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.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileThe 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...
- Adam Mills, GottaBeMobileAfter 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...
- James Rogerson, TechRadarThe Google tablet finally takes the Android problem into its own hands
- Chris Martin, Tech AdvisorGoogle 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...
- Michael Kozlowski, Good E-ReaderThe 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...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Google Nexus 7 Manual (PDF)
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