The 12-inch Google Pixelbook is a Chromebook on steroids featuring standout design and the usual attention to detail characteristic of Google-branded hardware. In this review, you will learn all about it including its standout features and strengths as well as who should buy them.

Design & Build Quality

The Google Pixelbook features a 12.3-inch display with an aluminum chassis (with Gorilla Glass accents) and thin bezels for a decidedly modern and sleek but extremely professional aesthetic. The Google Pixelbook is both built and sized for travel with a near nonexistent 10.3mm thick profile that weighs it at only 2.4 pounds, so this thin-and-light laptop is perfect for students, professional and practically anyone who’s always on the go.

Of course, what we love even more is the 360-degree hinge for seamless switching between laptop, tablet, tent and entertainment (stand) mode. This flexibility further begins to move beyond what we typically associate with a laptop, allowing expert modes for note-taking and drawing among others.

Display

It comes with a 12.3-inch Quad HD LCD display offering a resolution of 2400 x1600 pixels that makes it possible for the device to deliver about 235 ppi. The result is a shed load of pixels that make the Pixelbook’s display sharp, bright and colour accurate – which can only be good for watching television or streaming media, zooming in on photos in apps such as Adobe Lightroom or editing snaps with Snapseed – natch it’s also good for general web browsing. Though the aspect ratio of 3:2 is taller than most 16:9 laptops, it makes sense on a device like this where productivity tasks such as reading and writing would see some use.

Performance

Packing Intel Core i5 or i7 processors underneath its hood, the Pixelbook is designed to be just as speedy. Along with 8 or 16GB of RAM, it is easily capable of multitasking, app-switching and even more intensive tasks including light photo or video editing. There are SSD options for storage as well; 128GB, 256GB, or the one I used with a 512GB SSD that offers fast performance and more room for apps and files.

Chrome OS on Pixelbook is the same that you find on any device these days, with a few key differences to how the OS works on non-Pixel Chromebooks. Chrome OS was limited in the past, but with the introduction of the Google Play Store, there are now millions of Android apps on this platform that can be downloaded and used to vastly expand its functionality. The Play Store has all of your productivity apps, creative tools, and games. The Pixelbook even has support for Linux apps with its built-in Crostini containerization system, so it can serve as a true dev or power user machine.

Battery Life

It’s a little power hungry though, with Google telling us to expect it to last up to 10 hours in terms of battery life which is fine for most workdays. You can get about 2 hours of battery life with just a 15-minute charge by fast charging, which makes it quite convenient for users who are constantly on the move.

Keyboard & Trackpad

A backlit keyboard provides comfortable typing with responsive and quiet keys, offering 1.2mm of travel distance. It is great for long typing sessions. A glass trackpad is just as smooth and sensitive, responding to gestures and clicks with high detail … yet experiencing a bit of palm-rejection from time-to-time for some.

Stylus Support

The Pixelbook also works with the optional Google Pixelbook Pen The Pen is perfect for artists, creators, and note takers with plenty of low-latency input complete with pressure sensitivity and tilt support. Also included in the product is Google Assistant, which will let people circle items on screen and bring up relevant details with a search.

Google Assistant Integration

Google Assistant was also built into the more recent Google Pixelbook. This adds a breath of fresh air for voice commands, smart searches and the control over your home-running smart devices. The integration goes a step further with the dedicated Assistant key on the keyboard that makes it easier to bring up the voice functionality.

Security

Being a Chromebook, the Pixelbook also supports other features that would ensure an overall security posture for its users because Chrome OS benefits from ‘out-of-the-box’ security measures like automatic updates, sandboxing and verified boot that all provide safeguards against malware or miss-use of vulnerabilities. Additionally, a Titan C security chip that protects your most sensitive information and encrypts it where you can.

Pros

• Sleek and premium design with high portability
• Vivid Quad HD display with touch support
• Fast performance with Intel Core i5/i7 processors and ample RAM
• Versatility with 4 usage modes (laptop, tablet, tent, and entertainment)
• Access to Android apps and Linux support
• Google Assistant integration
• Fast charging and decent battery life
• Solid build with an excellent keyboard and trackpad

Cons

• Price: The Pixelbook is one of the more expensive Chromebooks on the market.
• Pixelbook Pen sold separately, which adds to the cost if you want full stylus functionality.
• Chrome OS, while powerful for many users, may feel limited for those who need specialized software available only on macOS or Windows.
• Limited number of ports (2 USB-C, headphone jack) with no traditional USB-A or HDMI without an adapter

Final Thoughts

The 12in Google Pixelbook is a great hybrid for those who prioritise portability, style, and the Chrome OS experience istung. If you use Google services a lot, be it for productivity, creativity or just everyday life – this is right up your alley. Being expensive and stuck within the constraints of Chrome OS make it great for some folks, but useless for others who rely on serious desktop software.

But if you are in the market for a premium Chromebook, the Pixelbook is a very strong competitor thanks to its combination of performance, looks and Google-brand features.