Google Nexus 7 Review
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Gone is the tried and true Android browser of yesterday! Instead, it has been replaced with Google’s very own Chrome browser, which is already available to other Android and iOS devices. In terms of functionality, it’s significantly more extensive as it features tabbed browsing, synchronization with your Google account, incognito mode, and swipe gestures to easily navigate between open tabs. Indeed, it doesn’t offer Adobe Flash support, but that doesn’t detract from its worth – seeing that its performance is still top notch with smooth operations all around. We can cry about the death of Flash support with Jelly Bean, but when it’s this darn good, we’re quite forgiving.
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The Android browser has been replaced with Google’s very own Chrome browser | |||
To broaden its appeal to a wider audience, the Google Nexus 7 tablet is only available in Wi-Fi only form – and of course, it helps in keeping its price very manageable. However, it does pack on all the usual connectivity features we’d expect to find. In fact, the listing consists of aGPs, Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and NFC.
Camera:
As we’ve noted earlier, the Nexus 7 only has a front-facing camera, which is only accessible with certain apps – specifically, it’s for those that offer video chatting. It’s arguable to say how much more its price would’ve increased if they put in a rear camera, but it still would’ve been nice to at least throw one in. Sure, not everyone will rely on a tablet to snap a photo, but when it’s the only thing within reach, we’re convinced that most people would swallow their pride and use it.
Multimedia:
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The Gallery app |
Much like what we’ve seen with the core set of organizer apps, the music player on the Google Nexus 7 is unchanged from what we’ve seen previously. In fact, it’s the same exact one that first rolled onto the scene with Honeycomb. Nevertheless, it’s still flaunting an attractive interface with its 3D carousel in landscape. Audio quality, though, is a surprise in itself seeing that its output is not only powerful, but distortion-free as well. Plus, it helps that various equalizer settings are available to enhance its quality.
Strangely, there’s no support for videos encoded in XviD or DivX out of the box. Regardless of that, it’s able to flawlessly play our test video that’s encoded in MPEG4 1920 x 1080 resolution. No doubt, its sharp looking screen is effective enough in providing a rich experience on the go.
With the “My Library” taking the entire area of the tablet’s main homescreen, it’s Google’s way of trying to reel people into its content service via Google Play. If you’re into reading books, magazines, and newspapers, you’ll be able to view them with the corresponding Play Books, Play Magazines, and Google Current apps. Naturally, all of the apps work like what you’d expect, but there are some features, like the text-only mode of Google Magazines, that optimize the layout of the content for easier reading. Furthermore, if you’re into movies, television shows, or music, the experience is unmodified from what we’ve seen in the past already.
Software:
Everything might seem fine and dandy with the tablet optimized version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but there is one underlying issue that we have with it. For the most part, the core apps are optimized for tablet usage, but there is still a lack of optimized third-party apps. Of course, there are some noteworthy third-party ones that stand out from the bunch, like Flipboard. But honestly, it’s a shame that apps like Twitter and Facebook don’t get the love – instead, they’re simply the same ones found with Android smartphones.
However, Google+ really showcases the visual treatments that tablet optimized apps have to offer. Not only does it work in both portrait and landscape, but the experience is strengthened by its rich use of transition effects and aggregating content to make it a stand out in what it truly means to be tablet-optimized.
Additionally, the same can be said about the updated YouTube experience with Jelly Bean. Staring straight at it, the look and feel of the new YouTube app seemingly borrows some of the stuff we see with Google+. Specifically, it makes good use out of the familiar 2-panel interface we’re fond of seeing – while still presenting us with all the cool sharing functions of the app.
Taking into account that this is a vanilla Android experience we’re talking about, there are no third-party apps preloaded whatsoever on the tablet. Being the Google branded device it is, we’re presented with all of the company’s arsenal of apps – these include things like Google Earth, Google Latitude, Google Maps, Google Talk, and Google Wallet.
Gaming:
Testing out its gaming prowess with Dead Trigger, the Nexus 7 tablet is a remarkable device in keeping pace with all the action of the game. With the graphics processing capabilities of its NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, it shows very little pause or choppiness with the intense 3D visuals of the game. Therefore, if you’re seeking out a tablet that’s going to be adequate in the gaming department, this should no doubt appease your inner most gaming desires.
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52 Comments
1. loken posted on 20 Jul 2012, 06:18 29 2
First! , This tablet is incredible and cheap! so definetly should get one :D
Second , Who even takes Photos with Tablets....??? the front camera is enough right?
:D good tablet
46. android_sucks posted on 05 Aug 2012, 23:09 0 2
The question is not who takes Photos with tablets but rather who doesn't take photos with tablets?!!!!
5. tedkord posted on 20 Jul 2012, 06:55 9 9
Nice to see Asus building these. They make great motherboards. But I still don't see why anyone wants a tablet. They're so far behind even low end laptops in power an flexibility. They do win on portability, weight and battery life, I suppose.
16. Birds posted on 21 Jul 2012, 03:12 8 0
Tablets are a category for people who want something quicker and more intuitive then a laptop. What I'm getting at is that a laptop is for productivity and a tablet is for fun but can be very productive. Not saying that you are one of those people, but people generally bash tablets till they try them and see how convenient they are in comparison with a laptop. I could go on and on about it but I can't change you opinion... My point is that tablets are for those who don't want to lug around that 5 pound laptop just to check their Facebook or who want to emerge in a very intuitive multimedia universe...
7. bloodline posted on 20 Jul 2012, 07:57 7 1
I dont why people of saying its googles competition to the ipad, it annoys me!
Its clearly not to rival the ipad, you can see that by the price and the specs. Its happy in its own little market segment and its only rival is the kindle fire.
8. sonofzeus posted on 20 Jul 2012, 09:16 2 0
with a 3g or 4g capability it could been a master piece from google
9. robocopvn posted on 20 Jul 2012, 11:45 2 0
I douted if any one will not change the DPI settings to 160 for the real tablet using
12. OptimusOne posted on 20 Jul 2012, 14:59 0 0
You just can't change the DPI settings that would just stretch apps on the screen
Instead you have to go in framework res apk and change in
10. dreign91 posted on 20 Jul 2012, 13:39 0 0
might be a silly question but if you download a third party camera app, does that still not activate the camera?
18. dreign91 posted on 21 Jul 2012, 06:08 0 0
Okay its just in all the reviews I've seen everyone complains about it (and rightfully so) I just didn't know if anyone ever tried it. I know it seems so simple but if it works that's an easy fix.
11. yougotkilled1 posted on 20 Jul 2012, 14:41 4 0
The only con I see is the lack of expanding the 8gb limit on the tablet. Other than that, probably the best tablet for your money!
20. protozeloz posted on 21 Jul 2012, 09:57 3 0
well there are 2 things, Google ideas have been taken from apple to improve their OS yet apple does not allow Google to do the same, witch is unfair, google is simpy saying, "hey when my ideas are cool It's ok to take them yet when your ideas are cool is not"
15. mas11 posted on 21 Jul 2012, 02:50 2 0
Great tablet. Idk how lack of a rear-facing camera is an issue because it's pretty silly to take pics with a tablet. Only issue is the lack of expandable storage, but for $200 this will probably be my first tablet.
17. Bluedroid posted on 21 Jul 2012, 04:21 0 0
Jelly Bean is an absolute stunner rockin at 60fps and now finally Android feels more refined and polished than ever and with IOS kicking the dust, Android all the way...
19. arcq12 posted on 21 Jul 2012, 09:41 0 0
It would've been a perfect tab if they released a 3G version and put an expandable memory card slot on it.
21. BaltiCzar posted on 21 Jul 2012, 14:48 0 0
Love, love Android and Google. But I just can't justify buying a "media consumption device" (which is what tablets are for the most part) if it doesn't have expandable memory. So...on that note, just purchased a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. Found a factory refurb for $209 w/ free shipping.
The Nexus 7 is what spurred me to buy a 7 inch tab (already have three 10-inchers) and ironically I wound up buying a Samsung. Too funny.
Anyway, I know that the Samsung Plus is dual core and that the Nexus is quad, but I'll take that trade off for the ability to slap in a 32GB SD card. Just my two cents.
24. justme posted on 23 Jul 2012, 11:13 0 0
The lack of storage is giving me pause too, but isn't there a 16GB model? If I'm using it primarily as an e-reader with only a few apps (not music or movies or games), would it be a good choice or should I still look for one w/SD storage?
Also Phonearena: if it's a good thing, you don't have to "stress about it". You just "stress (emphasize) it". Also-in the context you used, it's "discreet(ly)", not "discrete". Sorry-I get paid to notice that stuff; hard to get off the clock.
25. BaltiCzar posted on 23 Jul 2012, 12:05 1 0
There is a 16GB model. However, if all you're using this tab for is web surfing and as an e-reader, the 8GB model should suit you just fine. Even though the 8GB model will only give you a tad over 5GB that you can actually use as storage, books/e-pubs don't take up much space at all. Couple that 5GB with a cloud storage such as Dropbox/SugarSync/Cubby etc you'll be good to go.
I plan on dropping gobs of music as well as a few movies on mine so I feel I definitely need expandable memory.
26. justme posted on 23 Jul 2012, 13:45 0 0
Gotcha-thanks.
30. squallz506 posted on 24 Jul 2012, 16:56 0 0
nexus 7 can host a usb flash drive or external hard drive, it does in fact have expandable storage.
34. BaltiCzar posted on 27 Jul 2012, 09:05 0 0
True, But that's a tad obtrusive for my taste. I'd rather stick an SD card in. If that's the way someone wants to go they could also go the bluetooth file transfer route and swap files from their phone to the Nexus 7 (considering many people have 16 or 32 GB cards in their phones).
22. cellphonator posted on 22 Jul 2012, 22:49 0 0
"...he knows where you work, he knows where you live and what you like" Geez, the Big Brother just got its life easier lol.
28. AndroidShiz posted on 24 Jul 2012, 05:35 0 0
Got mine and this is the best Android tablet I've ever had. Updates, beautiful and fast, can't see myself buying anything that would cover this UI with something like Touch wiz or the like. Glad I got the 16gb version too. Home run for Google. Now the countdown begins to see how long it takes Apple to sue and then have judge Koh grant them some injunction for some stupid reason like the fact that it has a battery or something.
32. AndroidShiz posted on 25 Jul 2012, 02:37 0 0
NoGot mine and this is the best Android tablet I've ever had. Updates, beautiful and fast, can't see myself buying anything that would cover this UI with something like Touch wiz or the like. Glad I got the 16gb version too. Home run for Google. Now the countdown begins to see how long it takes Apple to sue and then have judge Koh grant them some injunction for some stupid reason like the fact that it has a battery or something.
33. GoogleNexus7 posted on 26 Jul 2012, 23:25 0 0
Can't Wait to pick one up and google now is gonna be insane
36. monkeytown posted on 27 Jul 2012, 15:57 0 0
unfortunately that HUGE bezel is a no-go for me
39. radiation21 posted on 31 Jul 2012, 01:37 0 0
please tell me- is there any sim slot in nexus 7
40. radiation21 posted on 31 Jul 2012, 02:53 0 0
Is there any browser arrangement such as modem or sim other than WI-FI?
41. austene posted on 31 Jul 2012, 16:53 0 0
Can't decide whether I want to get the Nexus 7 or not. I hated the Kindle Fire with passion. Just hoping the iPad mini comes out so you guys can compare the two.
44. TshirtGirl posted on 02 Aug 2012, 10:42 0 0
So I'm really wanting to get a tablet for apps and basic email. I'm TOTALLY unsure whether to get the google nexus 7 or kindle fire 2? Help!
49. knightlore posted on 07 Aug 2012, 15:40 0 0
I was looking for a tablet for the last four months, I'm quite fussy about my gadgets, so lucky I waited, now got the best tablet on the market at the moment, even thou it got no flash player, or camera, it don't matter, I didn't want a camera or 3g, as I got HTC Sensation xe.
Lets just say the Nexus 7 as got it all......
51. tkvdog posted on 10 Aug 2012, 16:56 1 0
Just Picked Up A 8gb Sweet Tablet!Fast&Smooth Great Work Google/Asus AAAA+++++$199.99+$25.00 In Play Store Money ='sFab Deal:)
52. abhishekjain.ims posted on 12 Aug 2012, 15:00 0 0
guys when this tablet is scheduled to launch in India ?
53. radiation21 posted on 14 Aug 2012, 22:31 0 2
this is useless...it has no sim slot or port for modem.
54. radiation21 posted on 14 Aug 2012, 22:33 0 0
we expect that the Indian version of nexus7 would have sim slot...otherwise it will be useless in India
55. wildcat67 posted on 25 Aug 2012, 09:15 0 1
Looking at getting a tablet and primary use would be browsing internet, music, movies and reading... does the Google Nexus 7 have enough space for all of this... or should I be looking at the Samsung... or even the Nexus with 16g?
56. technut posted on 25 Aug 2012, 14:23 2 0
IMO you should go with the nexus 7 16 GB model. Here's a solution if you need more storage:http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/47003/nexus-seven-gets-usb-drive-supported-cable
57. kairan975 posted on 11 Dec 2012, 08:49 0 0
There is no doubt that Google Nexus 7 is great. However,Google Nexus 7 also has a few drawbacks,like the storage space is not expandable and only one camera. Why not try Ainol Novo 7 Venus? Ainol Novo 7 Venus is a great alternative in my opinion. It is also powered by Quad Core CPU ACT-ATM7029 based on Cortex A9 that runs up to 1.5GHz,it has dual cameras,features the same 7 inch 1280X800 IPS screen as Google Nexus 7. One drawback of Ainol Novo 7 Venus is that it has 8GB Nand Flash,but expandable to 32GB - this is very important and matters,I like this.It's sold at $149.99 only from JSXL Technology. I share this just because I think the more choices of Tablet PCs,the better for us. Have a look jsxltech.com/products/ainol-novo-7-venus-quad-core-cpu-act-atm7029-7-inch-5-point-touch1280x800-ips-screen-mali400-quad-core-gpu-1gb-ddr3-8gb-nand-flash-hdmi-bluetooth-2-1-gps
59. raj1samir posted on 17 Dec 2012, 23:20 0 0
"There is no doubt that Google Nexus 7 is great also has a few drawbacks, space storage with camera
like the storage space is not expandable and only one camerassotry Ainol Novo 7 Venus?
Ainol Novo 7 Venus is a great alternative in my opinion. It is also powered by Quad Core CPU ACT-
ATM7029 based on Cortex A9 that runs up to 1.5GHz,it has dual cameras,features the same 7 inch
1280X800 IPS screen as Google Nexus 7. One drawback of Ainol Novo 7 Venus is that it has 8GB Nand Flash,
but expandable to 32GB - this is very important and matters,I like this.It's sold at $149.99 only
from JSXL Technology. I share this just because I think the more choices of Tablet PCs,the better for us.
sxltech.com/products/ainol-novo-7-venus-quad-core-cpu-act-atm7029-7-inch-5-point-
touch1280x800-ips-screen-mali400-quad-core-gpu-1gb-ddr3-8gb-nand-flash-hdmi-bluetooth-2-1-gps
60. salvadornexus7 posted on 28 Feb 2013, 20:13 0 0
its a the most amazing tablet that i ever had, i got the nexus 7 and the nexus 10
i think that the nexus 7 is the coolest tablet....
people i shoud you buy one like this
AMAZING !!
it very poweful
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