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Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Nexus 7 Right Now

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Those looking to buy the Nexus 7 from the Google Play Store or through one of its various retailers should stop, put the credit card or cash away, and walk away because right now is the absolute worst time to buy the Nexus 7.

Last year, at Google I/O 2012, Google announced both the Nexus 7 and the Android Jelly Bean Android 4.1 update, both of which have been staples over the past year. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean of course was replaced by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean back in November and soon, the Jelly Bean operating system will receive another update in the form of Android 4.3.

Read: Nexus 7 2 Launch Pegged for Late July.

A new report claims the new Nexus 7 will arrive in July.

The Nexus 7 may look tempting, but please, don’t bite.

And while Android 4.1’s time in the sun ended in November, the Nexus 7 remains on shelves as an alternative to the iPad mini, Kindle Fire HD and the various budget Android tablets that litter the landscape. In fact, the Nexus 7, despite being a year old, is an attractive device.

First off, its one of the only devices that’s currently running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean which means that users have access to features like lock screen widgets, Quick Settings in the Notifications Bar and of course, the Multiple User Accounts feature that is fantastic for those that might share a tablet with family members or a significant other.

The Nexus 7 also has hardware that has endured the tests of time. Featuring a 7-inch IPS display, quad-core processor, durable design and solid front-facing camera, the Nexus 7 can still, very easily, handle games, web browsing, reading, and more. It’s a device, especially with its current pricing, that is worth looking at and we can imagine that more than a few consumers are likely looking at it as an option to buy, even one year later. But even with its attractive qualities, right now is the absolute worst time to buy the Nexus 7.

Here’s why.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Nexus 7 Right Now

The Nexus 7 2 is rumored for late July.

The Nexus 7 2 is rumored for late July.

The Nexus 7 with its $199 price tag, a price tag that is, at the moment, actually much cheaper through retailers like Office Depot and Staples, is likely on the radar of many tablet shoppers. However, right now, is a terrible time to buy the Nexus 7 and those that have it in their shopping cart would be wise to take it out and wait.

Why? It’s very simple. Rumors suggest that the Nexus 7 will be replaced sometime during the month of July with a new Nexus 7 tablet that is currently dubbed Nexus 7 2, Nexus 7 HD and new Nexus 7. A name hasn’t been decided on but we do know that the new Nexus is likely going to be the Asus K008 and Asus K009 tablets that have emerged through certifications and commission filings.

Passing those certifications are just baby steps on the way to shelves but given that an assortment of rumors have pegged the launch for July, and more specifically late July, and given the fact that the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update looks set for arrival in July, it’s safe to say that if a new Nexus 7 is on the way, it’s going to be on the way in the next couple of weeks.

This is maybe the most convincing argument for those looking to buy a Nexus 7 right now. The wait for a new Nexus 7 2 should only be a few weeks and while it may be more expensive or may be less attractive than the Nexus 7, it’s still worth it to wait and see instead of shelling out the cash now and getting burned later.

Those that need more convincing only need to look at the rumored specifications for the Nexus 7 2, specs that are based on the Asus K009 which is assumed to be the LTE-version of the Nexus 7 2. Here is a look at its likely specifications:

  • 7-inch Display with 1980 x 1200 Resolution
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Quad-Core Processor
  • 5MP Rear Camera/1.9 Front-Facing Camera
  • 32GB of Storage
  • 3,950 mAh Battery
  • 2GB of RAM
  • LTE
  • Android 4.3

Running down the list, the Nexus 7 2 should best the Nexus 7 just about everywhere. The display resolution and pixels per inch should make games, web, and books look much better. The new quad-core chip should deliver better performance with games, multitasking and battery life. The 2GB will help with that as well.

It has a rear camera, something the Nexus 7 doesn’t have and of course, it will likely come with 4G LTE data speeds, something that the Nexus 7 doesn’t have either.

As far as the design is concerned, it looks like the device may utilize a design that’s similar to the Nexus 7 though we imagine that there will be some tweaks that make it better than the previous model. Google is constantly improving its Nexus devices and design is certainly one area that it looks at. Prospective buyers need only look at the design differences between the Nexus 4 and the Galaxy Nexus to know that.

Those who wait for the Nexus 7 2 will be glad they did. Even if they decide to buy the older model.

Those who wait for the Nexus 7 2 will be glad they did. Even if they decide to buy the older model.

There is a rumor that the 32GB Nexus 7 2 may cost $299 which could mean a $250 16GB Nexus 7. That would be $50 more expensive than the respective Nexus 7 models. As of right now, that seems to be the only downgrade from the Nexus 7, if it’s even true.

Nothing is for certain at this point but it’s extremely likely that the device will debut in the next few weeks and price increase or not, consumers would be wise to hold off on a Nexus 7 purchase and wait for the new Nexus 7’s debut.

At that point, once the smoke has settled, the choice will be clear.

15 Comments

15 Comments

  1. Gerhard

    07/11/2013 at 12:41 pm

    I’ve bought my Google Nexus 7 32gb yesterday for 200 dollars.

    I was very happy with it until I’ve read your article.
    I’m writing on it right now.

    I hope that you aren’t right.

    • Brandon

      07/12/2013 at 6:09 am

      You over paid. Its $170 at staples right now.

  2. theclubpenguineherald

    07/12/2013 at 12:02 am

    Well my co-workers best friends half-sisters best friend earns $79 an hour on a $50 netbook, which beats that.

  3. Johnny

    07/12/2013 at 12:51 am

    FYI, Staples just dropped the price on the 32GB Nexus 7 again. It is now $169. I agree with the article about improvements over the current Nexus 7 (which I own). HOWEVER, with the current model price dropping and the specs of the current model being as strong as the are (quad-core cpu, etc). Depending on your purpose, the price on the current model is more attractive every day. Personally, a 7″ screen is a bit small for me to use as a productivity device (ex emails, spreadsheets, etc). It was purchased to surf Web, recipes, games for my 6 year old etc. Basically a toy. And for those things, it performs brilliant!

    YES, hold on to your money. YES, wait for the new model. Decide what the tablet will be used for Then pull the trigger one the best “bang for the buck” most likely BOTH will be running the new Jelly Bean and eventually Key Lime…

    • Brandon

      07/12/2013 at 6:10 am

      I do not entirely agree with this article. The prices of the 1st Gen Nex 7 are dropping due to the release of the 2nd gen. That mean some great deals can be had.

  4. mikeE

    07/12/2013 at 4:02 am

    Buy the 7 now at a fire sale price then return it if you need to after the announcement.

    • Brandon

      07/12/2013 at 6:11 am

      Bingo.

    • NLE1975

      07/12/2013 at 11:18 pm

      most stores will not accept any return of any electronic item if it was opened

  5. Henry

    07/12/2013 at 1:22 pm

    Mike Most companies have a 15-30 day return window on electronics. You’ll be taking a chance.

  6. Ron

    07/12/2013 at 1:34 pm

    The first question should be, will it fit what you need it for. If yes, then buy it. Thinking only the latest and greatest is what you must have rather than what you really need is a youthful mistake.

    • Martin

      07/12/2013 at 5:43 pm

      Oh and I do so agree with that!

    • NLE1975

      07/12/2013 at 11:16 pm

      This ‘need’ is really a need to impress others. I admit, I fell into that trap (and have the credit card debt to prove it)..
      I mean I believe in being completely honest even if the answer isn’t what others want to hear but lets me honest on why people are willing to go tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt in their 20’s or 30’s for the latest & greatest electronics and designer clothes which add up when a tee shirt is north of $70

  7. Angel

    07/12/2013 at 8:30 pm

    Any news if it will have HDMI out?

  8. NLE1975

    07/12/2013 at 11:13 pm

    For many $169 is immaterial meaning that it doesn’t have to be such a soul searching decision.
    Next, some are not as concerned with impressing others and may not have the need for the Nexus 7.2, 7.3 or whatever, I mean god forbid someone still using an Iphone 4S or worst an Iphone 4??? how do they manage in public.. same thing with the Nexus 7, someone can
    A) buy the Nexus 7 32Gb for $169 AND the new Nexus 7.2 since like I said for many $169 is immaterial and easy to save by not going out for drinks every night after work or not paying $200 for a pair of jeans for one

    or

    B) they can make due with the Nexus 7 for $169 which is a hell of a deal. Like I said, people have seemed to survive with an Iphone 4S or 4 which is easy to tell that it isn’t a 5 since every model below the 5 has the 30 pin port

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