Google Nexus 7 (1st Gen)

Overview

The Google Nexus 7 has the distinction of being the first device to run the Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean" operating system. It measures 198.5mm x 120mm x 10.45mm in size, weighs 340g, and features a 7-inch IPS display that is protected by scratch-resistant glass. The Nexus sports a 1280 x 800 pixel display. It runs a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and 1GB of RAM, it also comes in 2 versions: 8GB and 16GB capacities.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 62 expert reviews

Excellent:

35
Good:

26
Average:

1
Bad:

0

7.2

User Score

Based on 147 reviews
as rated by users

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on August 31, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Very fast
Excellent IPS display
Lovely design
Low cost
Great hardware build
Fast and smooth
Latest OS version
Solid design
Optically bonded display minimizes glare
Jelly Bean feels like it was built for the Nexus 7
The first 7-inch quad core tablet
Well worth the money
Speedy performance
High-quality design
Powerful Android 4.1 Jellybean UI
Great price

Reviewers Didn't Like

No microSD card slot or rear camera
No landscape home screen access
Missing camera app
Limited storage
8GB model has just 5.62GB of use-accessible space
Android still doesn't have enough tablet-optimized apps
Google Play media store doesn't quite work
No HDMI or MHL to connect the tablet to HDTVs

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick these products using a variety of criteria: they might be direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or they could be devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

By TechSpot on July 06, 2012 80

While I still had hoped for more from Google with its first Nexus tablet, I am at least content with what it provided. It's a solid piece of hardware that is available for very little cash, and it works both quickly and smoothly.

By NotebookCheck on August 06, 2013 88

Google Nexus 7 2013 The second generation Nexus 7 retails for $30 more than the first model . If based solely on its build, the price increase does not feel justified as the quality is only a modest upgrade over the original . The model still lacks...

By MobileTechReview on August 06, 2013 80

Once again, Google and Asus have made an excellent Android tablet that's relatively affordable but doesn't skimp on important features like display quality, CPU, wireless radios or build quality. The Nexus 7 2013 edition has a superb high...

By Computer Shopper on August 01, 2013 90

Blazingly fast and packing a stunning HD screen, this 2013 update of the Nexus 7 rewrites the rules for compact Android slates. If you’re looking for the best 7-inch tablet to date, this is it—and the race is not close....

By Pocket-lint on August 01, 2013 80

There's no denying the new Nexus 7 is an amazing tablet. But it's also just an upgrade. For $229 (around £150) with 16GB of internal storage, you get a more-stylish exterior and some beefier internals. That's actually a decent price to...

By IT Pro Portal on July 30, 2013 90

The new Google Nexus 7 will be the right small tablet for most people when it comes across to the UK (hopefully pretty soon, according to Currys it will be September). Regarding rivals, the cheaper £159 Amazon Kindle Fire HD is only the right...

By PC Advisor on June 25, 2013 90

Google first tablet market is Nexus 7, an Asus-made device which has impressed us no-end. Updated on 25/06/13 . Wielding Android 4.2 Jelly bean, a 7in IPS screen, a quad-core processor and a bargain price tag of £159, the Nexus 7 is a tablet...

By AsiaOne on May 31, 2013 80

In this line-up, Google's Nexus 7 - made by Asus - is undoubtedly the definitive affordable Android tablet.At 340g, the tablet did not strain my arm even after an hour of reading. With its 10.5mm profile, the tablet fitted snugly in my bag.The...

By Tech2 on April 20, 2013 80

The 32GB 3G version of the Asus Nexus 7 costs Rs 21,999, which is much better value for money when compared to a similarly spec'd 3G iPad mini, which costs upwards of Rs 30,000. The Nexus 7 still loses out to the Galaxy Tab 2 though, which is priced...

By Expert Reviews on January 25, 2013 100

A fantastic little tablet at an unbelievable price, though it's not perfect for every need...

By PC Pro on January 11, 2013 83

Powerful, well built and with a better screen than you'd expect for the price, Asus and Google's Nexus 7 sets the new gold standard for budget...

By Web User on January 03, 2013 100

★★★★★There are two things we love about the Google Nexus 7. The first is its price: £159 is fantastic for a tablet of this quality. It’s been suggested that Google and Amazon are selling their tablets at a loss,...

By Wired UK on December 03, 2012 90

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...

By PC Mag on November 16, 2012 80

The Nexus 7 is the best small tablet on the market, but we'd rather tether it to a 4G smartphone than use the built-in modem...

Load More Reviews…

Google Nexus 7 (1st Gen)

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $84

TechSpot Metascore

User Score

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Samsung SM-T230 Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 inch

Asus Transformer Pad TF303 / TF303K / TF303CL

Google Nexus 7 (2nd Gen)

Apple iPad Mini

Expert reviews and ratings