Some mobile devices can be assigned to a particular price category, and based on this, determine how (in general) they will behave during operation. And there are devices that are clearly superior to their “colleagues” in terms of price and show performance at a level higher than expected from them, based on the cost of the model.
The device that we will consider today belongs to the category of such devices. This is the Google Nexus 7 tablet, which, due to its affordability and a lot of wide possibilities, has gained quite a lot of popularity in the world of technology. We'll talk about him.
Two generations
We should start with the fact that during the entire existence of the Nexus line (which, recall, began with the Nexus 5 mobile phone), two generations of tablets of the 7th model were released. This is most likely due to a lot of flaws in the first model, which were already corrected in the second version. The most notable differences include the dimensions of the case (“Asus Nexus 7” of 2013 became a little thinner than its predecessor), the quality of the display and its density, processor power, the presence of the main camera, and so on. And since the first generation is considered relatively obsolete, in the article we will probably characterize the device that was released last (in 2013). This is how we can appreciate the benefits of this tablet more worthily.
Positioning
As for the image that the developers created for this gadget, the Asus Nexus 7 tablet is presented as one of the most powerful devices on the Android operating system. At least, this was the case in 2013, at the time of the release of the device, and even now the tablet continues to be successfully sold and is in demand. In addition to the power (and hence the stable operation of the gadget), you can also note its simplicity. You can notice this both externally and by the price of the tablet. And in general, there is nothing superfluous in Nexus 7, it is due to this, most likely, that the device attracts attention.
Other options also seem to be made to validate this "functional yet accessible" look. It has a 5-megapixel camera that takes good pictures, a powerful dual-core processor, a colorful screen with a very high pixel density, thanks to which the picture quality here is higher than on real paper.
However, let's not get ahead of ourselves and reveal all the cards of this model. Let's start the Asus Nexus 7 characterization with the body of the device, what materials it is made of.
Case and finishing materials
Unlike the next generation Nexus (model number 9), the “seven” is not made of metal, but of ordinaryplastic. Perhaps, due to this, a more affordable price for this model is provided. When held in your hands, the tablet feels comfortable: this material has a matte surface, which ultimately creates a pleasant tactile sensation.
The body of the tablet is made in one piece, due to which no backlashes or squeaks, of course, are observed. The screen unlock and volume keys are located on the sidebar at the top of the screen. Due to the fact that the tablet in the frontal projection looks symmetrical about the central axis (roughly, both the top and bottom of the device look the same), it can be difficult to determine how to take the tablet to hit the side keys with your finger. Gradually, as you work with the device, a habit arises to pay attention to the front camera eye - the navigation is located directly opposite it. This arrangement of buttons suggests that the Nexus 7 tablet is designed to be used in a vertical position. When reading books or articles, this is really convenient, but not in the case of surfing in the browser. The fact is that the pages in the same Google Chrome are too narrow, which sometimes interferes with reading. However, this is not a problem - the tablet can simply be turned horizontally.
Regarding the strength of the case and how successfully the tablet endures various “tests” (damages, shocks, and so on), it should be noted that Nexus is not so positive in this matter. For example, we managed to find a video in which the gadget is crash tested. Literally at the first stage - falling onto asph alt from a height of 1.2-1.5meters (on the back cover) - the device failed, despite the fact that the case remained almost unscathed. Yes, and the reviews of those who own the tablet confirm: the model does not tolerate physical damage, because of which the plastic case begins to break, chips, cracks, and so on appear. Perhaps, with a metal finish, the “seven” would be an order of magnitude stronger and unpretentious in maintenance. And so, obviously, you need to buy additional accessories in order to protect both the glass and the hardware of the device in case of drops or bumps.
Screen
On the Asus Nexus 7 (the specifications fully confirm this), the developers installed a 7-inch IPS display capable of transmitting Full HD images. The screen resolution of the device is 1920 by 1200 pixels. In practice, this means a high dot density (as mentioned above, about 323 ppi) and, as a result, accuracy, image sharpness, image clarity.
However, on a 7-inch screen, it is hardly possible to fully appreciate the dignity of the graphic component of the tablet, since these are too small sizes in order to distinguish pixels even on devices with a lower resolution. Therefore, simply put, you will enjoy the picture on your Nexus 7 in any situation - there are no problems with the screen of this series of tablets.
A plus is also a special oleophobic coating, which reduces the degree of contamination of the display by fingerprintsowner.
Processor
It's no secret that, in principle, the speed of the device and its performance depend on which processor is installed. As already noted, the Nexus 7 is doing well with this - it has a quad-core Quallcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro with a frequency of 1.5 GHz. It should be noted that this is an improvement over the filling seen on the 2012 model.
The Nexus 7 RAM (the specifications confirm this) is increased to 2 GB here, due to which there are some delays in the operation of the gadget (even when loading it with cumbersome processes, such as launching some colorful game etc.) are not observed. Reviews of those who had a chance to deal with the tablet in everyday life confirm that the device works quite dynamically, immediately responding to the owner's touch.
Operating system
There are also no problems with what shell is installed on the “Nexus 7” (32 GB), because the device was released jointly with Google. This fact alone can guarantee that the latest updates will be installed on the tablet before anything else. As the recommendations show, this can sometimes be useful, although the latest versions are often less stable.
In the entire history of the Nexus 7 tablet, it really was one of the first to receive updates from Google for the Android operating system. Now, for example, version 5.1 is relevant. Reviews note that the modification is stable, andit can be characterized only on the positive side due to the fact that it is colorful and quite convenient from the point of view of further interaction. As for previous releases, for example, immediately after version 5.0 was downloaded, users complained about multiple errors, such as unauthorized closing of windows and the like.
Additional options
The device is offered on the market in two versions - with a 3G module and exclusively with the ability to connect via Wi-Fi. The amount of memory that is available on the models also differs: for example, there are 16- and 32-gigabyte tablets on sale, and the 3G version implies the ability to work only with the 32 GB version. This volume is quite enough for downloading videos, and for working with other documents, books and photos.
On this occasion, it should be noted that such a device (“Nexus 7” 32 GB) will cost, logically, more than the 16 GB version. The same applies to the 3G-module, the presence of which adds another 25 percent to the cost of the device. And, again, the choice is yours - whether you will use it or prefer to work with stationary Wi-Fi networks. In extreme cases, an alternative can be a portable router that distributes a signal from a SIM card (3G connection) directly to your tablet. Perhaps this will be more profitable than purchasing a version with a wireless mobile Internet module.
Besides this, we could not find any other, more “radical” options that buyers are not used to in Nexus 7. Probably, these caninclude the possibility of contactless charging, but, again, for it you need to buy a special docking station equipped with similar technology.
Comparison with iPad Mini
Due to the fact that the tablet has good technical parameters (and in all key issues), it is often tried to be compared with the iPad. This is done in various reviews, on specialized forums for talking about gadgets, and on blogs. People often comment: here is a device that surpasses the iPad Mini in pixel density (or some other parameter), and costs much less (about two times). Like, why not get an Asus Nexus 7 tablet?
On this occasion, I would like to say that such a comparison is most likely inappropriate. If we are talking about processor clock speed or pixel density, then yes, indeed, these data can be compared with each other and understand which model wins.
But users are trying to compare different products. And this is a completely different matter. After all, “Asus Google Nexus 7” clearly belongs to the category of budget devices due to the plastic case, simplified design, lack of proper glass protection, finally. The same can't be said for the iPad Mini, which is crafted from aluminum in Apple's signature style and packs in a ton of other similar features.
Comparisons are not adequate, because the Nexus 7 is a completely different type of gadget, and people who use an iPad will not pay attention to it, just like vice versa - owners of Android devices will not (mostly cases) to buy an iPad.
Therefore, if you see that parallels are drawn somewhere between these tablets, do not be fooled. Apple technology has always been what it is now, and therefore it is pointless to argue about such things here.
Customer Reviews
In fact, there is a lot of information about the tablet on various technical sites and forums. Most of it concerns how the device is in constant use - how long the battery lasts, how much the screen cover is scratched, and the like. All this is known to the buyers of the tablet - those who have interacted with it for quite a long time.
So, in general, the reviews are quite positive. The owners of the Nexus 7 are quite satisfied with the technical characteristics of the model. People emphasize that the gadget is simple, affordable and multifunctional. Indeed, you can buy it as a “toy” for working with colorful (“top”) games on Google Play, and for doing some kind of business activity - reading office documents, books, surfing in a browser.
As for the battery and scratches (our questions given as an example), things are really not so rosy with the first one, since the model has a 3500 mAh battery. Of course, this is dictated by small dimensions, but with active use this is only enough for a day.
It is difficult to say anything about glass, because everything depends primarily on the intensity of work with the device, on the presence of a protective film, cover, and so on.
Marketcost
At the moment, “Nexus 7” (technical specifications, the photo of which you see in this article) is considered an obviously outdated model, since flagship devices overtake it in terms of their data. Therefore, you can buy it for 150-200 dollars, depending on where you order the tablet.
Regarding the price at the time of launch, yes, it was slightly higher and reached $250. Imagine, for this amount, the buyer received such a powerful device, suitable for performing such a large number of tasks.
Assignee
In fact, Google continues to produce products under its brand, equipped with the best software. Another such model was the Nexus 9, developed by HTC.
If our dedicated “Nexus 7” review shows that this tablet is clearly a budget class, then with the “nine” it's the other way around - it's a typical flagship both in terms of performance and implementation, and in terms of price. Everything that is needed for the “top” versions is present here - an aluminum case, an enlarged colorful display, an attractive design. Its price, however, is 2-2.5 times higher than the cost of the Nexus 7 gadget. Specifications, reviews of the new version, of course, demonstrate its clear superiority, but even so, the device is clearly the successor to the 7th generation version.
