Google Pixel Slate: This Ain't It Chief!
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Don't spend $600 on the Celeron Google Pixel Slate. Just don't do it. But here's a link anyway: store.google.com iPad Pro Review: youtu.be MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Video Gear I use: kit.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Jordyn Edmonds soundcloud.com ~ twitter.com snapchat.com google.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The video opens with Marques Brownlee expressing disappointment about the Google Pixel Slate, framing it as a potential breakthrough device that ultimately falls short. He contrasts the Pixel Slate with the iPad Pro, noting high expectations but a disappointing real-world experience. The reviewer highlights the Pixel Slate’s impressive hardware elements on paper, such as its elegant design, dual front-facing speakers, a sharp 3000 by 2000 molecular display, and flexible keyboard/magnetic folio attachments. However, as soon as he uses the device, lag and choppiness dominate the experience, with multitasking animations taking several seconds to respond and web browsing feeling painfully slow. He explains that even at the base price of $600, the combination of 4GB RAM, a Celeron processor, and modest storage creates a bottleneck that undermines Chrome OS usability. The narrative then pivots to a practical assessment: while the hardware could support a robust laptop-like experience when paired with the optional keyboard, the software performance drags the entire platform down. He acknowledges there are some redeeming software features, such as seamless Android phone integration, a Messages app, and decent split-screen web browsing, but emphasizes that these do not compensate for the sluggish core experience. The verdict is blunt and consistent: this is not a good value, and unless Google fixes the software performance with a rapid update, the Pixel Slate remains a letdown that is unlikely to become great. He suggests alternative paths for potential buyers, recommending the i5 or i7 variants if one must consider a Pixel Slate-like device, or simply choosing an iPad if the budget is tight. The closer the video comes to its end, the clearer the stance becomes: this device is not a compelling daily driver as sold, and the best advice is to avoid the base model and look elsewhere for a smoother, more reliable tablet experience.
Topics · technology · consumer electronics · tablets · laptops · software
Questions answered
- Why is the Pixel Slate considered a poor value at its base configuration?
- Because the combination of a Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM leads to significant lag and a choppy user experience that undermines Chrome OS usability, making it feel slower than many competitors even at the lower price.
- Can software updates fix the Pixel Slate’s performance issues?
- The video suggests that software updates could improve performance, but historically such fixes may not fully overcome fundamental hardware limitations, and the reviewer emphasizes that the device would still struggle as a daily driver without substantial improvements.