Google is set to release its first tablet in a few years, and the price tags have been leaked ahead of the launch. According to leaker @billbil_kun, the Pixel Tablet will come in two storage configurations: 128 GB and 256 GB, with prices starting at €679.99 and €799.99, respectively.
This makes the Pixel Tablet more expensive than Apple's entry-level iPad, which starts at €379 in Europe, and even the cheapest iPad Air configuration, which starts at €649. However, Google is justifying the higher price point by bundling the tablet with a docking station that will retail separately for $129.
The Pixel Tablet is expected to be more versatile than the iPad, thanks to the included docking station. This accessory will effectively turn the tablet into a Nest Hub Max, with integrated speakers and a magnetic charging solution. It is a feature that sets the Pixel Tablet apart from Apple's offerings.
The higher price point of the Pixel Tablet may be a cause for concern for some potential customers. However, the bundled docking station adds value and makes the tablet a more compelling option for those in the market for a new tablet.
It is worth noting that the leaked pricing information is for France, which has a lower VAT percentage than many other Eurozone countries. Therefore, the Pixel Tablet may be slightly cheaper in Germany, where VAT is 19%, and more expensive in countries like Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, and Sweden, among others.
Furthermore, Google will charge disproportionately more for a memory upgrade with the Pixel Tablet than it does with the Pixel 7. According to the leaked information, there will be a €120 difference between the 128 GB and 256 GB configurations, which is €20 more than the price difference between the two memory configurations of the Pixel 7.
The Pixel Tablet's pricing will likely be a topic of discussion during Google's I/O 2023 keynote, which is scheduled for tomorrow. During the keynote, Google is expected to confirm further details about the Pixel Tablet, including its features and specifications. Pre-orders for the Pixel Tablet are also expected to open after the keynote.
Overall, the Pixel Tablet looks like a promising offering from Google, with a unique bundled accessory that adds value and sets it apart from the competition. However, the higher price point may be a turnoff for some potential customers, and it remains to be seen if the Pixel Tablet will be able to compete with the likes of the iPad in terms of sales.
