Google's Pixel C versus the Microsoft Surface 3 - It ain't pretty

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.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CategorySurface 3Pixel C
OSWindows 10 PersonalAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow
Display10.8-inch ClearType (1920x1280)10.2-inch (2560x1800)
Pixels per inch214 ppi307 ppi
Weight1.41 lb (641g)unknown
ProcessorIntel Quad Core AtomNVIDIA Tegra X1
GPUIntel Gen 8 Broadwell GraphicsNVIDIA Maxwell GPU
RAM2 or 4GB3GB
NetworkWi-Fi, BluetoothWi-Fi, Bluetooth
LTEOptionalNo
KeyboardOptional, $129Optional, $149
Backlit keysYesYes
Storage64 or 128 GB32 or 64GB
Expandable StorageYes, micro SDNo
PortsFull USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPortUSB Type-C
PenOptional, $49No
Camera3.5 MP FFC; 8.0 MP RearFront 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.

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.