There is a huge demand in the market for 2-in-1 hybrid devices as it gives you the taste of Laptop and working tablet in a single device. In this post, we will review one of such device Google Pixel Slate M3.
A 2-in-1 device offers you more flexibility for working and enjoying. You can use it as a laptop or can detach its keyboard for using it as a tablet. Even though people don’t show much eager to buy these laptop-cum-tablet. Might be they think it as a fragile device and prone to damages. But is the Google Pixel Slate M3 worth buying? Let’s see what it offers.
Google Pixel Slate M3 Review
For those who don’t have much time to to read the full article, here is the direct pros and cons of Google Pixel Slate M3 device. If you fit in the pros, you can buy it:
Pros:
- Beautiful 12.3-inch 2K display
- Loud and clear front-facing speakers
- Comfortable backlit keyboard
- Responsive trackpad
- Fast and easy-to-use Chrome OS
- Wide range of apps available in the Google Play Store
Cons:
- Battery life is not great
- Performance can be sluggish when running demanding apps
- Expensive
- Not compatible with all Windows apps
If you are looking for a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 device and have already invested in the Google ecosystem, the Google Pixel Slate M3 might be an ideal choice for you.
Let’s have a closer look at the device.
Performance of Google Pixel Slate M3
Released in 2019, the Google Pixel Slate M3 is powered by core M3 processor of Intel.
The Intel Core M3 processor is a series of low-power processors designed for use in portable devices, such as ultra-thin laptops and tablets. The Core M3 processors offer a balance between power efficiency and performance. This allows you browse, process documents and do light editing easily. You can read more about M3 Processor on Intel site.
Screen and Design
The first thing that comes in mind when we listen a tablet is Screen. So let’s begin with its screen. The Slate M3 comes with a 12.3-inch bright LCD Molecular Display screen having touchscreen display with Pixelbook Pen support, giving you with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, resulting in sharp and vibrant visuals.
The Pixel Slate m3 features a sleek and modern design with a aluminium body making it look and feel premium. It has a slim profile and a lightweight build, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. Length: 290.85mm, Width: 202.04mm.
Cameras and Speakers
The Pixel Slate m3 is equipped with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. While these cameras are decent for video calls and casual photography, they may not offer the same level of quality as dedicated smartphone cameras.
It offers you front-facing speakers whose voice is loud and clear, perfect for entertaining purposes. Dual front-firing speakers gives better surround sound and have 2 mics for improved noise cancellation.
Memory and Storage
The Pixel Slate M3 offers you 8GB of RAM, which provides ample memory for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously, and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, depending on the variant.
While this should be sufficient for most users, it’s worth noting that there is no expandable storage option available.
Connectivity
The Slate M3 tablet supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy internet access and wireless connectivity with other devices. It also features USB Type-C ports, which offer fast data transfer speeds and can be used for charging and connecting external peripherals. These are just like other hybrid laptops.
Operating System
The Pixel Slate m3 runs on Chrome OS, Google’s operating system designed for lightweight computing and online productivity. Chrome OS provides seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem of apps and services, allowing for easy synchronization across devices.
However, it’s important to note that Chrome OS has limitations when compared to traditional desktop operating systems like Windows or macOS. Definitely Chrome OS cannot compete with Windows or Linux or MacOS in terms of performance.
Additional Features of Google Pixel Slate M3
The tablet supports the Pixelbook Pen, which is sold separately, just like other companies do to make extra profit, enabling users to take notes, draw, and interact with the device using a stylus.
Sensors:
3-axis Gyroscope/Accelerometer
Magnetometer
Antenna Proximity Sensors
Ambient Light Sensor
Magnetic Sensor Fingerprint Sensor on power button
However, the Pixel Slate m3 is not without its flaws. The battery life is not great, and the performance can be sluggish when running demanding apps. The device is also expensive, and it is not compatible with all Windows apps.
Battery life
The battery life on the Pixel Slate m3 is not great. You can expect to get around 5-6 hours of use on a single charge, which is not very good for a 2-in-1 device.
Price
The Pixel Slate m3 is expensive. The base model costs $599, which is more than some other 2-in-1 devices on the market.
Software
The software on the Pixel Slate m3 can be buggy. There have been reports of apps crashing and the operating system freezing.
Some alternatives to the Google Pixel Slate m3
Personally, I would recommend to go with its alternatives which give you better productivity options and performance. Here are some of the alternatives of Google Pixel Slate M3:
Microsoft Surface Pro 7: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a great alternative to the Pixel Slate m3. It has a longer battery life, better performance, and a more stable operating system.
Lenovo Yoga C740: The Lenovo Yoga C740 is another great alternative to the Pixel Slate m3. It has a long battery life, good performance, and a comfortable keyboard.
Asus Chromebook Flip C434: The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a great budget-friendly alternative to the Pixel Slate m3. It has a long battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and a great price.
FAQ: Who is the Pixel Slate m3 for?
The Pixel Slate m3 is a good choice for users who are looking for a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 device. It is also a good choice for users who are already invested in the Google ecosystem. However, the device is not for everyone. If you are looking for a device with long battery life or compatibility with all Windows apps, then the Pixel Slate m3 is not the best choice for you. Also Slate M3 is little outdated in terms of hardware. You can go with other hybrid laptop-cum tablet.
FAQ: Is the Pixel Slate m3 discontinued?
Yes, the Pixel Slate m3 was discontinued in January 2021. However, it is still available for purchase from some retailers.
FAQ: Can the Pixel Slate run Windows?
The Pixel Slate can not run Windows natively. However, there is a project called SlateOS that allows you to dual-boot Chrome OS and Windows 10 on the Pixel Slate. However, this project is still in development and not yet stable.
Read about Best i7 Windows Laptop
Read about Acer Swift 3 SF315-41G Honest Review
Read about Macbook 12in M7