ZDNET's key takeaways The Murena Tablet is available starting at $549 for the 128GB version.
This de-Googled Pixel Tablet runs on /e/OS, a custom version of Android 13 that removes all default Google services, trackers, and bloatware
Getting a de-Googled Murena Tablet comes at a premium with no speaker dock, for $549, while the Google Pixel Tablet alone starts at $399 (currently $299) at $479 with a dock. View now at Murena
Many tablet users, myself included, struggle to truly embrace an Android device. It's hard to escape the bloatware and Google-ification that comes with Android tablets and simply use the device for its capabilities. All I want is a tablet for entertainment, light work, and games that isn't bogged down by extras or tracking my use.
Also: Your iPad is getting a huge upgrade for free. 4 features I can't wait to use on iPadOS 26
This is a big reason why I mostly prefer Apple devices, including iPads, over Android. But the Murena Pixel Tablet is a ready-made, de-Googled Android tablet you can buy that doesn't require tinkering or work on your end. After testing it for a few weeks, here's my verdict and buying advice.
The Murena Tablet runs on /e/OS, a custom Android version developed by Murena, a company focused on privacy-first devices. It is a de-Googled Pixel Tablet, so it is physically the same hardware as Google's tablet, but skips the bloatware and tracking that comes with Android.
A de-Googled tablet doesn't come preloaded with the Google apps you get with other out-of-the-box Android tablets. It has a few apps from Murena, like an app store, browser, email, etc. But instead of the 60+ apps that come preloaded in your Google Pixel Tablet (and other Android tablets, for that matter), the Murena Tablet only comes with 23.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Using the Murena Tablet on a day-to-day basis is a refreshing experience. Once you get used to different ranges of Android tablets and iPads, switching to the Murena tablet is freeing: there are no forced ecosystems or distractions. You truly choose your apps and services, down to deciding whether you use an account with your tablet or not.
... continue reading