If you're looking to buy a cheap, reliable tablet, the Google Nexus 7 should be at the top of your list. The affordable offering from Google has garnered positive reviews from both critics and users, and if you're wondering what people are saying about the tablet, then here it is:
Before we begin though, let's get the Nexus 7's specs out of the way. For $199, you can pick up a 16GB Google Nexus 7 through Google Play. For $249, Google offers the 32GB Wi-Fi-only Nexus 7, and $50 more will get you the 32GB Wi-Fi + HSPA Nexus 7.
The Nexus 7's display measures in at 7 inches and displays a 1280x800 resolution that puts out 216 pixels per inch (ppi). Along with a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra(R) 3 processor, the Nexus 7 comes with a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera - sadly, the Nexus 7 doesn't come with a rear-facing camera.
On top of that, keep in mind the Nexus 7 is a Google-branded tablet, meaning it receives the newest versions of Android first, straight from Google.
Reviewers:
Almost every reviewer agrees that the Google Nexus 7 isn't as polished as Apple's iPad lineup, but at a cheaper price point, it offers the one of the best Android tablet experience around.
"With its excellent design, useful software features, and low starting price, the Nexus 7 is the cheapest way to experience the best that the Android OS has to offer," reads CNET's bottom line in its Nexus 7 review titled "Still the best small tablet."
Wired UK's review conclusion reads, "The Google Nexus 7 makes a good place for itself in the increasingly crowded seven-inch tablet market. With pressure from not just the usuals (Apple) but also hyped-up ebooks like the Kindle and Nook, it delivers a high-quality spec with the very latest version of Android (and the full, untempered joy of Google Play) at an attractive price."
The cellular Nexus 7 version, however, got some flack from TheVerge, which gave the 32GB HSPA+ model an 8.9 out of 10, since it does not support LTE speeds. Still, it is a cheap, and carrier-free model worth buying.
"All of this is to say that if you're thinking about buying a tablet, you're still probably best off with an iPad. But if you're sold on a Nexus 7, I can't think of a good reason not to buy it with mobile data."
Users:
Almost every user agrees the Nexus 7 is the best, affordable Android tablet option out there. Initial supplies shipped with some display problems, but most of that seems to have died down by now.
"Seamless interface with good hardware to allow for smoother interaction with device. I am able to run multiple hardware intensive applications without worrying about lagging on the O/S interface," writes CS9791 on CNET .
Wirelessorx writes in TheVerge's review comments that, "Since I have both [the iPad and Nexus 7], knowing I'd keep the one I like and designate the other as a "family" device, I must say the 7 has the iPad beat in a few areas. One is the slightly narrower width, which combined with the shape of the back and it's grippy surface makes holding the Nexus 7 a joy."
"I pre-ordered the 16 GB version directly from Google Play. Since it arrived, I have barely put it down. Setup was easy and it synced flawlessly with my Gmail account, automatically downloading apps I had purchased for my android phone. The touchscreen is very responsive and the system is extremely fast. "Buttery" is a great way to describe it. No lag whatsoever. It is light, but also feels durable. So far, the descriptions of the battery life seem accurate - about 10 hours of web surfing. I had heard about the improved voice searches, but I had no idea they would be this good. It has answered every question I have tried, even with my southern accent. Previous attempts on my android phone were not nearly as successful. This is an excellent product," writes Nicole Jamison on Amazon.
In then end, the only real flaws of the Nexus 7 that emerge is its lack of 4G LTE support, and its lack of tablet-specific apps compared to the iPad. Other than that, there's definitely not a better budget Android tablet option out there.