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Nexus 7 2 vs. Nexus 7: 5 Things Buyers Need to Know

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Asus and Google remain quiet about a new Nexus 7 but thanks to rumors, it appears that the Nexus 7 will be replaced by a Nexus 7 2 at some point in near future. With anticipation mounting, consumers are more than likely taking a close look at both the elder Nexus 7 and the rumors surrounding its predecessor, a device that is currently known as Nexus 7 2.

In June of last year, Google and Asus debuted the first Nexus-branded tablet, dubbed Nexus 7. The 7-inch slate took its place on the Google Play Store next to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and for the past year, the tablet has been available to those seeking a low-cost tablet with impressive features.

Read: Nexus 7 2 Release Continues Passing Roadblocks.

google-nexus-7-review-1

The Nexus 7 2 and Nexus 7 should face off in a few weeks.

The device of course has not been without competition. Rivals emerged in the months after the Nexus 7 launch, rivals that currently include the Kindle Fire HD and the Apple iPad mini. Rumors have suggested that Amazon will be delivering a new Kindle Fire HD 2 and Apple will be announcing a new iPad mini 2 sometime later this year. Rumors also indicate that Google will be making a move as well, albeit much sooner than its rivals.

For weeks now, rumors of a Nexus 7 2 have run rampant with whispers suggesting that the device’s arrival is imminent alongside a new Android updated dubbed Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Thus far, the device itself has remained firmly in the shadows but thanks to the FCC, we know that the Asus K008 and K009 tablets are likely candidates for the Nexus 7 2. And fortunately, their specifications are now common knowledge.

Despite not knowing what the Nexus 7 2 looks like, consumers are more than likely weighing their options. One of the options that consumers are likely comparing to the the Nexus 7 2 is the Nexus 7 itself. Though its now a year old, the Nexus 7 remains an option for many in the market for a new tablet.

That said, it’s now time to take a look at the five most important things to know about this likely battle between the older Nexus 7 and the new guard, the Nexus 7 2 from Asus.

Nexus 7 Will & Won’t Linger

Those who are interested in the Nexus 7 should know that the device is on sale for cheap through retailers like Staples and Office Max who are likely trying to clear inventory due to the arrival of the Nexus 7 2. Their prices are discounts from the usual $199 and $250 price tags through the Google Play Store and will likely tempt consumers on the fence about a new or old Nexus 7.

We recommend that users wait for the Nexus 7 2 to arrive to better weigh the devices against each other. The Nexus 7 will be replaced, but it won’t be going anywhere soon.

The Nexus 7 may vanish from Google Play but it won't vanish completely.

The Nexus 7 may vanish from Google Play but it won’t vanish completely.

Indeed, after the Nexus 7 2 launch, the Google Play Store may no longer sell the Nexus 7 and we may see retailers replace it with the Nexus 7 2. But that doesn’t mean that the Nexus 7 will vanish. We should see inventory pop up through smaller retailers at prices comparable to the deals that we see now.

So while the device may not linger on Google Play, we should see the Nexus 7 continue to sell for discounted prices for the months to come meaning, those that aren’t interested in the new model should still have that option.

Displays

One of the most important things to know, feature-wise, about the battle between the Nexus 7 and Nexus 7 2 is that the Nexus 7 2 is more than likely going to come with a much improved display.

The Nexus 7 display is good. The Nexus 7 2 display should be great.

The Nexus 7 display is good. The Nexus 7 2 display should be great.

While the Nexus 7 sports a 7-inch IPS display that is capable of handling content in 720p, the Nexus 7 2 should come with a display that is able to support full HD 1080p. The Nexus 7 2 should also come with a higher pixel-per-inch count as well meaning that content all-around will likely look better on the new Nexus.

For those that simply don’t care about the quality, know this. The Nexus 7’s display is actually very nice as well and will be suitable for many users. However, for those that do a lot of reading, web browsing, movie watching and travel, the Nexus 7 2’s display is probably going to be worth the price of admission

LTE

Users who do a lot of traveling with their tablet will want to know that the Nexus 7 2 will more than likely be coming with 4G LTE data speeds, something that the Nexus 7 doesn’t have.

The Nexus 7, in November, arrived with HSPA+ and 3G data, delivering a cellular option to those that need support outside of Wi-Fi networks. The device is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile.

The Nexus 7 2 should be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile though it won’t be through their lesser networks. Instead, it should sport support for their LTE networks which means data speeds that can often rival those of Wi-Fi. There is also a chance that Verizon could offer the Nexus 7 2 but at this point, that remains unclear.

What is clear though is that the Asus K009 is an LTE-ready device and that should be music to the ears of those that take their tablets out into the world beyond the home.

One Year Age Difference is Important

While the Nexus 7 is still a fantastic tablet, there is something important to consider. The Nexus 7 is a year old and that means that it will more than likely have a year less of support. Google does a good job of keeping its Nexus devices updated for years, but every device sees support come to an end. There is no definitive time table but it’s typically about two years for Android devices.

What this means is that support for the Nexus 7 2 should last at least a year longer that software support for the Nexus 7. To be blunt, it means more Android updates. So buyers that are going to be frustrated by getting left behind a year from now, whether it’s Android 5.1 or Android 6.0, should seriously consider waiting for the Nexus 7 2 as it will be the safer of the two devices.

Customer Service

Know that Google's customer support isn't the greatest.

Know that Google’s customer support isn’t the greatest.

Don’t expect a customer service revolution with the Nexus 7 2. One of our biggest complaints about the Nexus 7 was the fact that Google’s customer service experience was sub par.

Instead of being able to take the Nexus 7 into a nearby Google or Asus store for repairs or a checkup, users have to box their device up and ship it off if there are indeed issues. Ass we’ve seen, there are definitely issues that Nexus 7 buyers were and are indeed running into.

There will likely be issues with the Nexus 7 2 as well and because users need to send their device in, repairs to the Nexus 7 or the Nexus 7 2 could take days or even weeks.

It’s something that those living within close proximity of an Apple Store should consider before buying.

14 Comments

14 Comments

  1. george

    07/15/2013 at 1:15 pm

    “Ass we’ve seen, there are definitely issues that Nexus 7 buyers were and are indeed running into.”

    • Matt D

      07/15/2013 at 2:04 pm

      Umm, what George?

      • georgegeorgegeorge

        07/15/2013 at 3:44 pm

        AS AS ASS ASSA ASSSAMSS SAS SAS ASS. ctrl-f “ass”

    • Joe C.

      07/15/2013 at 4:47 pm

      Hahahah… clearly here he was referring to a person named “Ass”, it was a typo (perhaps the readers are asses? oh-oh, a freudian slip?), it should have read: Ass, we’ve seen there are definitely issues that Nexus 7 buyers were and are indeed running into.”

  2. Ravynmagi

    07/15/2013 at 1:35 pm

    In comment about Google’s customer service being sub par. If you purchased the tablet directly from Google Play, then Google’s customer service has been nothing but excellent for me. Unfortunately I had to do several RMAs with Google due to some early manufacturing problems. I called Google, they issued me an RMA and within 3 days I had a new replacement tablet in my hands and could then ship them back the defective with their return label. The experience was very easy and painless.

    Unfortunately for the people that did not buy directly from Google Play, they have to deal with ASUS instead. And this is where the bad experiences seem to come from. Everyone that does an RMA with them end up waiting weeks for replacements and they have to ship the defective tablet in first.

    So I would not say Google’s customer service is bad, it’s definitely not. Unfortunately it only extends to Google Play customers. ASUS customer experience is definitely bad though.

    • Dave

      07/15/2013 at 1:57 pm

      …….”taking a close look at both the elder Nexus 7 and the rumors surrounding its predecessor, a device that is currently known as Nexus 7 2″ — predecessor???

      • Max

        07/15/2013 at 4:10 pm

        I noticed that too Dave. Should have been “successor”.

  3. jaytee

    07/15/2013 at 2:16 pm

    Apple products get fixed in-store?

  4. john

    07/15/2013 at 6:44 pm

    “… it appears that the Nexus 7 will be replaced by a Nexus 7 2 at some point in near future….” wtf is that? Of course the nexus 7 will be replaced by nexus 7 2 in near futurer….then the nexus 7 2 will be replaced by nexus 7 3 in near future….

    • James R. Rustled

      07/15/2013 at 7:13 pm

      NEAR future, dipshit. That means very soon. 7 3 will be future but not near future. I swear. There always has to be that one obnoxious jackass.

  5. dave

    07/16/2013 at 3:54 am

    Crap journalism. Adam mills would serve us better by going to work in Starbucks

    • Smig

      07/16/2013 at 7:35 am

      And my customer name will be “Adam is a bellend”.

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