Google Nexus 7 (Android 4.2.1) Tablet Review

Nexus 7, manufactured by ASUS, is the first Google tablet and has received many good reviews since its release. ASUS Malaysia sent me a Google Nexus 7 16GB WiFi loan unit. Read on for my version of Nexus 7 review (with Android 4.2.1 update).

Unbox

Inside the package are the Nexus 7 tablet, USB charger, micro USB cable, quick start guide and warranty. That’s all! No nonsense. No rubbish.

Specs

Google Nexus 7 is powered by NVIDIA Tegra 3 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM. Available storage capacity are 8, 16, 32 GB. The 7-inch IPS touchscreen has 1280×800 pixels (216 ppi). Only one 1.2 MP front-facing camera. Support WiFi, GPS, NFC and 3G(cellular model).

Nexus 7 retail price in Malaysia is RM899 (~USD$ 294).

Design

Nexus 7’s design is minimal. Beside the 7-inch display, you only see the power button, volume control, headset jack, and micro-USB port. No rear-facing camera, no memory card slot.

Nexus 7 weighs only 340g, it is very comfortable to be used for a long time. The thick bezel is good for holding the tablet without activating the touch screen. Thicker bezel at the top and bottom allows you to rest and hold Nexus 7 in horizontal mode with your thumb and index fingers.

The stippled black rubber back cover is grippy that you would feel safe to hold it with single hand.

Display

Nexus 7’s display is bright and clear, colours are vibrant. It is 216 ppi(pixels per inch), lower than Apple’s retina-display, but I don’t notice any difference when comparing to my iPhone 4S. I enjoy reading on Nexus 7 very much! Except that the glass is very reflexive and is a finger print magnet.

Performance

Thanks to the Tegra 3 processor, 3D gaming is very smooth on Nexus 7! Switching in between background apps has no delay. Nexus 7 scored 12829 in Antutu benchmark and 3631 in Quadrant benchmark.

We are expecting a tablet to last at least for a day. Nexus 7 passed the battery life test. The battery lasted for over 10 hours in my casual usage (a lot of web surfing, a little of gaming, some video watching)

Camera

Nexus 7 only has a 1.2 MP front-facing camera for video conferencing purpose. Despite the low resolution, I would say the photo taken by the camera is good quality.

Android 4.2.1

The Nexus 7 receives Android 4.2.1 OTA update in my reviewing period. It is the benefit of having a Google’s Android device — you get system updates FAST!

Android 4.2.1, still named as “Jelly Bean”, includes some good features:

• Support multiple users: your tablet can now be shared with your family members and each has their own accounts on 1 tablet.
• Gesture typing: simply glide your finger across the keyboard to type. You don’t need to lift your finger at all! It works best for dictionary words with word predictions.
• Quick settings: when you slide down from the top right, you get quick menu for tablet settings. This is handy but takes time to get used to, because slide down from top left is instead the notification center.
• Widgets on locked screen: Now you can add widgets on lock screen for a glance of Calendar and Gmail inbox.
• Google Now is an intelligent personal assistant for Android OS. It automatically delivers information that it predicts you will want. When I visited Bangkok, Thailand, the Google Now cleverly showing useful cards such as translator, currency convertor, local weather, nearby attractions.

LiewCF’s Buying Guide

I would vote Google Nexus 7 as the best 7-inch Android tablet. If you are looking for small Android tablet, think no more, buy Nexus 7!

It has a fast processor, good display, long battery life, don’t need wait for 3rd party’s Android updates, and the right price — the Nexus 7 price in Malaysia dropped from RM999 to RM899 for 16GB WiFi model.

SEE ALSO: 6 Reasons to Buy Google Nexus 7 tablet (and 5 Turn-Offs)

[box type=info]UPDATE: Nexus 7 with 3G now available in Malaysia[/box]

I would like to thank ASUS for the opportunity to review Google Nexus 7. This is a free product review with honest write-up. Interested to submit your products for review? Get in touch with me.