Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

Google Nexus 7 review

8.5/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
Google Nexus 7
...


8.5/10
Informr score
The Google Nexus 7 currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 55 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • High-power NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
  • 1GB of RAM makes it easy to run most apps and even multitask
  • Affordable considering the number of high-end features it packs inside it

What's bad

  • No expansion slot / microSD card
  • No microHDMI output

The Google Nexus 7 weighs in at just 340g, has a thin 10mm profile, comes equipped with a 7-inch screen, and is overall hardly larger than a paperback novel. Yet despite all of this, it is definitely not a small fry. In fact, with its recent unveiling, Google has managed to easily set the bar for the next-generation of budget-friendly but high-quality Android-powered tablet computers. And best of all, it runs Android 4.1 Jellybean, the latest version of the Android software.

What makes the Google Nexus 7 so special is the fact that it houses a lot of high-end Android tablet features in its small casing. Powering the Google Nexus 7 is a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of on-device RAM, a 4325mAh battery, and choices of either 8GB of 16GB of internal storage. Google rates the Nexus 7’s battery as good for up to 8 hours on a charge, which is understandable given how thin it is. It’s actually quite an impressive feat since the built-in 7-inch screen features a native resolution of 1280x800 pixels. Other hardware features include a front-facing camera, various types of motion sensors, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, and microUSB connectivity.

The lack of certain hardware features might be a deal breaker for some. For instance, the Google Nexus 7 doesn’t come with a built-in microHDMI port or a microSD card slot. However, it’s meant to be more of a pocket organizer than a full-fledged pocket computer in that you can use it to complement your existing main kit of devices. That’s the reason for its immense portability and extremely low price point. Besides, it is the first and so far the only Android device that officially runs version 4.1 a.k.a. Jellybean, which brings about a bunch of important software improvements that many users will no doubt find useful.

You could turn it into a reading device or simply make it your main way of consuming multimedia content. Whatever you or the rest of the market decides to do, it’s clear at this point that Google has got a winner in the Nexus 7. And perhaps, at long last, it’s finally appropriate to stop and say, yes, these are the Droids that you are looking for.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.3 GHz
7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
Yes
Camera
Camera
Yes
4325 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

The Nexus 7 (2013) is one of the best cheap Android tablets you can buy, and one of a handful worth considering in the $200 to $250 price range. Asus and Google don’t skimp on the important features like many budget tablets do, which adds up to a great experience that gets fast updates and com...

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

After a year with the Nexus 7, there is a part of me that is glad that I invested that $250 in Google’s 7-inch tablet. It was a great device, when it worked properly. When I think if my time with these Nexus devices, the word that comes to mind is inconsistent. Owning a Nexus device is like ri...

- Adam Mills, GottaBeMobile
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Google tablet finally takes the Android problem into its own hands

- James Rogerson, TechRadar
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

Google has set a new standard for budget tablets with the Nexus 7. It's an unbelievably well-equipped device for such an affordable price. The silky smooth performance and high resolution IPS screen are the highlights for us. If you're looking for a tablet under £200 then look no further than...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
Good E-Reader
Good E-Reader

The Nexus 7 has a ton going for it. It is rare you can buy an Android tablet with no bloatware and no superfluous content to bog you down. Many people are obviously really drawn to Android, and the ability to craft your own experience. The Nexus 7 blends high performance hardware with solid resoluti...

- Michael Kozlowski, Good E-Reader


Prices (Where to Buy)





Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The Google Nexus 7's screen size is 7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.3 GHz

There is a Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad-core 1.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
Yes
There is a front-facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
8/16/32 GB

Internal memory is 8/16/32 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
4325mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 4325 mAh battery. Asus's performance ratings are 12 days standby time, 8 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Google Nexus 7 Specs

Overview
Release Date July 15, 2012
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad-core 1.3 GHz
Internal Storage 8/16/32 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
No
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 216 pixels
Size 7 inches
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Scratch-resistant Corning glass
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 4325 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 8 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 8 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 12 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.9 x 12.0 x 1.0 cm (7.8 x 4.7 x 0.4 in)
Weight 340 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types:
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Asus Nexus Tablet, Google Nexus Tablet, ASUS Pad ME370T

NFC Enabled
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Google Nexus 7 Reviews
Where to buy Google Nexus 7
Suggest a correction