In May, Google previewed the Pixel Tablet, a device that the company claimed would arrive sometime next year. Teased alongside the Pixel 7 series and the Pixel Watch, the Pixel Tablet raised eyebrows because of its apparent budget or mid-range design. Subsequently, Kuba Wojciechowski observed in Android code that the Pixel Tablet features the old Sony IMX355 for both its camera sensors, another hint that Google will market the tablet as a cheaper device.
Google appears to be working on two Pixel-branded tablets, rather than just one, as it was hinted at in a May teaser. The Pixel Tablet Pro will come alongside the Pixel Tablet. Google is also creating “Tangorpro,” definitely a “Pro” version of “Tangor,” the codename for the standard Pixel Tablet, based on updated Android code.
Highlights
Currently, Wojciechowski observes that Android 13 does not indicate any hardware changes from ‘Tangor’. For reference, Google is expected to equip the regular Pixel Tablet with its first-generation Google Tensor chipset, unlike the upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Moreover, the Pixel Tablet is alleged to be the first Android device lacking support for 32-bit applications, reputedly to maximise its mediocre RAM capacity.
Potentially, the tablet shown at Google I/O 2022 could be one of two that Google has planned. Writing on Twitter, Wojciechowski claims that Google has added references to a possible ‘Pro’ model, likely the Pixel Tablet Pro based on Google’s current naming schemes. According to Wojciechowski, Android 13 QPR1 Beta 1 contains the codename ‘Tangorpro’, with the Pixel Tablet’s codename already known as ‘Tangor’. Additionally, Google has added references for ‘T6Pro’, a model designation that reinforces the device as more expensive alternative to the Pixel Tablet.
Presumably, Google would distinguish the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Tablet Pro in some areas. Hence, we could be looking at early code that will Google will expand upon closer to the pair’s release. In the meantime, Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 7 series and the Pixel Watch next month, as well as the Pixel Fold in March 2023.