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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

Last updated on: July 25, 2013 14:37 IST

Google's latest in the series of Nexus 7 tablet has full HD display along with heavily upgraded processor and an extra hour of battery usage.

The highly-awaited, revamped model of last year's Nexus 7 didn't disappoint with its refreshed version. People who just have purchased the first generation model should seriously look to get the newer version by seeking some customer friendly exchange scheme over the counter asap.

The second generation Nexus 7 has been officially released by Google on July 24.

Specs:

Display: 7 inch @1920x1200, 323 ppi
Processor: 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4
RAM: 2GB
OS: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Internal Storage: 16GB/32GB
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
HDMI Out
Other mentionable features: 5MP rear Camera 1.2MP front facing camera, wireless charging

Build

This time round Google has changed the feel from the earlier version of the Nexus 7. The back panel feels more plasticky this time round, but not to the extent that would make users cringe about it. But the real change has been made under the hood. Google has made sure something entirely different is served to its customers.

The New Nexus 7 is about 2 mm thinner, 6 mm slimmer width wise and of course is 50gms lighter weightwise, than the first generation Nexus 7.

The redesigning should please the prospective buyers as a total of 50gms has been shaved off its weight and this much amount of weight is noticeable really while talking about a compact tablet.

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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

Last updated on: July 25, 2013 14:37 IST

Display

The new gen Nexus 7 comes out with 1920x1200 Full HD display upgrade. The pixel density of 323 ppi really is more than icing on the cake, putting the newly released Nexus 7 in the league of device with superb display offering.

The achievement is significant when you compare it with the 1280x800 / 216 ppi display of the first gen iteration of the same device.

This is indeed a very significant jump.

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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

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Processor and memory upgrade

This hardware component deserves a special mention here. The new 'Quad core 1.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4' and Adreno 320 GPU is a considerable step in providing the consumers with a beast of a performer combo.

To put the the scenario in perspective, the newer model's upgrade is glaringly represented when compared with the first iteration of the Nexus 7, as
the newer model is providing almost double the processing power, and the GPU is about four times better.

The 2 GB worth of RAM provided is again double the amount when compared with the first gen Nexus 7.

It seems like Google really had planned this one to provide the consumers with a device with a solid performance and more importantly, a future proofing in terms of OS upgrades.

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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

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This is the first device to be carrying the Google Android 4.3 right out of the box. Even though ver 4.3 is still another version of Jelly Bean than
the whole new Key Lime Pie, it comes with host of new features with an ability to impress users.

Easier text input, Bluetooth smart support, advanced 3D graphics and features like restricted profiles are bound to create a favourable impression in general and more specifically will give a major boost for chances of picking the new gen Nexus 7 device.

Noticeable addition, the rear camera

Camera has fast become an indispensable feature on the tablets these days. Google realises this and hence the 5 MP rear camera makes an appearance on this model. This feature was entirely absent on the previous Nexus 7.

The front facing camera is 1.2 MP to assist video calls.

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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

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Battery performance

It seemed that while comparing with the first gen Nexus 7 tablet, the full HD display along with heavily upgraded processor and the GPU would have probably meant lesser usage hours, but thankfully for the users Google claims that the second gen Nexus 7 will allow about an extra hour of usage.

Needless to say, any amount of upgrade on the battery performance front is always welcome for any device.

Model variation/Purchasing options:

The second gen Nexus 7 comes with similar storage options as the previous Nexus 7. You can purchase it in options of 16 GB and 32 GB flavours.

The pricing revealed for these models is as following:

16 GB for $229
32 GB for $269
32 GB 4G LTE model for $349

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Google's NEW Nexus 7: What's new!

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Verdict

Google's attempt for an affordable entry level tablet computer seems to be well on track with its second revision, but one cannot ignore the technological advancements this model has accomplished.

The full HD display combined with the huge jump in the processing power as well as the GPU capbilities have more or less ensured this will be quite a head turner and a serious contender in its respective price point.

The closest competitor in the near future should be the ipad Mini ver 2, and by the looks of it, Apple has quite a lot to think and cover in making the offering a better option.

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