Besides announcing some interesting new phones, Android also revealed their forthcoming Pixel C tablet. The Pixel C is not made by any third party OEMs and is instead made in-house by Google. However, the device won't be out until towards the end of the year, and not all the details are out about the hardware.
Needless to say that when you look you are likely seeing another Surface clone. The Pixel C is a 10-inch tablet with an optional keyboard, and that is not where the similarities end. The good news for Microsoft is that the Pixel C seems like a stretch of a device when compared to the Surface 3.
Let's compare.
| Category | Surface 3 | Pixel C |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Personal | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Display | 10.8-inch ClearType (1920x1280) | 10.2-inch (2560x1800) |
| Pixels per inch | 214 ppi | 307 ppi |
| Weight | 1.41 lb (641g) | unknown |
| Processor | Intel Quad Core Atom | NVIDIA Tegra X1 |
| GPU | Intel Gen 8 Broadwell Graphics | NVIDIA Maxwell GPU |
| RAM | 2 or 4GB | 3GB |
| Network | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| LTE | Optional | No |
| Keyboard | Optional, $129 | Optional, $149 |
| Backlit keys | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 64 or 128 GB | 32 or 64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes, micro SD | No |
| Ports | Full USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort | USB Type-C |
| Pen | Optional, $49 | No |
| Camera | 3.5 MP FFC; 8.0 MP Rear | Front and rear |
| Price | $499, $599, $699 | $499 or $599 |
Like Google's $1000 Chromebook Pixel it is hard to imagine why anyone would pick a Pixel C over a Surface 3. With the Surface, you are getting a full-fledged computer with an optional pen and more options for the same price.
If you max out to the $699 Surface 3, you get more RAM, more storage, more expansion, likely better cameras and even LTE support.
Even Microsoft's Type Cover is $20 cheaper, and the keys are backlit.
The Pixel C seems like a continued novelty device for Google's Android OS. Diehards may want one, and it may even be a fun accessory, but it pales when compared to the Surface 3.
- Google Pixel C – All you need to know
- Hands-on with the Google Pixel C
- Microsoft Surface 3- All you need to know
