Google's upcoming Pixel C is expected to launch soon, but it already got benchmarked and the results are impressive.
For those unfamiliar with the device, the Google Pixel C made its debut back in September but has yet to hit commercial availability. The name and design make it seem like a Chromebook, but the new Pixel C actually runs the latest version of Android.
Recent whispers indicated that the Android-powered Pixel C would hit retail sometime this week, perhaps on Dec. 8. Ahead of the expected release, however, a couple of benchmark sites got a hold of the device, giving a glimpse of the great performance this 2-in-1 hybrid will bring to the table.
The new Pixel C got high scores in both GeekBench and GFXBench tests, suggesting that it will launch as a real powerhouse. As a reminder, one of the highlights of the Pixel C is that it's fueled by Nvidia's Tegra X1 processor.
GeekBench shows that the Pixel C can clock a single-core performance of 1,395, while multi-core clocks at 4,345. The Nexus 9, for instance, packs an Nvidia Tegra K1 and scores 1,884 and 3,204 on single- and multi-core, respectively. The Pixel C could've scored an even better performance if it had 4 GB of RAM, but Google only packed 3 GB.
GFXBench, meanwhile, confirms other specs for the Pixel C tablet that can turn into a notebook. The device features a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,800 pixels and "at least 5 finger gesture support," runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, draws power from an octa-core 1.9GHz Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC comprising of four Cortex-A57 and four Cortex-A53 cores on ARMv8 big.Little architecture, has a Tegra X1 GPU, 2.7 GB of RAM, 53 GB of storage, a 7-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front shooter.
The two benchmark listings for the new Pixel C leave little concerns regarding performance, but it remains to be seen whether Google will be able to position its hybrid tablet as a real competitor to Apple's new iPad Pro.
Both the Pixel C and the iPad Pro aim to serve as business and productivity devices that can handle more serious work than a real tablet, offering the processing power and the form factor to pull it through.
Looking at the Pixel C only as an Android tablet, the device should be quite amazing. Its generous 10.2-inch display should offer plenty of screen real estate for various tasks, it has a USB Type-C port, and it comes with a $499 starting price, with an additional $149 for the optional Bluetooth keyboard.
All in all, Google's new Pixel C is shaping up as a powerful device and should hit the market soon enough, before the holidays kick off.
