximately 9-10 hours of real-world use according to About Chromebooks’ testing, with fast charging providing 2-3 additional hours from just 15-30 minutes connected to power.
What Reviewers Said at Launch
Professional reviewers acknowledged the Pixel Slate’s impressive hardware while expressing significant concerns about the software experience and value proposition. The consensus painted a picture of a beautiful device held back by Chrome OS’s immature tablet implementation.
Engadget’s Perspective
Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham delivered one of the most critical reviews, scoring the device 69/100 and declaring “the Pixel Slate’s software experience is confusing at best and frustrating at worst.” He praised the hardware quality and display but found the tablet interface significantly slower than desktop mode, with stuttering during multitasking. Android apps proved particularly problematic: “Instagram is fundamentally broken with black bars and cut-off captions.” The keyboard folio received criticism for being difficult to balance on laps. His verdict: “At these prices, that makes it a tough device to recommend.”
Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective
Chrome Unboxed took a more positive view, calling the Pixel Slate “the peak expression” of Chrome OS’s tablet ambitions. Their review praised the Core i5 configuration for performing “a half step quicker” than the original Pixelbook, handling multitasking, Android games, and Linux applications seamlessly in a completely fanless design. The front-firing stereo speakers impressed with good separation and surprising bass for such a thin device, making it a capable option for music production on a Chromebook using browser-based DAWs. However, they acknowledged the Pixel Slate Keyboard’s structural limitations: weak magnets caused occasional mode-switching failures, and the lack of rigidity made lap use problematic.
About Chromebooks’ Perspective
Kevin Tofel’s review at About Chromebooks focused on the Pixel Slate’s success as a portability-first device. He noted the fingerprint sensor in the power button worked reliably for unlocking, and praised the dual front-facing and rear 8MP cameras for tablet-mode use. The Core i5-8200Y processor remained responsive across multiple Chrome tabs, Android apps, and Linux applications simultaneously. However, he echoed concerns about the keyboard’s structural rigidity, suggesting Microsoft’s Surface Pro magnetic approach would have been superior.
Legacy and Impact
The Google Pixel Slate represented an important chapter in Chrome OS history, even if it wasn’t commercially successful. Google discontinued the device in June 2019, just eight months after launch, and subsequently exited the tablet hardware market entirely. The company pivoted to focusing on Chrome OS laptops and 2-in-1 convertibles, leaving dedicated Chrome OS tablets to partners like Lenovo and Acer.
For current owners, Chrome OS updates are guaranteed through June 2026. The Pixel Slate continues to function well for those who purchased one, particularly for users who prioritize portability and display quality over keyboard ergonomics. Its thin profile, excellent display, and capable Intel processors make it a reasonable Chrome OS tablet even years after its release.
The Pixel Slate’s legacy lives on in the lessons Google and Chrome OS developers learned from its reception. The tablet mode improvements that followed in subsequent Chrome OS updates directly addressed many of the criticisms reviewers raised. While Google may have stepped away from making its own tablets, the Pixel Slate pushed the platform forward and demonstrated that Chrome OS could power genuinely premium hardware—even if the software wasn’t quite ready for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a Google Pixel Slate?
The Google Pixel Slate is no longer available new from retailers. Google discontinued the device in June 2019 and exited the tablet market entirely. You may occasionally find used units on secondary markets, but we recommend considering newer alternatives like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet for a more practical Chrome OS tablet experience.
How long will my Google Pixel Slate receive updates?
The Google Pixel Slate will receive Chrome OS updates until June 2026. After this Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, the device will continue to function but will no longer receive security updates or new features from Google.
What processor options were available for the Pixel Slate?
The Google Pixel Slate was available with four processor options: Intel Celeron (4GB RAM, 32GB storage), Intel Core m3 (8GB RAM, 64GB storage), Intel Core i5 (8GB RAM, 128GB storage), and Intel Core i7 (16GB RAM, 256GB storage). Reviewers noted that the Celeron model was underpowered for the high-resolution display, recommending the Core m3 as the minimum for a good experience.
Why did Google discontinue the Pixel Slate?
Google discontinued the Pixel Slate in June 2019 due to disappointing sales and critical reception. Chrome OS’s tablet mode was considered immature at launch, with buggy multitasking and poorly optimized Android apps. The high price compared to traditional Chromebooks and competition from the established iPad Pro and Surface Pro lines made it a difficult sell. Google subsequently announced they would focus on laptops rather than tablets.
Was the Pixel Slate Keyboard worth buying?
The Pixel Slate Keyboard ($199) received mixed reviews. It featured round, backlit keys with quiet, comfortable typing and worked well on flat surfaces. However, reviewers consistently criticized its lack of structural rigidity—the fabric hinge caused wobbling during lap use, and weak magnets occasionally caused mode-switching failures. Many users found third-party options like the Brydge keyboard more stable, despite its own Bluetooth connectivity quirks.
Does the Pixel Slate support stylus input?
Yes, the Pixel Slate supports the Google Pixelbook Pen (sold separately for $99). The display supports 4096 pressure levels for drawing and note-taking applications. However, unlike devices with built-in stylus storage, you’ll need to carry the pen separately or purchase a third-party case with pen storage.