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Google Nexus 7 (2013) review

9.1/10 AVG.
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Google Nexus 7 (2013)
Google Nexus 7 (2013)
Google Nexus 7 (2013)
Google Nexus 7 (2013)
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9.1/10
Informr score
The Google Nexus 7 (2013) currently has an Informr score of 9.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 43 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Full HD screen that displays 323ppi
  • New fast Qualcomm processor
  • Thinner and easy to handle tablet design

What's bad

  • No microSD slot
  • Camera is unimpressive

Around a year after the unveiling of Google’s first generation Nexus 7, Google has released the new Nexus 7 (2013).

The newest generation of Nexus 7 offers several improvements over its wildly popular predecessor all while maintaining its sub $300 price tag. One of the biggest inclusions is the 5MP rear-facing camera, which means that now users can capture interesting moments by snapping pictures or recording a video.

Aside from the camera the Nexus 7 (2013) screen is capable of displaying 323 pixels per inch, giving this tablet a much sharper resolution than even the iPad mini. Technically, the screen resolution of the Nexus 7 (2013) is 1920x1200, but this is still considered full HD. The device itself also offers a much smaller bezel for better screen real estate and is also thinner and lighter than the original. In terms of battery life, the Nexus 7 remains at the top offering around 9 hours of use when fully charged, on par with the iPad mini.

Under the hood, the Nexus 7 (2013) has some decent specs, though not necessarily groundbreaking. It comes featured with either 16 or 32GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and a 400MHz Adreno 320 graphics processor. The processor itself is a marked improvement over the Tegra 3 in the original Nexus and is roughly as powerful as high-end phones like the iPhone. This translates to smoother UX and zero lag even with multiple apps open.

Although an improvement over the original, this Nexus is not without its downfalls. One of its newest features for example, the rear-facing camera, is also its least impressive. The camera functions fine, but the quality of the images is fairly basic. It functions much like many other current tablets and worse than many of the more recent phone cameras. For users that don’t mind the quality of the photos and tend to take lots of pictures, they might find the internal storage lacking. Unfortunately, users cannot expand the Nexus 7 (2013) memory as it does not feature a microSD slot.

Despite a couple downfalls, this is definitely the best tablet on the market for the price range. At $230 it is slightly more expensive than the original Nexus, however the improved processor and screen more than make up for the slight price difference.


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
7.02"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7.02"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
3950 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


APC
APC

Overall, it shows just how far ahead of its time this Google Nexus 7 was when launched last year that the competition is only just now starting to catch up. For $300, it continues to be the closest example to perfection in a 7-inch Android tablet.

- Darren Yates, APC
GottaBeMobile
GottaBeMobile

The Nexus 7 LTE on Verizon Wireless delivers a great user experience and is one of the best tablets the carrier offers with 4G LTE connectivity. Some users will prefer the look of the iPad mini but the Nexus 7 LTE is a good choice and a good value at $249 on contract with 32GB of storage.

- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobile
NDTV
NDTV

The Nexus 7 is one of the best Android tablets available in the Indian market in terms of the overall user experience and build quality. However, its graphical performance was mediocre, and we did experience odd lags while playing heavy graphics games. Apart from this, the Nexus 7 (2013) tablet hand...

- Ketan Pratap, NDTV
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

PriceThe Google Nexus 7 (2013) is more expensive than the original but sees a small change in the design, while its exceptional screen and added rear camera help justify this price hike. It’s still lacking a microSD card slot but for many people with be the best 7in tablet around. We now await...

- Chris Martin, Tech Advisor
UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

Considering the specs and performance the Nexus 7 boasts along with it’s price tag, Google is giving their competitors a good run for their money. The only other tablets in this category that are cheaper or close to these specs, are from no-name brands that either dont have a great reputation...

- Clinton Jeff, UnleashThePhones


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Quick view

Screen Size
7.02"

The Google Nexus 7 (2013)'s screen size is 7.02 inches with 1200 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro Quad core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4.4 KitKat) operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/32 GB

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

Battery
3950mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 3950 mAh battery. Asus's performance ratings are 12 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Google Nexus 7 (2013) Specs

Overview
Release Date July 30, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (Update Available: 4.4.4 KitKat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro Quad core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.45 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
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
NFC Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
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 (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1200 x 1920 pixels
Pixel density 323 pixels
Size 7.02 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, 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 3950 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 9 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 12 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 12.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 20 x 11.4 x 0.9 cm (7.9 x 4.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 290 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 No
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MIDI, MP3, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, PDF
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Asus Nexus 7 II, Nexus 7 2, Google Nexus 7 FHD
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Google Nexus 7 (2013) Reviews
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