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Does the Google Pixel Tablet support a stylus?

Any tablet will become much more productive with a stylus.
By

Published onJune 12, 2023

Google Pixel Tablet on dock showing notifications and quick settings
Kris Carlon / Android Authority

The Google Pixel Tablet is all the hype among tablet enthusiasts. It is easily one of the best Android tablets already, and we know you’re wondering if the device also has what it takes to compete against iPads and the Apple Pencil. Does the Google Pixel Tablet support a stylus?

QUICK ANSWER

Yes, the Google Pixel Tablet supports stylus pens. More specifically, it can take advantage of USI 2.0 styluses. Additionally, you can use any standard capacitive styluses.


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Google Pixel TabletGoogle Pixel Tablet
AA Recommended
Google Pixel Tablet
Unique Nest Hub-like dock • Pixel-exclusive software features • Long-term update policy
MSRP: $499.00
The portability of a tablet and the smarts of a Nest Hub.
The Pixel Tablet is a 10.95-inch slate with Tensor G2-powered features that doubles up as a Nest Hub smart display/speaker when placed in the Charging Speaker Dock.

What is a USI 2.0 stylus?

Google Pixel Tablet Finger On Display Holding
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
Pixel Tablet

The Google Pixel Tablet has USI 2.0 support. USI stands for Universal Stylus Initiative. The standard offers extra features you wouldn’t get with a basic stylus. You can use it with multiple devices, including tablets, laptops, and more. It also includes capabilities like NFC wireless charging, pressure sensitivity, button support, improved tilt functionality, an expanded color palette, and support for in-cell display panels.

Which are the best USI 2.0 styluses for the Pixel Tablet?

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro precision pen 3 stylus button in hand
Kris Carlon / Android Authority

While there aren’t too many USI 2.0 styluses, some stand out. We like the Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus Pen; it is sleek, functional, and has a great battery life. There are also alternatives from more prominent brands. These include the Lenovo USI Pen 2 and the HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen.

Additionally, you can use a capacitive stylus, just like with any other device with a capacitive screen. We have a list of our best stylus pens here. The only real difference is that these won’t offer any extra features. Regular capacitive styluses are essentially the same as using your finger, but with better ergonomics.


FAQs

Yes. It can take advantage of USI 2.0 styluses. Additionally, you can use any standard capacitive stylus with it.

USI 2.0 makes it possible to use non-proprietary, active pens that can do more than simulate a touch on your screen. You can use extra capabilities like pressure sensitivity, tilt support, stylus buttons, support for multiple devices, NFC wireless charging, and more.

While regular capacitive styluses can cost $10 or $20, or even less, USI 2.0 styluses cost significantly more. The cheapest options usually don’t go much lower than $50.

The Google Pixel Tablet doesn’t come with a stylus in the box. You will have to purchase one separately.

You can use any USI 2.0 stylus pen with the Google Pixel Tablet. Capacitive styluses will work too. If you have something proprietary, such as an Apple Pencil, it won’t work.

Are you trying to learn more about the Google Pixel Tablet? Take a look at our hands-on post featuring Google’s tablet. And if you decide to buy it, you might also want to take a look at our Pixel Tablet vs Galaxy Tab S8 comparison, as Samsung’s premium tablet is its main competitor. We’ve also put together lists of the best Pixel tablet accessories and the best Pixel Tablet cases.

By the way, the Google Pixel Tablet was announced alongside the Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold. Check out our Google Pixel 7a review and Google Pixel Fold hands-on post to learn more about these.

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