Farewell Pixel Tablet. I barely knew you — Explained

With no notice or warning, Google has discontinued the Pixel Tablet.

Just like that, the firm’s only own-brand tablet has gone from the official store and is also seemingly out of stock at all major retailers. It feels like a friend blocked me on WhatsApp with no warning.

If you’re detecting a hint of sadness here, it’s because I have a soft spot for the Pixel Tablet. I still think it’s one of the nicest and most distinctive-looking tablets around.

It’s a strange situation. Did Google think no one would notice because of the big Apple event this week, including the launch of its first foldable, iPhone Duo?

Sure, the Pixel Tablet had its flaws, but Google corrected one of the biggest issues by offering it on its own without the docking station. Overall, though, it was a great Android tablet and what it offered was unique in the market.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Although it didn’t catch on, the dock was just a really cool idea and meant it was the only tablet that could turn into a Nest Hub-style smart display when you popped it on – conveniently with magnets and POGO pin connectors.

In my opinion, Google’s Nest Hubs are the best smart displays you can get. Being able to pull the screen off to take it anywhere as a tablet is pure genius. I’m confused as to why other tech brands didn’t copy it.

Since the Pixel Tablet’s launch, there have been a lot of conflicting reports and rumours about a successor. Google supposedly cancelled the Pixel Tablet 2, then effectively decided to skip to the Pixel Tablet 3.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

We may never know for sure. Perhaps another model will come along eventually, but I’m not optimistic. A quietly discontinued device, without a launch event in sight that might herald a successor (other than Googlebooks), just isn’t sending positive signals.

As I suspected, Google deciding to extend the Pixel Tablet’s software support to 2028 was potentially bad news for a successor. But it does mean you might be able to pick one up cheaply secondhand and it’ll be good for another couple of years.

Being first-generation (in a way), the Pixel Tablet could have been improved upon with future models. I would have welcomed a new iteration.

Improvements could have, and were rumoured to, included a 5G option, an upgraded display and better audio performance from the dock. Google could have also made it more versatile with a dedicated stylus and a keyboard case.

However, that’s easy to say from this side of the fence. The success of the tablet seemingly wasn’t enough for the Android maker to continue – especially if we factor in the rocketing costs of making devices – so the Pixel Tablet was added to the ever-expanding Google graveyard. I hope I’m wrong, but it’s probably best if I don’t get my hopes up too much.

I’ve reached out to Google for comment on the Pixel Tablet situation but haven’t heard back at the time of writing.