Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Apple - iPad (11th gen) | Google - Pixel Tablet 2 |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Weight | 477 g | 498 g |
| Peak brightness | 500 nits | 600 nits |
Between the iPad (11th gen) and Pixel Tablet 2, the iPad (11th gen) comes out ahead in weight, while the Pixel Tablet 2 wins on ram / refresh rate. Overall, the iPad (11th gen) scores 55.8 and the Pixel Tablet 2 scores 60.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Pixel Tablet 2 edges ahead on the Mars Score (55.8 vs 60.2), but the 4.4-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the iPad (11th gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight. The single most decisive one: Weight — 21.00 g less. 477 vs 498.
Pick the Pixel Tablet 2 if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. Its strongest claims are ram, refresh rate, peak brightness. The single most decisive one: RAM — 100.00% more. 12 GB vs 6 GB.
Both ship with comparable screen size, storage, stylus support, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Apple - iPad (11th gen) or Google - Pixel Tablet 2?
Google - Pixel Tablet 2 leads the current Mars Score by 4.4 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare ram, refresh rate against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Apple - iPad (11th gen) if…
Apple - iPad (11th gen) has the measurable edge on weight g.
Choose Google - Pixel Tablet 2 if…
Google - Pixel Tablet 2 has the measurable edge on ram gb, refresh rate hz, peak brightness nits.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Apple - iPad (11th gen) wins
- ▲Weight — 21.00 g less. 477 vs 498.
Why Google - Pixel Tablet 2 wins
- ▲RAM — 100.00% more. 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- ▲Refresh rate — 50.00% more. 90 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Peak brightness — 20.00% more. 600 nits vs 500 nits.
Spec comparison
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPad (11th gen) | Google - Pixel Tablet 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 11 " | 11 " |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 90 Hzlead |
| Panelⓘ | LCD | LCD |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 500 nits | 600 nitslead |
Performance
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPad (11th gen) | Google - Pixel Tablet 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 477 glead | 498 g |
| Stylus support | true | true |
| Cellular | truelead | false |
| OS | iPadOS | Androidlead |