Google Pixel Tablet vs. Apple iPad Air (2022): The Ultimate Tablet Battle
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) wins on raw power and app ecosystem, making it ideal for creative professionals and demanding users. The Pixel Tablet shines with its smart home integration and included dock, offering a compelling entertainment and smart home control solution for casual users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel Tablet | Apple iPad Air (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2589 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2589, A2591 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2591 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 10 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 258 x 169 x 8.1 mm (10.16 x 6.65 x 0.32 in) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 493 g (1.09 lb) | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) |
| Stylus support | Stylus support (2nd gen) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Apple M1 |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 1), magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7020 mAh (27 Wh) | Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Rose | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Models | GA06156-EU, GA06157-EU, GA06158-EU | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 |
| Price | About 670 EUR | About 550 EUR |
Google Pixel Tablet
- Unique dock and charging station
- Seamless Google ecosystem integration
- Good value for the price
- Excellent smart home hub capabilities
- Less powerful than iPad Air
- LCD display not as vibrant
- Slower charging speed
Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Blazing-fast M1 chip performance
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
- Vast app ecosystem
- Excellent build quality
- Higher price point
- Limited smart home integration compared to Pixel Tablet
- No included charging dock
Display Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) boasts a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with excellent color accuracy and brightness. The Pixel Tablet has an 10.95-inch LCD display, which is good but doesn't quite match the iPad's vibrancy. Both offer sharp visuals, but the iPad Air's display is noticeably superior.
Camera Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) features a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP front camera. The Pixel Tablet has an 8MP rear and 8MP front camera. While both are adequate for casual photography and video calls, the iPad Air generally produces better image quality.
Performance
The Apple M1 chip in the iPad Air (2022) is a significant advantage. It delivers blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The Pixel Tablet's Tensor G2 is capable, but it's not in the same league as the M1. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the iPad.
Battery Life
Both tablets offer all-day battery life under typical usage. The iPad Air (2022) generally provides slightly longer battery life, especially during intensive tasks. Expect around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on both devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Google Pixel Tablet? Users seeking a seamless smart home hub with entertainment capabilities, those invested in the Google ecosystem, and those who appreciate a unique docking experience. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? Creative professionals, students, and anyone needing a powerful, versatile tablet with access to a vast app library and excellent performance.