Google Nexus 7 by Asus
The basics
The Asus Nexus 7 is a new tablet sold under the Google branding, but made by Asus. It has a 7-inch 280c800 HD backlit IPS scratch-resistant display, and weighs 340 grams. The full size of the tablet measures 198.5 x 120 x 10.45mm. There are two versions - an 8GB and 16GB internal storage respectively. Both with 1GB of RAM. It runs the Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system and is powered by a quad-core Tegra 3 processor.
The good
Up to now the majority of Android tablets have gotten a reputation for being, shall we say a little cheap and nasty. There are some great Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, but there are some bad, shoddily-built tablets. Not the Nexus 7. It may be small, but its solid, actually feels portable, more so than an iPad, and feels great when held thanks to its curved edges and textured back panel.
The new Retina Display iPad has set the standard for tablet screens. While the Nexus 7 doesn’t quite reach those heights, its screen is still very good, bright, and displays a sharp picture. And the viewing angles are tops. The Nexus 7 is a delightful nice device for playing games and watching movies on. And its here where the portability really comes into play. The Nexus 7 one of the most suitable tablets for sticking in a bag on the daily commute.
Battery life is pretty good, too. Eight hours worth should be more than enough for even the most intensive tablet user. That’s easily enough to fit in a few films, when browsing and indulging in a spot of Google Play gaming action.
Another main highlight is of course the new Android Jelly Bean operating system bringing with it a new and refined Android interface with no sign of slowdown when browsing its menus. Notifications are better, letting you easily spot when you’ve got mail, or a message from your favourite social networking websites even from the lock screen. Its menus are bright, simple, and easy to navigate. Even those dipping into Android for the first time will find the Nexus 7 a pleasure to use.
And it’s loaded with apps, so it’ll be a while yet before you grow bored of it. What with thousands of apps to download from Google play, and utilities such as Google Maps, and access to Google Docs providing some neat and helpful functionality. The Google Nexus 7 is also very well priced, at between £159 for an 8GB model, and £199 for the 16GB version, you get a lot for your buck.
The bad
The Nexus 7 will be able to take advantage of cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive, but the lack of microSD card storage will irk some. Thankfully those opting for the 16GB version will have more than enough memory before resorting to cloud-based storage.
Like the iPad there is a lack of Flash, meaning some web pages will not show up as they are meant to, and some apps. However such issues will become less of a problem as time goes on, as websites and apps get updated to cope with the absence of Flash.
The bottom line
User comments (51)
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Rob19 July 2012
I think there is flash for it by now isn't there?
Report as inappropriateRichard Nelson19 July 2012
I was under the impression that you could just download flash from the app store...
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JonGreen19 July 2012
Um, Lynn, it's not a phone - it's a tablet. A portable computing device. It has no SIM socket. It has no mobile phone capability or hardware at all, only WiFi. If you want to make and receive calls on it, you'll have to load a voice-over-IP app such as Skype, but the same's true of your laptop.
Report as inappropriateAndy Law19 July 2012
It runs Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) which simply doesn't support Flash. You can't install Flash player or BBC iPlayer from the Google Play store. I,m writing this on my Nexus 7 and it's great. Lack of iPlayer is the only downside so far! Attempts to side-load flash have been unsuccessful so far...
Report as inappropriateDavid19 July 2012
There are ways to get flash running on this device and subsequently BBC iPlayer too. You can also use a USB storage device with this if you have the right cable so the memory IS expandable. You just have to know where to look. Start with a Google search for 'XDA developers'.
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anthony johnson20 July 2012
So it has the same negatives as the ipad but only gets 4stars? And you say it's relatively cheap? Are you off your trolley. It's as cheap as chips! Complete bargain. Pound for pound its whoops the ipad!!!!
Report as inappropriatejan oliver21 July 2012
I have been able to get BBC iPlayer on nexus tablet via UKTV. Doesn't let ITV player work though
Report as inappropriatesteve 22 July 2012
i love my nexus first tablet i have ever owned yes no bbc iplayer but how come itv player works on my nexus
Report as inappropriateJimY22 July 2012
The Nexus 7 does not work with UKTV yet. UKTV still requires Flash, which you can't load onto the machine as it isn't compatible.
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jan oliver22 July 2012
I can assure you that I have UK TV installed and BBC works. Colleague set up so can't comment on exactly how it works but it does
Report as inappropriateAndy C26 July 2012
@Lynn Jankowiak it isn't a phone. It is a TABLET.
Report as inappropriates0litaire26 July 2012
One big downside Takes an age to charge, 3h or so that's with a huge 2 amp power charger. But the beeb said they are working on a non-flash version of Iplayer for android and iOS but no eta...
Report as inappropriatePhill26 July 2012
I have a Nexus 7and find the main 'issue' to be the fact that emails don't format properly/look good on it. Whether you view them in landscape of portrait mode most HTML emails have to be scrolled horizontally to see everything. There seems to be no option to contract the source list to rectify this. Other than that, great!
Report as inappropriateMichael Kenward06 August 2012
jan oliver is correct JimY. You can install Flash on thnbis. I had it done within a couple of hours of receiving my Nexus. Now to grapple with iPlayer.
Report as inappropriatetech geek15 August 2012
this an fantastic ceululer phone device it is simpley brilliant it is one you should definatly buy if you are in to all these new technilogical devices it it amazing how they put a camara on it and a touchscreen massive upgrade for my phonographcant belive you can play musical records on this device
Report as inappropriateMark A03 September 2012
3 days in of owning my nexus 16gb, no flash as when I go to play store it just says not supported on this device. I've read forums which tell you to root the device but your warranty is voided if you do so, its strong as my galaxy nexus phone will run flash and that runs jelly bean. Top tablet though I'm well pleased just have to wait for the various TV stations to upgrade their sites to run non flash.
Report as inappropriatejimmyooon07 September 2012
i have i player working on google nexus hd and standard this is done without rooting machine
Report as inappropriatejimmyooon07 September 2012
to get iplayer type in google iplayer on google nexus
Report as inappropriatealex hillman19 September 2012
you can use yr ps3 controller to play certain android games on it as well
Report as inappropriateRob21 September 2012
I have one. The only major letdown in my opinion is the lack of 3G. The more portable a tablet gets the more you want to take it around with you, making a slim card slot almost compulsory. Other than that, perfect!
Report as inappropriatekev riches23 September 2012
BBC iPlayer have just announced that they are now implementing their own player so soon the flash player issue surrounding this will be a thing of the past.
Report as inappropriateLeanne28 September 2012
Hi all. I need some help. My 11yr old son wants a tablet for xmas. He wants it to play touch games such as angry birds etc. we currently dont have internet at home, and although he can download the games through wi-fi at my mums, my phone is 3G on 3 network but I dont know how to get this for him on a tablet. Dont want to buy him a phone like mine (galaxy s2) because he will break it but I would like him to be able to use his tablet like I do my phone. I am so not clued up on all this as you can probably tell. Any advice?? Thanks
Report as inappropriateEdd23 October 2012
Its posible to install flash if you use firefox. Download firefox from google play and check the 3rd party app box an then download flash.
Report as inappropriateTheo Matthews06 November 2012
Thing is, the iPad also cannot support flash and it doesn't have expandable storage, so why didn't you mention that in your review! Also, with android, there are work arounds for the flash problem because android allows you to install 3rd party applications! And I fail to see why it only got 4 G considering it has the same faults as the iPad mini, but it has a higher resolution display and it is actual 720p HD unlike the iPad mini that is a fair bit less then 720p when using all the pixels in the display, and then when you factor in the aspect ration of 4:3 , it is considerably below 720p HD! Gadget show to me seems to have become much more bias towards Apple. Either that or they just can't summon up the effort to right a complete review.
Report as inappropriateStu J14 November 2012
Hi all, Any chance of a revised review given there is now a 32gb version, at the same price point as the old 16gb, and a 32gb + 3g version available?? Those revisions seem to alleviate a lot of the 'negatives'. Even without with the new models this tablet is still cleaning up in the 2012 awards season :-) Great device.
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Philip23 November 2012
It's a great device but pretty useless without flash! Jelly Bean doesn't support flash and HTML5 isn't here so it had to go back to the shop.
Report as inappropriatematthew27 November 2012
hi, can microsoft be bought for this tablet? or is it only some tablets that are capable to run it?
Report as inappropriatesqueaks6101 December 2012
to those who would like to use flash on the nexus 7, install flashify from the play store or use firefox and download adobe flash apk.
Report as inappropriatesqueaks6101 December 2012
p.s you can now use the bbc and itv players.
Report as inappropriatebarnaby kilburn08 December 2012
I have the 32gb Asus nexus 7 and find it better than my iPad 2. It has more storage, better screen resolution, faster processor and more reactive touchscreen. It is easier to hold in one hand, weighs half that of my iPad and it cost half that of the ipad! Why did you not review this on your Christmas show as well as/instead of iPad mini and kindle fire HD?
Report as inappropriateMichael Lipman 10 December 2012
Re the 'iplayers' it is still not possible to get BBC, ITV or any of the players in the Google apps. They won't even play from the main dedicated websites. Wen trying to get BBC iplayer to work directly I'm told to go and get the 'media player ' from the App Store which I do , but there is no link on the site. It makes the Nexus 7, at the moment appear to be a glorified phone with no phone application !
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Nickelconian19 December 2012
Already got this in 32gb version although its a christmas present I have set it up. Not tried iplayer but Skygo works on Jellybean on this which suprised me as does'nt on xperia s. Plays films in hd preloaded with Ice age ideal compact tablet with excellent build quality
Report as inappropriateSam31 December 2012
I know what you said on the show about the camera on the nexus 7 but to be honest who actually uses the camera for doing anything apart from Skype or face time on a tablet. You don't even need a rear facing camera on a tablet.
Report as inappropriateE Pearson31 December 2012
I watched the episode tonight on channel 5, You said the google nexus 7 was £159 the cheapest I could find it was £199, where did you find it for that price?
Report as inappropriateArie Vanderwyst01 January 2013
I've got the Nexus 7 since Christmas...it's the best gift I ever had, it's just brilliant!! I've got the 32GB version and it's perfect. The size is just right to hold it and carry it around. It CAN use the BBC iPlayer as well, it does work. If you install Firefox, you can install flash as well. Also love the e-reader part of my Nexus as well...iPad...eat your heart out! If yoy have the choice buy this one, is my advice!!
Report as inappropriatesteven coc01 January 2013
Got my nexus 7 32gb as a Christmas present. Updated to latest jelly bean 4.2.1. Device is awesome, very quick even for the most demanding games, and the screen is a joy to look at. Much better tha the iPad mini in every way and only £199.99. Think Apple really is losing the battle against android. BBC iPlayer works fine with download direct for play store, skygo also no problems. Think TGS should have given this 5 g's. A genuine iPad killer.
Report as inappropriateJebus03 January 2013
If you download flash from XDA Developers and then install Firefox all of the flash web pages work :-)
Report as inappropriatepearlpics04 January 2013
I like it; just ideal for me. Fits into my jacket pocket no bulge. Use on bus train car pub. Keep up to date with all my friends. Have a game or two of cards. Just browse the web. Amazing. My Grannie would have been astounded. The price excellant.
Report as inappropriateDayne04 January 2013
You can side load flash, but only if you dont use chrome. I'm using the older android browser with a side loaded flash apk on my N7.
Report as inappropriatestuart ryan08 January 2013
I watch the gadget show every time its on & you always say the best price but never say where to buy it. I am interested in a tablet and a mobile phone (smart phone) why cant you say where to get gadget from at your best price. Thanks
Report as inappropriateahmed14 February 2013
there is 32gb now for this tablet
Report as inappropriateJames Matson19 February 2013
Yes, you can install flash. Do some searching online and you will find the relevant information. I'm not very technical but managed this within half an hour of getting my Nexus 7.
Report as inappropriatemy223414 May 2013
The Archos 80 cobalt is a much better budget tablet. Where I use the word 'budget' to mean a good tablet for under £100. It will take SD cards and also run most apps without any trouble.
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