Comprehensive Review Asus Google Nexus 7 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Asus Google Nexus 7

The Asus Google Nexus 7, released in 2012, marked a significant point in the evolution of tablets. This device was Google's first venture into the tablet market, produced in collaboration with Asus. Designed to be affordable without compromising on performance, it catered to a wide range of users looking for a portable and efficient device for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.

Design and Build Quality

The Nexus 7 features dimensions of 198.5 x 120 x 10.5 mm and weighs 340 grams, making it compact and lightweight enough for one-handed use. The design incorporates a dark, sleek look with a rubberized back that provides a comfortable grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops. Its robust build quality, combined with Corning Gorilla Glass for screen protection, ensured durability against regular wear and tear.

Display

Equipped with a 7.0-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display, the Nexus 7 offered an 800 x 1280 pixel resolution with a density of approximately 216 pixels per inch. This provided clear and vibrant visuals, albeit not the sharpest on the market, it was more than adequate for reading, gaming, and media consumption. Its display was well-regarded for color accuracy and viewing angles, ideal for those using the device for extended reading or watching videos.

Performance

Under the hood, the Nexus 7 ran on the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a ULP GeForce GPU. This combination delivered smooth performance for most applications and games available on the Android platform at the time. The device came with 1GB of RAM, which was sufficient for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications, albeit with some occasional lag during heavy usage.

Operating System and Software

Initially released with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Nexus 7 eventually received updates up to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. The device provided a pure Android experience, free from bloatware typical of many other manufacturers' devices. Google’s regular updates ensured that users enjoyed the latest features and improved performance, making the Nexus 7 a future-proof choice for its time.

Storage

Available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB storage variants, the Nexus 7 did not include a card slot for expandable storage. This limitation required users to manage their storage efficiently, making use of cloud services for additional storage. Despite this constraint, the available internal storage options were sufficient for a variety of users, especially considering the price point of the device.

Camera

The main camera on the Nexus 7 was a 1.2MP sensor capable of recording 720p video. While the camera was not a focal point of the device, and it lacked a rear camera entirely, it sufficed for basic video calls and selfies. The lack of advanced camera features aligned with the device’s focus on affordability and performance for media consumption and light productivity tasks.

Battery Life

The device housed a non-removable Li-Ion 4325 mAh battery, offering up to 10 hours of talk time for multimedia usage. This endurance ensured that users could enjoy extended use without frequent recharges, a critical feature for a portable device in this category. The battery performance was competitive with other tablets in its class, supporting the Nexus 7's reputation as a device suitable for extended media consumption.

Connectivity

The Nexus 7 featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and NFC as its primary communication technologies. The absence of cellular connectivity meant the device relied heavily on Wi-Fi for internet access, further highlighting its use as a home or office media device rather than a mobile cellular-enabled tablet. The inclusion of NFC was ahead of its time, paving the way for future Android applications leveraging this technology.

Audio and Multimedia

With stereo speakers, the Nexus 7 offered a satisfactory audio experience for video playback and music, though not particularly powerful or crisp compared to higher-end devices. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack made it compatible with a wide range of audio accessories. Despite the constraints, the audio quality was adequate for personal use.

Sensors and Additional Features

Featuring an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, the Nexus 7 was well-equipped to support a variety of applications and games requiring motion detection. These sensors added to the overall user experience, enabling more interactive and immersive software applications.

Conclusion

The Asus Google Nexus 7 stands out as a landmark device in the history of Android tablets. By balancing affordability with performance, it provided a compelling choice for consumers in 2012 seeking a reliable and versatile tablet. Its strong design, software longevity, and solid performance made it a beloved choice for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.