With so many Android tablets on the market the arrival of yet another model perhaps shouldn’t cause too much excitement. However, the Nexus 7 isn’t just another model, it’s the first Google-branded Android tablet, and as such it’s no surprise there’s a fair bit of fanfare surrounding its arrival.
Let’s get one thing out of the way – the 7″ display is not as impressive as the iPad’s Retina Display. If your purchasing decision comes down to screen resolution the Google-branded tablet from Asus won’t be for you. However, considering the price tag for the Nexus 7 comes in at $300/£240 cheaper than the latest offering from Apple, most people will still find the HD playback a pleasure to watch.
The Nexus 7, which runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is packed full of Google Apps such as Chrome and YouTube that you’re probably already familiar with. The apps are intuitive and responsive, but best of all, the tablet syncs everything seamlessly with your PC and phone – Android device or not.
The success and failure of tablets can rest on the way they handle power, and the Nexus 7 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. ‘Less charging, more doing’, is how Google puts it, and with a battery that’s capable of 9 hours of HD video playback that’s certainly what you’ll get.
Google is obviously serious about making an impression in the tablet market; it’s selling the hardware at cost price ($199/£159) and offering $25/£15 of Google Play credit, easily making it one of the best value tablets available. There’s no doubt the Nexus 7 will become the tablet of choice when it comes to budget models. However, when it comes to challenging the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 or the iPad the Nexus may be too small to pack a punch. If you’re looking to try a Nexus 7 out for yourself, check out online retailers such as E-buyer before it’s too late!
