Introduction
The recently announced Google Pixel tablet has generated excitement among Android fans eager for a premium tablet option.
However, upon its unveiling, questions emerged regarding the connectivity options available. Specifically – Does this Pixel Tablet Contain LTE Mobile Data, or is it Wi-Fi only? Let’s analyze what’s currently known about cellular capabilities on Google’s inaugural tablet.
What is LTE and Why Does LTE Matter?
LTE (Long Term Evolution) refers to the 4G cellular network standard that enables fast data speeds on mobile devices. The key benefits of LTE versus relying solely on Wi-Fi are:
- Continuous connectivity when away from Wi-Fi hotspots (enables productivity/entertainment on-the-go)
- Lower latency than Wi-Fi for better real-time application performance
- Ability to use your carrier subsidized data plan rather than public Wi-Fi
For these reasons, LTE is an extremely desirable feature for tablets marketed as productivity or media consumption devices. But does the Pixel tablet deliver this sought-after capability? Let’s investigate further.
Does the Google Pixel Tablet Have LTE?
When the Google Pixel Tablet was announced back in October 2022, Google indicated that only a Wi-Fi model would be available to start. There was no mention of a cellular LTE option.
This differs from Google’s popular Pixel phones. For example, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro flagship phones both come in Wi-Fi only models as well as LTE/5G models. So people expected similar options for the Pixel Tablet.
Since launch, Google has not provided any updates on whether an LTE model is in the works. Some tech analysts speculate that Google may eventually launch a Pixel Tablet with 5G support. But so far, it seems Wi-Fi-only is the only connectivity.
Workarounds to Add Cellular Connectivity
Since the Google Pixel tablet lacks a SIM card slot for LTE, what are some workarounds? Here are a few options:
- Phone Hotspot- You can use your phone’s hotspot to let your Wi-Fi only tablet access LTE data. Just pair your phone and enable the hotspot feature to share the cellular connection.
- Bluetooth Tethering– Another option is Bluetooth tethering to share your phone’s internet over Bluetooth. Useful when hotspot is unavailable.
- Buying an LTE Tablet– If cellular connectivity is important, consider LTE-enabled Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, etc.
Other Android Tablets to Fill the Gap of LTE
In the meantime, if you need untethered internet access for your tablet, there are plenty of Android options to consider like the:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series
- Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
- Xiaomi Pad 5
These come equipped with LTE connectivity out of the box. So based on your specific needs, they could be suitable alternatives.
Bottom Line
To summarize clearly – the current Google Pixel Tablet model only comes with Wi-Fi connectivity. There is no LTE or 5G option at this time. Google may release a cellular model down the road. But for now, the only way to access data away from Wi-Fi is by using workarounds like phone tethering. If mobile internet is important for your usage, there are other LTE/5G Android tablets to consider today from brands like Samsung. Or you could wait and see if Google releases a cellular Pixel Tablet later on.
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