The much-anticipated Pixel Tablet 2 may never make it to store shelves, but fresh insights reveal the improvements Google had planned for its second-generation device. According to a detailed report by Android Authority, the Pixel Tablet 2 would have featured significant upgrades, including a better display, 5G connectivity, and additional smart home functionalities.
Enhanced display and camera upgrades
Google’s abandoned tablet would have introduced a high-refresh-rate 120Hz 10.95-inch LCD, doubling the refresh rate of its predecessor. The resolution was set to remain at 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, offering sharp visuals with smoother scrolling and gaming experiences.
Camera improvements were also on the table. The front camera was expected to feature the same 10MP sensor as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, delivering better selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the rear camera would have been upgraded to an 11MP shooter, enhancing photo quality for everyday use.
Faster connectivity with 5G support
A standout upgrade included a 5G modem borrowed from Google’s Pixel 9 series. This addition would have made the Pixel Tablet 2 compatible with high-speed mobile networks, a feature missing in the first-generation device. While cellular models would have included GPS functionality, satellite connectivity remained absent from Google’s plans.
Google is leaning heavily into the smart home market with the Pixel Tablet 2. It was rumoured to include a Thread radio, a feature already seen in Pixel 9 smartphones. However, like the phones, the Thread radio’s functionality remained unclear. The tablet was also expected to offer external display support, connecting to monitors with resolutions of up to 4K, a feature to enhance productivity and entertainment options.
Why the Pixel Tablet 2 won’t happen
Despite these promising upgrades, the Pixel Tablet 2 joins the list of Google projects that have yet to see completion. While the enhancements may not have been groundbreaking, they could have helped Google compete more effectively against rivals like Apple’s iPad.
The Pixel Tablet remains a standalone experiment, with no successor in sight. The decision to abandon the Pixel Tablet 2 underscores the challenges of making headway in a competitive tablet market, where innovation and execution are crucial to gaining traction.
