By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Hands on: Google Nexus 7
Share
Font ResizerAa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Font ResizerAa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Hands on: Google Nexus 7
CellphonesMobileSoftwareTablets

Hands on: Google Nexus 7

Alfred Siew
Last updated: June 13, 2014 at 5:05 PM
Alfred Siew
Published: July 23, 2012
7 Min Read
SHARE

Google’s new tablet recently started shipping in the United States and you bet some eager users in Asia have already bought it either through an overseas shipper or at stores there.

A friend of ours had his Nexus 7 shipped to Singapore over the weekend and he was nice to let us have a quick hands on with the much-touted US$199 gizmo over lunch today. Here’s what we think of it.

For starters, what the reviews are saying is true: the Nexus 7 is silky smooth to use. As with the first Nexus gizmo, the Nexus One smartphone, Google has created a “clean” Android interface for its first branded tablet. This means doing away with add-ons such as Samsung’s Touchwiz, which often slow things down.

The moving between menus feels instantaneous, without the slightest hint of lag. Coming out of an app, say, a book reader, to return to the home screen, you don’t feel that the quad-core engine on the Asus-made device is taxed at all.

The Jelly Bean operating system, or Android 4.1, is what they all say it is – really smooth to use and seamless when switching between tasks. Truly, there is no other Android tablet that runs as fluidly as this, even if the difference is by the split-second.

Indeed, even when compared to my Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, which is rocking Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) now and is proving to be very zippy, Google’s Nexus 7 feels faster. Perhaps it’s due to the quad core CPU, or maybe it’s down to the Jelly Bean OS in the new tablet being more optimised.

Whatever it is, the device is one powerhouse in your palm. I played a Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie that came as a free download and the high-res 1,280 x 800 screen really excels. In terms of sharpness and pixel density, the Nexus 7 doesn’t lose out to the new Apple iPad by much, not practically anyway.

If you don’t believe me, try reading a magazine or book with it. The sharpness shows in the fine lines in text as well as the images where there are intricate details. The quality is not something you’d expect from a US$199 tablet.

Clearly, Google has seen Amazon’s Kindle Fire succeed where previous Android tablets haven’t – grab a beach head in a market where the iPad is still dominant.

Like Amazon, Google is about selling services. If it can inspire other Android tablet makers like it did with the Nexus phones, then it’d probably be more than happy to let others come up with more compelling, perhaps more expensive offerings running the Jelly Bean software.

Google Nexus 7 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
Google Nexus 7 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7

To be honest, when I compared the Nexus 7 to my Galaxy Tab 7.7, I still prefer the thinner Samsung tablet and the more vibrant colours on its Super AMOLED Plus screen.

The Samsung tablet also comes with a memory card slot that you can use to bring along an unlimited number of movies on a flight, while Google’s Nexus 7 only has 8GB or 16GB onboard, depending on the model. Plus, if you want to get connected on the go, the 3G-enabled Galaxy Tab 7.7 is easier than the Wi-Fi-only Nexus 7.

It’s a little unfair to compare a US$500+ rival with the Nexus 7, of course. For the US$199 that Google and Asus ask for, the Nexus 7 certainly doesn’t disappoint with its hardware. Besides the Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU, IPS (in-plane switching) screen and lightweight 340-gram frame, the new tablet impresses with its simplicity.

There are only three hard buttons on the side to control the power and volume. There’s also a handy near-field communications (NFC) link built in, so you can easily exchange data with friends using Nexus devices by beaming to them wirelessly.

One thing we didn’t test was the battery life, as we only had a brief session with the Nexus 7. Google states that it should run for nine hours when watching HD movies, or 10 hours when surfing the Web or reading a book or magazine, but we’d have to get a unit in to use for a few days to ascertain that.

There’s a 1.2-meg camera facing you, so you can make video calls. Take note that there’s no camera on the back of the tablet, so you won’t be able to take pictures like with a phone. But we don’t think we’d miss that, since it’s quite counter-intuitive – and dorky – to hold up a tablet to take a picture.

Like many other reviewers, we’d heartily recommend this US$199 tablet for folks buying their first tablets. At its price, it is the best “basic” tablet, bar none.

Coupled with the ultra-smooth Jelly Bean interface, the Nexus 7 is one compelling tablet that even Apple iPad diehards – if they take their eye off their cherished tablets for a moment – will appreciate.

The Android market is full of useful apps, from e-readers like Flipboard, Zinio and Google’s own Currents to excellent video players such as MX Player, which lets you play almost any format of video you like. On the Nexus 7, these apps will shine.

Previous Android tablets were good, but somehow never made a dent in the popularity of Apple’s iPad. Now, just like how the Nexus One convinced the first Android adopters that there was something better than the sleek marketing from Apple, the Nexus 7 could just do that with tablets.

Google Nexus 7 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
Google Nexus 7 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
Huawei MediaPad gets a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich
Goondu review: Huawei Nova 3i is priced attractively
OnePlus 2 turns up in Singapore, but is it a flagship killer?
Goondu review: Beyerdynamic T 51 i
Q&A: BlackBerry pins hopes on Z10, strong markets like Indonesia
TAGGED:Android 4.1asusJelly BeanNexus 7review

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Avatar photo
ByAlfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article What next for the PC with Windows 8?
Next Article Blackberry Curve 9320 to cost S$328 in Singapore
10 Comments
  • su says:
    September 10, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Selling Nexus 7 16gB SG$395.
    Contact unspoken060809@gmail.com for more details.

    Reply
  • Nexus Seven Sales says:
    August 25, 2012 at 12:38 am

    Anyone interested to get hold of nexus 7 tablet?

    Reply
  • Nexus Seven Sales says:
    August 25, 2012 at 12:36 am

    Hi, Interested to get hold of Nexus 7 tablet in Singapore? Please visit http://www.facebook.com/nexus7sales

    Reply
  • noobcrab says:
    August 3, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    do your get screen separation issue? many of user got this problem when they take out the device from the box or after using a couple of days.

    Reply
  • Pebz says:
    August 1, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Hi, tried downloading the Play Book apps on my Nexus 7 whilst on vpn (US IP Address) and it says it is incompatible? Any help? Thanks.

    Reply
  • Morpheus says:
    July 24, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Ok, I just tried purchasing 2 books from the Google Play store and reading it on the Play Books android app and it works. To purchase, you need to have a vpn to work as a U.S IP address.
    Log into the Play Store and purchase the books and it will automatically sync with ur android device’s Play Books app. Movies and TV do not seem to work as it the app states device incompatibility with all 6 of my devices. I will try that when my Nexus is here.

    Reply
  • Morpheus says:
    July 24, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Mine’s shipping now. Woohoo! I don’t intend to buy media content from Google play which you can’t anyway now. I’ll stick to PC to tablet transfer.

    Reply
  • Tan Hun Boon says:
    July 24, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Hi Alfred, any idea how we can access Google play store content in Singapore? That’s one big reason to get the Nexus 7 after all. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 24, 2012 at 11:53 am

      Hi Han Boon, think Morpheus (above) has the answer! 🙂

      Reply
    • Jack Lim says:
      September 10, 2012 at 9:30 pm

      I was able to access it on my Nexus 7 and get the free $25 credit following instructions from here, but i think the offer ends on 23 sep, so get it quick.
      http://www.gadgetreactor.com/2012/08/nexus-7-enable-play-magazines-books-movies-tv-shows-free-25-credit-in-sngapore-or-just-not-in-united-states.html

      Reply

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow

Latest News

Promising speed and better coverage, Singtel 5G+ targets premium users
Mobile Telecom
May 15, 2025
Fujifilm GFX100RF review: Fun medium-format street photography camera
Imaging
May 14, 2025
Looks over AI? Samsung pitches slimmed-down Galaxy S25 Edge
Cellphones Mobile
May 13, 2025
Stunning AI advancements could transform healthcare, education and agriculture globally: Bill Gates
Internet
May 7, 2025

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
© 2024 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!
Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?