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

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Last revision on February 18, 2025

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 related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

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 TechSpot on July 06, 2012

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 NotebookCheck on August 06, 2013

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 MobileTechReview on August 06, 2013

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 Computer Shopper on August 01, 2013

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 Pocket-lint on August 01, 2013

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 IT Pro Portal on July 30, 2013

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 PC Advisor on June 25, 2013

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 AsiaOne on May 31, 2013

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 Tech2 on April 20, 2013

100

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

By Expert Reviews on January 25, 2013

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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