Google Pixel Slate Vs Samsung Tab S6 Is The Pixel Slate Even Worth It Anymore

The tablet market has evolved rapidly over the past few years, and devices once positioned as productivity powerhouses now face stiff competition from newer models and shifting user expectations. The Google Pixel Slate and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 were both launched with high ambitions—bridging the gap between tablets and laptops. However, time has not been kind to all contenders equally. With Samsung continuing to refine its Android-based ecosystem and Google stepping back from Chrome OS tablets, the question remains: is the Pixel Slate still a viable option today, especially when compared to the enduring Tab S6?

Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel, Different Philosophies

Both the Pixel Slate and the Galaxy Tab S6 boast premium aluminum builds that feel solid in hand. The Pixel Slate features a minimalist, slab-like design with symmetrical bezels and an understated Google logo on the back. At 705 grams (Wi-Fi only), it’s slightly heavier than the Tab S6 (483g), which benefits from a lighter magnesium alloy chassis.

The Tab S6 stands out with its sleek profile and integrated S Pen silo—a thoughtful touch that ensures you always have your stylus handy. The Pixel Slate, meanwhile, requires a separate folio case for stylus storage, which adds cost and inconvenience.

While both tablets are designed for portability, the Tab S6 wins in ergonomics. Its curved edges and balanced weight distribution make it more comfortable for prolonged handheld use, whether sketching or reading. The Pixel Slate, while elegant, feels more like a piece of lab equipment than a consumer-friendly device.

Tip: If you frequently use a stylus, prioritize devices with built-in pen storage to avoid losing it.

Performance and Hardware: Chrome OS vs Android Advantage

Under the hood, hardware configurations varied at launch. The Pixel Slate offered Intel Core m3, i5, and i7 options, giving it laptop-grade processing power on paper. The Tab S6, by contrast, launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855, optimized for mobile efficiency rather than desktop-class multitasking.

In practice, however, raw specs don’t tell the full story. The Pixel Slate ran Chrome OS, which struggled to fully leverage its powerful internals due to limited app optimization and inconsistent tablet-mode behavior. Many users reported sluggishness when running multiple Linux apps or progressive web apps simultaneously.

The Tab S6, running Android 9 (upgradable to Android 12), delivers smoother day-to-day performance. Samsung DeX enhances productivity by offering a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display. While not as robust as full desktop OS environments, DeX provides a seamless transition for users who want more than just touch apps.

“Hardware is only as good as the software layer above it. The Pixel Slate had potential, but Chrome OS wasn’t ready for prime-time tablet use.” — Mark Liu, Mobile Industry Analyst

Software Experience and Ecosystem: Where the Real Divide Lies

This is where the comparison becomes most telling. The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS, which supports Android apps, Linux applications, and traditional web tools. On paper, this sounds ideal. In reality, the experience was fragmented. Tablet-optimized versions of Android apps were hit-or-miss, Linux apps often required command-line tinkering, and Chrome extensions didn’t always scale well on a 12.3-inch screen.

Samsung’s One UI on the Tab S6 offers a mature, refined Android experience tailored for larger screens. Apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe Fresco, and Samsung Notes are deeply integrated, and the S Pen enables precise note-taking and drawing straight out of the box. Moreover, Samsung continues to deliver regular security updates and feature enhancements, whereas Google discontinued official support for the Pixel Slate in late 2021.

Without ongoing software updates, the Pixel Slate is increasingly vulnerable to security flaws and incompatible with newer web standards. Even if the hardware still functions, the lack of long-term support severely undermines its viability in 2024.

Detailed Comparison Table: Key Features Side-by-Side

Feature	Google Pixel Slate	Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Release Year	2018	2019
Operating System	Chrome OS (no future updates)	Android 12 (One UI 4.1)
Processor	Intel m3/i5/i7	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
RAM	4GB – 16GB	6GB / 8GB
Display	12.3” 3000×2000 (3:2)	10.5” 2560×1600 (16:10)
Stylus Support	Pixelbook Pen (sold separately, no silo)	S Pen (included, magnetic attach + silo)
Keyboard Accessory	Folio Keyboard (expensive, mixed reviews)	Book Cover Keyboard (detachable, widely praised)
Battery Life	~7 hours (mixed usage)	~10–12 hours
Current Support Status	End-of-life (EOS December 2021)	Security updates until 2025+

Real-World Use Case: A Freelancer’s Dilemma

Consider Maya, a freelance graphic designer who bought a Pixel Slate in 2019 hoping for a hybrid work device. Initially impressed by the sharp display and fast processor, she quickly grew frustrated. Chrome OS lacked proper design tools, forcing her to rely on browser-based alternatives with limited functionality. Installing Linux versions of GIMP and Inkscape helped, but performance lagged, and file management remained clunky.

After upgrading to a Galaxy Tab S6 in 2021, her workflow transformed. With the S Pen, she could sketch directly into Adobe Illustrator Draw and annotate client PDFs effortlessly. Samsung DeX allowed her to connect a monitor and manage emails and invoices in a windowed environment. Regular updates ensured compatibility with new file formats and cloud services.

For professionals needing reliable, long-term performance, Maya’s experience highlights why ecosystem maturity matters more than peak hardware specs.

Is the Pixel Slate Worth It Anymore? A Reality Check

As of 2024, the answer is clear: unless you’re acquiring a Pixel Slate for under $100 and accepting it as a secondary device or tech experiment, it’s no longer a practical choice. Here’s why:

• No software updates: Security vulnerabilities go unpatched, and modern web apps may fail to load properly.
• Poor accessory availability: The Folio Keyboard is discontinued and sells at inflated prices secondhand.
• Limited app optimization: Even with Android apps enabled, many don’t scale correctly on Chrome OS.
• Better alternatives exist: From the Tab S8 series to iPadOS devices, current tablets offer superior integration and support.

If you already own a Pixel Slate, consider repurposing it—perhaps as a smart home dashboard or digital photo frame. But for new buyers, investing in any current-gen Samsung Galaxy Tab or even a refurbished Tab S6 makes far more sense.

Checklist: What to Look for in a Modern Productivity Tablet

1. Active manufacturer support (minimum 3 years of OS updates)
2. Integrated stylus with palm rejection and pressure sensitivity
3. Reliable keyboard cover with good key travel
4. Desktop-mode functionality (e.g., DeX, Stage Manager, or Chrome OS tablet mode)
5. At least 6+ hours of real-world battery life
6. Regular security patches and timely bug fixes
7. Strong app ecosystem tailored for large screens

FAQ

Can I still use the Pixel Slate in 2024?

Yes, but with major caveats. Basic browsing and media playback will work, but expect compatibility issues with modern websites, unpatched security risks, and poor app performance. Avoid using it for sensitive tasks like banking or email.

Why did Google discontinue the Pixel Slate?

Low consumer adoption, mixed reviews on software experience, and strategic shifts toward foldables and AI-powered phones led Google to exit the tablet space. Internal reports suggested the device failed to meet sales targets by over 60%.

Is the Galaxy Tab S6 still supported?

Yes. Samsung has committed to providing security updates for the Tab S6 through at least 2025, and it remains compatible with the latest versions of Android and One UI.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 outperforms the Google Pixel Slate in nearly every meaningful category—software longevity, stylus integration, ecosystem maturity, and real-world usability. While the Pixel Slate was an ambitious attempt to redefine what a Chrome OS device could be, it ultimately fell short due to incomplete software optimization and Google’s retreat from the tablet market.

Today, the Tab S6—even as a previous-generation model—remains a capable, supported device that delivers consistent value. The Pixel Slate, despite its impressive hardware, is best viewed as a historical artifact of a transitional period in computing.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Explore current Samsung Galaxy Tab models or consider the Tab S6 on the refurbished market for unbeatable value. Don’t let outdated tech slow you down—choose a device built for today’s demands.