The Google Pixel Slate i5 premium 2-in-1 tablet was released in 2018 as Google‘s flagship model. Positioned against rivals like the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro, this tablet boasts a mighty Intel Core i5 processor, bright 12.3-inch display, and versatility to function as both a tablet or laptop.
But three years after its launch, is the Google Pixel Slate i5 still a worthwhile purchase in 2022? Does it have the performance, features and value to compete with newer offerings on the market? Let‘s find out in this comprehensive review.
Google Pixel Slate i5 Overview
Release Date and Price
The Google Pixel Slate i5 first launched in October 2018, alongside lower-specced Celeron and m3 processor models. Its original asking price was $799 for the base 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration.
In 2022, you can now find it for around $600 gently used or refurbished. Brand new models occasionally pop up through third party sellers for as much as $800.
Models and Configurations
In addition to the Intel Core i5 model reviewed here, Google released the Pixel Slate in a few lower-powered variants:
- Pixel Slate 12.3" Intel Celeron Processor
- Pixel Slate 12.3" Intel m3 Processor
- Pixel Slate 12.3” 256GB, Intel Core i7
The Celeron model only packed 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. But the m3 upgraded this to 8GB and 64GB, while still lagging the Core i5 in processing power. Finally, the i7 configuration beefed the Slate up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
But of course, increased performance came with a higher cost. Launch prices were $599 for Celeron, $799 m3 and $1599 i7 models.
Features
The Pixel Slate i5 comes equipped with all the features you‘d expect from a 2018 Google flagship detachable 2-in-1. Key highlights include:
- 12.3-inch 3000 x 2000 LTPS LCD touchscreen display
- Intel 8th-gen Core i5-8200Y processor
- 8GB LPDDR3 RAM
- 128GB solid state storage
- Intel UHD 615 integrated graphics
- Chrome OS operating system
- Dual front-firing speakers
- 8MP rear, 8MP front cameras
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Two USB 3.1 Type-C ports
- 10 hour estimated battery life
- 1.6 lb tablet weight
Not to mention, the Pixel Slate i5 was engineered for versatility. With the optional $199 Pixel Slate keyboard (sold separately), it can convert into a capable laptop replacement running desktop-class Chrome OS applications. More on this later in the review!
Google Pixel Slate i5 Review
Now let’s dive into an in-depth review across all aspects of the Google Pixel Slate i5’s design and performance.
Design
The Pixel Slate rocks an understated, minimalist look with smooth rounded corners and thin 7mm edges. Framed by cool anodized aluminum, its back features a sleek Midnight Blue color tone with signature colorful Google G logo.
Overall, the design ethos clearly takes cues from Google Pixel phones for a sophisticated, premium high-end tablet aesthetic.
Despite its 12.3-inch screen, the Pixel Slate i5 remains extremely portable at 1.6 lbs. For comparison, this makes it lighter than both the 1.7 lb iPad Pro 12.9” and 1.8 lb Surface Pro 9 – though the larger screens account for some of that difference.
The matte texture rear finish makes it easy to grip without slipping. And the bezels surrounding the display are fairly trim for the time, especially on the sides.
My only slight complaint here is that the top and bottom chins seem a bit chunkier than necessary. But ultimately, the Pixel Slate achieved an impressively sleek and minimal form factor for a 2018 tablet.
Display
The Pixel Slate is all about its 12.3-inch LTPS LCD screen. With an impressive 3000 x 2000 resolution and 400 nits max brightness, this Pixelbook-class panel delivers a super sharp and vibrant visual experience.
Being LCD-based, blacks may not appear quite as inky compared to AMOLED rivals like the Galaxy Tab S8. However, color reproduction is excellent with 72% NTSC coverage for accurate, dynamic tones.
Plus, the unique 3:2 aspect ratio means you get more vertical space to browse web pages and documents compared to 16:9 or 16:10 displays. So if the Pixel Slate will serve as your daily writing/reading/productivity machine, this extra room definitely comes in handy.
The touch response also feels snappy and fluid, making it seamless to interact using your fingers. And parental controls let you restrict access to certain apps/websites when sharing with kids.
Overall for 2018 tablet standards, it’s hard to fault the Pixel Slate’s gorgeous high resolution display. Images and video really pop thanks to its expansive 12.3” real estate and fantastic 292 PPI pixel density.
Performance
Inside, the Pixel Slate i5 model packs decently powerful specs, even four years later. Its 8th-gen Intel Core i5-8200Y processor delivers significantly better benchmark performance versus the Celeron/Pentium Silver chips found in budget Windows laptops and tablets.
Core i5 vs i7 vs i3 CPU Comparison
And along with 8 gigs of RAM, the Pixel Slate i5 can smoothly multitask across Chrome browser tabs and apps. I effortlessly ran Spotify streaming media playback while writing in Google Docs, browsing in Chrome, and chatting on Slack simultaneously without any hiccups.
CPU and graphical performance does fall short of the latest-gen M2 iPad Pro though, which now utilizes Apple’s super quick custom silicon. The A12Z Bionic chip found in 2020 iPad Pros also out benchmarks the Pixel Slate by around 20%, especially for graphics-intensive applications.
So creative professionals and power users seeking cutting edge speed should probably keep looking. But for most everyday tasks, the Pixel Slate i5 keeps up admirably even years later.
On the storage front, the base 128GB capacity leaves reasonable room for apps, media files and Chrome OS system data. Especially if leveraging cloud sync solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Folks who install huge AAA video game titles or edit tons of multi-gigabyte 8K video projects may need higher capacities. But again – the target user for a device like this likely won’t push the limits too hard.
Finally, battery life remains pretty solid. I regularly use the Pixel Slate for 6-7 hours of continuous work before needing to recharge. This matches close enough to Google’s lofty 10 hour claim, indicating only moderate battery degradation since its 2018 production.
30 minutes plugged into the 18W USB PD charger typically juices it back up to 50%+ too, allowing you to top up quickly on the go.
Keyboard and Accessories
The Pixel Slate really unlocks its potential with keyboard and pen accessories, sold separately. Connect magnetically via the POGO pin port and the Slate transforms into a highly versatile 2-in-1 laptop.
Google Pixel Slate Keyboard
For an extra $199, the first party Google Pixel Slate keyboard clips on sturdily to safeguard against drops. It’s comfortable to type on for hours with backlit keys and a nice texture coating.
My only nitpick here is that it sits completely flush against the bottom edge of the screen. So you lose sight of the very bottom lines of text or apps.
Still, thanks to the keyboard adding an extra USB-C port for charging, plus the responsive trackpad, the Pixel Slate becomes a capable laptop replacement.
Hook up external monitors or use DeX mode to benefit from Chrome OS’s productivity friendly features. Install Linux if you need advanced development tools. Overall if you appreciate Chromebooks, having that level of functionality in tablet form factor can be game changing.
The Pixelbook Pen also unlocks sketching, drawing and handwritten note taking abilities with its pressure and tilt sensitivity. Granted at $100 it seems a bit costly for a stylus. But creative pros or students should get great mileage from its lag-free responsiveness.
Cameras
Admittedly as primarily a productivity device, photo or video capture may not rank too highly on your priority list with the Pixel Slate. But just in case, it does pack 8MP front and 8MP rear shooters.
This allows for crispy 1080p Google Duo video calls, plus the ability to snap quick pics or scans as needed. Don’t expect anything spectacular compared to modern phone cameras. However they get the job done in a pinch.
Speakers
Audio from the dual front firing speakers sounds awesome. With loud, full sound separation between left and right channels, the Pixel Slate pumps out rich vibrant sound.
Listening to music or watching Netflix is genuinely enjoyable thanks to the fantastic audio setup. Bass could hit harder, but mids and highs impress with excellent clarity.
Plus, the four onboard microphones ensure your voice always comes in crystal clearly during video calls. Even from a few feet away.
Software
The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS – Google’s operating system optimized for Chromebooks and cloud-based computing. If you currently use a Chromebook, transitioning to the Slate will feel natural given the shared ecosystem.
And with full access to the Google Play Store, you can install a wide variety of Android mobile apps for entertainment or productivity. Popular choices like Netflix, Spotify, Lightroom and more run smoothly.
Since Chrome OS continually evolves with frequent background updates, the Pixel Slate i5 already has and will continue receiving new features and security patches on the regular. Guaranteeing peace of mind knowing you‘ll stay up to date.
My only caution for potential buyers is that Chrome OS may not suit everybody‘s use case. Relative to Windows or Mac machines, some professional desktop applications (e.g. QuickBooks) may not run natively.
Advanced users can leverage Linux compatibility to access developer-centric tools. But folks hoping for a like-for-like full laptop replacement may come up short depending on their workflow.
Google Pixel Slate i5 vs Other Google Tablets
Let‘s see how Google‘s mid-2018 Pixel Slate i5 compares against other tablets in their lineup.
Google Pixel Slate i5 vs Pixel C
- The 2015 Google Pixel C pre-dated the Pixel Slate series. It had a 10.2” display, NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 3GB RAM and 32/64GB storage capacities.
- Performance and features were fairly basic, but pricing started lower around the $500 mark originally.
- The Pixel C was discontinued in 2017, while the Slate i5 packs significantly better hardware. But with demanding tasks, the Pixel C can still handle essentials like web browsing and video streaming.
For buyers today in 2023, opting for a refurbished Pixel C simply for its lower cost could work nicely for kids or light usage. But the Pixel Slate i5 obviously brings many advantages spec-wise if your budget allows.
Google Pixel Slate i5 vs Pixelbook Go
- The Pixelbook Go debuted a year after the Pixel Slate in 2019. It comes loaded with 8th/10th gen Intel processors up to a Core i7, 8GB/16GB RAM, and 64GB/128GB/256GB storage.
- Weight starts at just 2 lbs with its magnesium alloy chassis. And battery life reaches up to 12 hours per charge depending on usage.
- For a traditional Chrome OS laptop form factor, the Go series earned strong reviews for its premium design, performance, keyboard quality and responsive trackpad.
Compared head-to-head, the Pixelbook Go unsurprisingly provides a more natural laptop-esque experience. But if seeking versatility from detachable tablet modes, the Pixel Slate i5 offers unique 2-in-1 advantages.
Really it comes down personal preferences around mobility, flexibility and processing power. Both devices have merits depending on planned usage – so think hard about which design better suits your needs.
Google Pixel Slate i5: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium lightweight aluminum design with sleek, slim aesthetics
- Bright and gorgeous 12.3” 3000×2000 touchscreen display
- Powerful 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM provide smooth performance
- Long battery life up to 10 hours video playback per charge
- Loud dual front speakers enrich audio and call quality
- Built-in fingerprint sensor enables instant secure login
- Chrome OS + Google Play Store compatible with most Android apps
- Detachable keyboard transforms Pixel Slate into 2-in-1 laptop
Cons
- Expensive, especially when adding $199 for the keyboard
- Dated processor compared to latest generation Apple and Qualcomm silicon
- Chrome OS limitations around some desktop-class software
- No 3.5mm headphone jack (requires USB-C adapter)
- Rear camera mediocre by 2023 standards
As we can see, the Pixel Slate i5 gets way more right than wrong even years later. But shoppers will need to weigh its pros and cons against modern alternatives before parting with $600+ dollars in 2023.
Google Pixel Slate i5 in 2023: Should You Buy It?
The Google Pixel Slate i5 made a solid splash when it launched back in 2018 as a premium Chrome OS tablet. Powered by Intel Core i5 internals and brilliant display, its novel versatility as a transformer laptop/tablet earned largely positive reviews.
Four years later in 2023, the Pixel Slate i5 holds up better than expected. Despite its dated processor, performance remains responsive for most daily productivity workloads. Features like the stunning 12.3" 3000 x 2000 touchscreen, loud speakers and sleek lightweight chassis also withstand the test of time marvelously.
For shoppers seeking those elements in a package cheaper than 2018-era $799 launch pricing, nabbing a refurbished Google Pixel Slate i5 could make sense. Often found around $600, it delivers a more premium slate experience than basic Amazon Fire or Lenovo Android tablets in the budget tier.
However, consumers focused strictly on future-proof power or storage may find faster modern alternatives like the M2 iPad Pro compelling. And shoppers who don‘t need tablet flexibility might prefer a regular Chromebook laptop like the acclaimed Pixelbook Go.
But overall, while no speed demon, the Pixel Slate i5 remains a well-rounded, versatile performer that feels reasonably modern given typical consumer use cases. For the right sale price, this innovative Google tablet can still absolutely get everyday jobs done – and look darn good doing it!
Originally published Jan 2023. Last updated Jan 2023.
