Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Hi, we're on Eeevolution.it with Nexus 7 2013,
this is the new Tablet by Google.
For sure you already heard of it...
It will be available in Italy since August 29,
but I imported this model from US to test it and tell you how it works.
In the new Nexus 7, compared to the previous model,
Google changed four features:
First: design.
'Cause this model is thinner and lighter,
the edges are slim, mainly the long side,
and the rear finishes are totally smooth, matte just like that of Nexus 10,
completely different from previous Nexus 7.
This design gives a more professional and business aspect
compared to the rubbery surface of the previous model.
And these thin edges makes easier to use it in portrait mode with just one hand,
or in landscape mode, this way, holding the two larger "edges".
To convey the idea, I took an iPad mini and compared it to this Nexus 7.
See: dimensions are more compact and it's more simple,
even for me and my big hands,
to hold the new Google tablet than this 7.9-inch model.
Clearly there are pros and cons
in choosing a 7-inch instead of an 8-inch screen,
but looking at portability Nexus 7 is totally great.
Two aspects I didn't like: first, the built-in microphone,
under the volume rocker,
'cause is often covered while using portrait mode the tablet .
Second, the edges, or rather, the material used for the edges,
a smooth plastic: if your hands are wet the tablet gets somehow slick.
The second big news for the new Nexus 7
is about the hardware and technical specs.
No more Nvidia but a customized version of the S4 Pro Qualcomm platform.
This is NOVA 3, see the level of detail with this graphics, Adreno 320.
In brief, we have a doubled computing power in the CPU
and quadrupled in the GPU, compared to last year model.
So it's a great computing power level, it will give you high-level performances.
2 GB of RAM, good for multitasking, WI-FI N supports dual band so till 5 GHz,
and most of all this beautiful Full HD display
with a pixel density never seen on a product like this one.
123 ppi and Gorilla Glass to protect the screen
- this IPS panel is the best ever used on a 7-inch tablet -
wide viewing angles, above-average brightness,
a responsive brightness sensor and a color calibration
we've found only on Apple products till now.
Such a sharp screen gives a better user experience.
It's the first thing you notice, this "clean" effect,
sharpness of icons...there are details you couldn't see in other models.
This level of detail is evident when surfing the Web,
even for smallest fonts definition is really high.
Really different from iPad mini, here it is...
On one hand it has much more space due to its dimensions and display,
but definition is not as good as Nexus 7... there's no contest.
With this computing power and beautiful screen,
it's clear that Web navigation and apps to read magazines or PDF
are a great experience with this new Nexus 7.
The third upgrade by Google is about the hardware details,
neglected in the previous generation.
Two cams: a front-cam good to make video-calls for its wide angle,
and a 5 megapixel back-cam, really bright,
it records videos 1080p 30 frame per sec... it's actually a good set.
Moreover, we have NFC sensor, on the rear,
which can be adapted for wireless recharge systems,
adaptors are already available.
We have the chance to change the microUSB on the bottom into a slim port,
so an HDMI video output, to connect external monitor or TV
with just a 30-Euros adaptor you can use also with other tablets or smartphones.
The audio system is new for this sector,
produced by the same company that dealt with mp3 format before.
There are two speakers on the top and bottom,
actually there are three... made to give a good surround effect.
This technology is called Cingo, used for the first time on this Tablet,
it uses a series of codec pre-installed on Android and never activated till now.
The result is a great audio system with an enveloping sound,
a good volume and good bass level, less than Kindle Fire HD standard,
still the best from this point of view, but better than the previous Nexus.
And last, the fourth big upgrade is about the Android OS.
This is the first device with Android 4.3, still Jelly Bean
though much more better for performances,
with a fast and always responsive system, due to the hardware board too,
with the chance to manage the multi-user on Android better than before,
now you can set filters to create different accounts,
to lock the Web navigation or a game, something like parental control...
yes it's basic but still important if you share the tablet with your family.
In this version is also fixed a fault in the file system,
that slowed down the Tablet in the previous model.
There's also the Open GL 3.0 support
and the chance to match new-generation Bluetooth devices,
with a lower energy consumption.
Most of all, this Android 4.3 is really a better version of 4.2,
those who used the previous version will notice that and see no difference,
besides a faster, more fluid and responsive system.
To sum up, we have a thinner and lighter tablet;
totally faster and with the best screen ever used for a tablet;
more complete and versatile for features and accessories;
with a new and better operating system, which still remains familiar.
Then, battery life is high level: 3950 mAh, less than 4300 of the previous generation
but in previous models we had Nvidia Tegra3, not so "energy saving"
unlike this new Qualcomm, mainly in stand-by mode.
In my tests I reached about 8 hours and a half
with video playback on YouTube, streaming with WI-FI on, brightness at 80%.
I used it as anyone would use it in a typical day, and it worked well.
Three days using it for a week-end as the only device
to read mails, Web navigation and little more.
Using it only for games, for example NOVA 3,
with screen at 100% to try it, I reached 6 hours and a half.
These results are not high level, we've seen better,
but we have to consider performances and HD screen
don't affect battery life... so it's a great Android Tablet.
The only criticism I have to make, maybe the only real flaw I found,
is that it tends to heat up, on the rear near the cam.
This area heats up a bit while the tablet is charging...
well, it's August and maybe it's already hot enough...
it's annoying, though, and it doesn't happen so often in other tablets.
Besides that, Nexus 7 is absolutely a recommended 7-inch,
the best on the market by now and a valid option to the high-level tablets
from the technical point of view.
I'm hoping these Android quality standards will be soon adopted by other producers.
Finally Nexus 7 is no more the Tablet to chose 'cause it's cheap,
now it becomes a product to be preferred for its quality.
For more info on Nexus 7, please read the complete review
there are more details, benchmarks, considerations...
you can find it on Eeevolution.it Bye!