Usually after any Google Android event, I’d be gushing about the latest version of Android and all of the new features it will be bringing, but that was not the case today after Sundar Pichai, current head of Chrome and Android, took the stage today to announce a new Nexus 7 tablet and Jellybean 4.3. Jellybean 4.3 is a very minor update to Android, so the main star of the show was the new Nexus 7. It was about a year ago that Google entered the budget 7″ tablet space with its release of the original Nexus 7 and Jellybean 4.1. At the time, the original Nexus 7 was praised for its superb specs for the low price of $199 for a 8 GB version and $249 for a 16 GB version. The new Nexus 7 follows in the original’s footsteps with superb specs for a low price. Anyone in the market for a new 7″ tablet would be foolish not to consider the new Nexus 7.
The hardware for the new Nexus 7 speaks for itself although I do want to point out a couple of key features that differentiate this from the competition and the previous Nexus 7. First of all, the new Nexus 7 sports a rear camera, which the original Nexus 7 lacked due to cost. Sure, most people won’t be using this tablet for picture taking with its small 5 MP rear camera, but it gives people more options for video calls and for using QR codes. Next, I’d be remiss not to mention how the new Nexus 7 has a 323 ppi screen, which is the highest pixel density for any tablet, dethroning the previous king, the Nexus 10 (300 ppi) and easily besting Apple’s iPad retina display (264 ppi). Although the new Nexus 7 does not have expandable storage, it does come in 16 GB and 32 GB versions from the start unlike the original’s 8 GB and 16 GB initial release. I always recommend people to get more storage than they think they may need since books, movies, music, and files quickly pile up. Finally, the new Nexus 7 has stereo speakers instead of just a slit in the back. This means videos and music will sound better. They may not be front facing stereo speakers like the HTC One, but it’s still a step up compared to what other tablets have and since tablets are so media-centric, it’s a welcome upgrade.
I can’t say enough about how great the hardware of the new Nexus 7 is for the price. It’s an amazing deal for anyone who wants a 7″ tablet. For me, personally, I will not be upgrading to this new Nexus 7 yet since I barely use my original Nexus 7. However, if I regularly used my Nexus 7, this upgrade would be at the top of my list of items to purchase. A 7″ tablet is the perfect size for media consumption and Google’s Android has only become more polished with just as much content and apps as Apple’s iOS. So, what are you waiting for? Click on the links below to purchase the new Nexus 7 directly from Google (once it’s up for sale) or go to Best Buy or Office Max around July 30th to pick one up!
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