NOTE: The Google Pixel Tablet 2 is likely canceled.
The original Google Pixel Tablet was launched in May last year, during Google I/O 2023. The device was announced alongside the Pixel 7a, Google’s budget smartphone. The Google Pixel Tablet 2 was expected to arrive this year, but that didn’t happen. The thing is, the device is actually rumored to be canceled. Its codenames surfaced a while back, but that doesn’t guarantee that it’s not canceled.
The original Pixel Tablet left a lot of room for improvement, even though it was a solid offering by the company. We do hope to see a number of improvements made with the second-gen model, that’s for sure. So even though the information is scarce at the moment, some details did surface. We’ll also try to fill in the gaps. Let’s see what we can expect Google to deliver this year.
This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel Tablet 2 (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. The last update was made on December 3, 2024.
When will the Google Pixel Tablet 2 be released?
The launch date of the Google Pixel Tablet 2 did not leak just yet, in fact, one source reported that the device is canceled altogether. We’ll assume that it’s not, though, until it become official. Considering that the first-gen model launched during Google I/O in May last year, the same was expected to happen with the Pixel Tablet 2 this year, but it did not. It may launch in 2025, but that’s not as likely, as it’s likely canceled
What models are coming?
Google announced two different iterations of the Pixel Tablet last year. Those two models were identical in all ways but one, storage. The Pixel Tablet included 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. We’re still not sure what combinations is Google preparing this year, but chances are we’ll get a similar setup. A singular RAM option with a couple of storage options. The new model could even start at 256GB of storage, if it ever arrives.
We do hope that Google will offer improved RAM and storage this time around, though. Last year’s model offered LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 flash storage. Let’s hope Google will make a jump to LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0, though I have to say I’m not too optimistic about that. The company will likely want to keep a low price tag on the device, so… we’ll see.
How much will the Google Pixel Tablet 2 cost?
The Google Pixel Tablet was priced at $499 at launch. It was sold with Google’s charging dock/speaker, which was included in that price tag. The Pixel Tablet was envisioned to be both a tablet and a smart display of sorts. Many people would say it did a good job of that, and the price tag Google offered was rather appealing. The company had to cut a number of corners in order to get there, though. If Google plans to keep the same price tag or offer a slight bump, we likely won’t see top-of-the-line specs this time either. We did not see a single Pixel Tablet 2 price rumor or leak, so we can only guess. It’s possible Google has more ambitious plans, we’ll have to wait and see.
What will the Google Pixel Tablet 2 look like?
Even though May 14 is not that far away at this point, the Pixel Tablet 2 design didn’t leak just yet. We did not see its CAD-based renders or anything of the sort. The device’s design is a complete mystery at the moment. The original Pixel Tablet was kind of similar to Google’s budget smartphones from a couple of years ago, in terms of the back side design. The design was understated, and yet nice at the same time. We wonder if the company plans to shift that into something more similar to the Pixel 8.
We need to remember that the Pixel Tablet was a budget device, first and foremost. So Google may want to stick with its design language, and not change things too much. Unless the company is planning to move the Pixel Tablet 2 to a more premium tier of products, of course. All we can do at this point is guess. What we would like to see, however, is for those bezels on the front to get a bit slimmer. The ones on the Pixel Tablet are not exactly slim, so a slight trim would do the trick.
The tablet could be slightly smaller despite the same display size
In regards to the overall size, chances are that Google will want to keep the same display size (around 11 inches in diagonal). The size of the tablet could be a bit smaller if the company ends up thinning those bezels around the display. It remains to be seen. Let’s hope that the design of the device will pop up in the near future, so that we have more to go on. Another thing worth noting is that the device may end up offering a keyboard case.
What specs will the Google Pixel Tablet 2 have?
The Google Pixel Tablet 2 was not exactly a high-end tablet. It did include Google’s most powerful chip at the time, but the specs in general were not exactly high-end. Some improvements are expected, though. We don’t have much to go on in terms of rumors and leaks, but there are some improvements that we’d like to see, and which are plausible.
Now, following the cancelation rumor, the device’s specs also appeared. The tablet was supposed to feature a 10.95-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its peak brightness was supposed to be 550 nits.
The Tensor G4 SoC was supposed to be included
In regards to the SoC, the Google Tensor G4 was supposed to be included, prior to cancelation plans. A slightly lesser-performing version than in the Pixel 9a, actually, of that chip. One version of the tablet was also supposed to support 5G. The Exynos 5400 modem is also reported to have been in Google’s plans for this device.
A 10-megapixel selfie camera was also mentioned, and an 11-megapixel main camera on the back. DisplayPort output up to 4K was also supposed to be included. A Google-made keyboard and stylus were also mentioned in the report. Android 15 was planned for the device too. Considering that the device is seemingly not coming, none of this will become a reality.
Should you wait to buy the Google Pixel Tablet 2?
Considering that the Pixel Tablet 2 is rumored to have been canceled, it’s not like you have much choice if you want a Google-made tablet. The Pixel Tablet is your only normal option at this point, and chances are it will stay that way. It’s still a very good device, and it can end up serving you for years to come, as Google will continue to support it.