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Tablet Comparison

Apple iPad Air vs Google Pixel Slate Comparison

A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
Apple iPad Air
Apple
Apple iPad Air
9.0 / 10
Compass Score
From 46 critic reviews
Full review →
Google Pixel Slate
Google
Google Pixel Slate
7.1 / 10
Compass Score
From 34 critic reviews
Full review →
Verdict

Pros & cons

iPad Air

+
Good
+ Fast performance
+ High-quality design
+ MIMO support
+ Beautiful display
+ Plenty of model options
−
Not
− Price
− Lack of Touch ID
− Mediocre camera

Pixel Slate

While there’s a lot to love about the Pixel Slate, you’ll find a more compelling experience from Microsoft’s Surface or Apple’s iPad Pro series. But if the Pixel Slate goes on sale — or Google reduces the price — it could be an interesting option for those looking for a tablet suited to both work and play.

+
Good
+ Beautiful display
+ Sturdy, reassuring build quality
+ Slim design
+ Good audio
+ Two USB-C ports
+ Pixelbook Pen support
+ Multiple configuration options
−
Not
− Price
− No 3.5mm headphone jack
− Some Android app compatibility issues
− Chrome OS only so-so on a tablet
− Heavy for a tablet
− Keyboard not firm enough for on-lap use
Spec data

How they compare

iPad Air
Pixel Slate
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
—
OS
iOS
OS
Custom
Processor
Apple A7 Dual core
Processor
Intel Celeron 8th Gen
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
478g (16.9 oz)
Weight
721g (25.4 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
Yes
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison

Size & weight

Footprint · to scale
iPad Air
9.4" × 6.6"
Pixel Slate
4.5" × 3.1"
Thickness · to scale
iPad Air
0.3"
Pixel Slate
0.1"
Height
9.4" (239 mm)
Height
4.5" (114.5 mm)
Width
6.6" (168 mm)
Width
3.1" (79.5 mm)
Depth
0.3" (7 mm)
Depth
0.1" (2.7 mm)
Weight
478g (16.9 oz)
Weight
721g (25.4 oz)
Screen
9.7"
Screen
12.3"

Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.

Common questions

iPad Air vs Pixel Slate: FAQ

Which is better, the iPad Air or Pixel Slate?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the iPad Air earns a Compass Score of 9.0 compared to 7.1 for the Pixel Slate. That 1.9-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.

Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →