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Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Nexus 7 2

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In the next few weeks, Google is expected to make an announcement that it was expected to make at Google I/O 2013, an announcement for the heavily rumored Nexus 7 2. The device will more than likely replace the Nexus 7 on the Google Play Store as the company’s flagship 7-inch slate. And while the prospects of the Nexus 7 2 are exciting, not everyone should be waiting for the new Nexus 7 to arrive.

In May, Google took the stage in San Francisco at its annual developers conference and made some announcements. However, those announcements pertained to many of the company’s current services, rather than new brand new products. Google did announce the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus at Google I/O, but the Galaxy S4 isn’t a new device.

Read: Why You Should Wait for the Nexus 7 2.

The Nexus 7 2 may not be for everyone.

The Nexus 7 2 may not be for everyone.

The company skipped out on two of the big announcements that seemed like distinct possibilities: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and a new Nexus 7 2 tablet. However, as we have learned in the weeks since, these products were just vapor, they appear to be very real.

Android 4.3 has been rumored for release a few weeks after the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus and it could be that it arrives alongside the Nexus 7 2 which is rumored for a launch in July, just like its predecessor, the Nexus 7.

Backing up the notion of a launch is the fact that an Asus-made tablet passed through the FCC with all signs pointing to it being a Nexus tablet. Seriously, the filing stated in plain English that the device would be marketed as a Nexus device.

So, it’s pretty clear that Google and Asus have something up their sleeves for the weeks ahead and it’s looking like it’s going to be a new Nexus 7, presumably called the Nexus 7 2 or Nexus 7 HD.

We’ve already discussed why consumers might want to wait for the Nexus 7 2 and now, it’s time to take a look at the flip side and look at some reasons why consumers might not want to wait for the Nexus 7 2 to arrive.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Nexus 7 2

Minor Update

The Nexus 7 2 won't be a massive overhaul.

The Nexus 7 2 won’t be a massive overhaul.

For some, the Nexus 7 2 will seem like a major update. It’s said to have a Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor. It’s thought to have a 1080p display. It’s also rumored to have a 5MP rear camera on board, something that the Nexus 7 did not have. However, for most users, the Nexus 7 2 is looking like an average update.

From the FCC filing, it doesn’t appear to posses any major design changes from the original Nexus 7. For many, design is a big thing and the Nexus 7 design  while good, simply isn’t as good as the metal iPad mini.

The original Nexus 7 has a quad-core processor as well in the form of the Tegra 3 which will be enough horsepower for most people and the fact that a camera will be on board isn’t an upgrade at all. Tablets still make for horrible cameras.

Content consumers will love the 1080p display but for those that simply watch a few videos per week or read lots of books, the 720p HD display on devices like the Nexus 7 will be perfectly fine.

If Google was cooking up Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie for the Nexus 7 2, things might have been different. But because the hardware is an incremental upgrade and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is thought to be a minor update, the Nexus 7 2 is likely not going to be a major upgrade in the eyes of average consumers.

Software Isn’t an Upgrade

Yes, the Nexus 7 2 will be coming a year after the Nexus 7 but that doesn’t mean it will garner any benefits in terms of update speed. In fact, those who own or are thinking about buying the Nexus 7 will get updates at the same time as Nexus 7 2 owners.

Something else to think about is that Apple devices tend to possess more longevity than Android devices, even Google supported ones, so the iPad mini, which is getting outfitted with iOS 7 later this year, might be the device that some consumers should be looking closer at.

iPad Mini

Simply put, the iPad mini is arguably the best 7-inch tablet on the market right now thanks to a solid aluminum design, a relatively cheap price, a wealth of iPad-specific apps and updates that will be arriving for years to come.

Indeed, the Nexus 7 2 will beat the iPad mini in at least one area, screen resolution. However, when it comes to software support, design, and app choices, the iPad mini is the superior device.

ipad-mini-review

The iPad mini is worthy of a look.

We should also throw in the fact that those who simply live in the Apple ecosystem, whether it’s due to a Mac, an iPhone, or both, should seriously consider the iPad mini over the Nexus 7 2 because of the cross-device benefits that iOS and OS X provide.

You Don’t Like Bugs

The Nexus 7 2 is a Nexus device and that means that it’s a developer device. And like the Google developer devices before it, the Nexus 7 2 is more than likely going to arrive with a host of bugs.

Over the past year, the Nexus 7 experience has gone from fantastic, to good, to plain bad after the update to Android 4.2. The device, for some people, simply is unusable. This has happened to plenty of Nexus devices before it, including the Verizon Galaxy Nexus.

These devices do offer benefits, like vanilla Android software, but they often come with pitfalls that make owners feel like they’re guinea pigs for Google. Those that don’t like bugs will want to look at other devices that aren’t called Nexus.

You Need Tons of Storage

Nexus devices do not have microSD card slots.

Nexus devices do not have microSD card slots.

One of the prominent features of Google’s Nexus devices is the lack of a microSD card slot. This wouldn’t be a huge problem if Google offered Nexus devices that had tons of internal storage. It doesn’t.

Instead, it tends to offer 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of storage and the Nexus 7 2 will likely have the latter of the two. Those who need tons of storage but don’t want to depend on the cloud will want to check out other tablets, like the iPad mini 64GB or the iPad 128GB. There are also other Android tablets that possess microSD card slots for expanded storage.

For many, this won’t be a big deal, but for those that need tons of storage for gaming, movies and more, the Nexus 7 2 will be limited.

59 Comments

59 Comments

  1. 110410

    06/19/2013 at 3:45 pm

    now that the new nexus 7 is coming out, a lot of negative news are being spread out… but you sir… is the most shameful one, youu’re obviously being paid by apple to spread black propoganda on google either that or your just a big ass fantard

    • David

      06/20/2013 at 5:59 am

      It’s funny to see how terrified is getting Apple lately. Copying Android and all. That kind of desperate fear only dogs can see.

      • Frank

        07/11/2013 at 5:53 am

        He wrote in this article “We’ve already discussed why consumers might want to wait for the Nexus 7 2 and now, it’s time to take a look at the flip side and look at some reasons why consumers might not want to wait for the Nexus 7 2 to arrive.” I do not think your comment is fair.

    • Ananymos Android Supportee

      06/21/2013 at 8:43 am

      So he is saying the iPad mini is the best 7 inch tablet on the market because of a solid aluminum design, a relatively cheap price, a wealth of iPad-specific apps and updates that will be arriving for years to come.
      Let’s address these issues.
      1. Aluminum body whoopdedo that means it dents, you can’t replace it, and you can’t get to the battery to replace it when it dies.
      2. Relatively cheap price!?!?!? You have got to be kidding me. It is $130 more than a nexus 7 right off the bat! Not cheap considering you get the same PPI as my old Nook Color, and an old process.
      3. Wealth of iPad specific apps and updates arriving for years. You obviously have never been to the play store to see the category of tablet apps. And future updates?!? So will Google!!! Who doesn’t think that the nexus 7 won’t get any freaking updates?!!!?
      That’s my rant, and I hope you realize that the nexus 7 is the best 7 inch tablet on the market, and the iPad mini should just kill itself.

      • Adam Schadt

        06/23/2013 at 9:41 pm

        If I looked in a mirror and my face was that pixelated I would definitely kill myself.

      • errsta (@errsta)

        06/24/2013 at 8:07 am

        The first thing people do with their beautiful aluminum devices? Put a (usually plastic) case on it.

        I guess simply knowing it’s aluminum warms the soul…

    • Stacy Leandre

      06/23/2013 at 3:28 am

      true! my nexus 7 is still working perfectly fine and it’s a 4.2.2 n the metal on the apple isn’t too great plus if a apple product falls or gets hit hard enough it would crack. :)

  2. Frank

    06/19/2013 at 3:56 pm

    Agree terrible article who is this author?

  3. AK

    06/19/2013 at 4:01 pm

    Oh! I thought I was the only one who found this article to be horrid. Almost seems like Apple paid the author to talk down Google. Petty and pathetic!

  4. Chris

    06/19/2013 at 4:11 pm

    Wearing a scarf like that he must be an apple fanboi, article is utter garbage

  5. wyatt_m

    06/19/2013 at 4:19 pm

    Why no agree button article is utter tripe and should be treated as such.. fanbois beware we are on to you

  6. Eric

    06/19/2013 at 4:45 pm

    I sincerely hope that bugginess is not the issue that it once was for Android. I am considering a switch to Android only because Apple isn’t going to support a Bluetooth Mouse in iOS7.
    That’s reedickulus.
    But, while I love to design… hate to futz with the software.

  7. John C.

    06/19/2013 at 4:46 pm

    Just having a new 1080p screen is worth the upgrade; having a 2nd rear facing camera is silly awesome. Take my money Google.

    FYI: the article writer is a hack.

  8. Greg King

    06/19/2013 at 5:00 pm

    Guys did you miss the link to the article that was all about why you should get the Nexus 7v2. Same guy wrote it. The fact that you guys are putting him down shows that he actually a very good and objective writer. The fact he has fooled you into thinking he is an iSheep when he already has an article saying why you should get the Nexus 7v2 proves that.

    • Eric

      06/19/2013 at 5:03 pm

      The scarf distracted me.

    • Pasan

      06/19/2013 at 7:04 pm

      No we didnt miss it, that article is just as bad as this one. He’s just seeking to pacify both the apple and android fan at the same time.

      • tension

        06/19/2013 at 10:49 pm

        Agreed.

    • George Bowen

      06/19/2013 at 11:56 pm

      Really? He “loves his iPhone 5, iPad third-generation…”. That, plus a couple of instances of “those that” instead of “those who” indicated plainly both his predilection for Apple products and his passing acquaintance with English grammar.

      • Mark

        06/27/2013 at 10:53 pm

        Correct me if I’m wrong but would that be “those whom”?

  9. Dan

    06/19/2013 at 5:22 pm

    This is where I went “whaaaat?”. This article offers lies and nothing else. Nice try buddy.

    “Simply put, the iPad mini is arguably the best 7-inch tablet on the market right now thanks to a solid aluminum design, a relatively cheap price, a wealth of iPad-specific apps and updates that will be arriving for years to come.”

    • tension

      06/19/2013 at 10:47 pm

      What a retard. This is a BS article. Ipad Mini is 7.9″. Not 7″. That’s a huge difference in the phone and tablet world. That’s a huge difference in total viewable surface area! According to this website: https://www.zdnet.com/the-nexus-7-is-only-missing-one-thing-7000001182/. 22 sq in. vs 30 sq in. Which is 40% MORE screen.

      This author knows nothing worth reading. What a waste of time. Apple propaganda.

  10. Pasan

    06/19/2013 at 6:54 pm

    So this is an ipad mini endorsement, rather than factual concerns as to why the Nexus 7.2 isnt for everyone. I mean, developer device? You can enable developer mode on any an andeoid device. The nexus 7 does not come with developer mode pre-enabled.

  11. QK

    06/19/2013 at 10:25 pm

    Looks like the author has as clear bias and tries to wirte down the Nexus against the “holy” Ipad Mini. But i have to admit that newly reports about loosing performance on the Newxus 7 after one year of usage scared me a little….

  12. tension

    06/19/2013 at 10:36 pm

    what a bs article… I’ll only take one point to prove my point. “There’s not enough storage on the Nexus 7, instead the ipad mini offers a 64 gb version”. Or in plain English, would you like to buy TWO Nexus 7s (2 x 260$ canadian = 520$) for the price of an Ipad Mini 64 gb (530$ canadian). Oh, btw, the Nexus 7 can have external storage through a micro usb key, and even some hard disk drives. All you need is: Nexus Media Importer (from google play store 4$) and USB dongle (2$ on ebay). I’d rather just pay an extra 6$ to increase storage size with a USB key instead of playing the price of TWO Nexus 7s and only getting an Ipad Mini with 64 gbs!!

    • dcm5150

      06/19/2013 at 11:11 pm

      Apparently in the Apple world a higher price is a feature. It is really a smart approach for Apple from a profit stand point. From a psychological standpoint those that pay more for the same thing tend to put a much greater value on that thing (can’t remember the name for it but an example is that people who buy a $50 steak rate it much higher than those that paid $20 for the same steak) So since someone over pays for an Apple product they convince themselves that it is better than anything else they could have got for cheaper.

  13. dcm5150

    06/19/2013 at 10:57 pm

    Apparently as long as two devices have similar screen size we can compare them no matter the price. I’m sorry, but to me price is a big deal – a lot bigger deal than the minor design differences of the cases of the ipad mini vs nexus 7. I am currently in the market for a small tablet and comparing the nexus 7 and the ipad mini I can not see any good reason to go with the ipad. Everyone mentions apps and I have not ever seen an app that I wanted that I could not get for Android (on my phone), so I can’t imagine that it would be different for a larger device.

  14. justin

    06/19/2013 at 11:47 pm

    I agree this article just plain sucks.

  15. Patrick

    06/20/2013 at 12:37 am

    Such abhorrent writing. In addition to the errors mentioned in previous comments, here are two more:
    1. The Snapdragon 600 destroys the Tegra 3 in every benchmark out there. Here’s a comparison- https://cpuboss.com/cpus/Qualcomm-Snapdragon-600-vs-Nvidia-Tegra-3-(T33)
    2. As a writer, you’d think grammar would be important. Unfortunately, the author can’t even get that right:
    “Instead, it tends to offer 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of storage and the Nexus 7 2 will likely have the latter of the two.”
    should be
    “… the latter two.” since there were three storage options mentioned, not two.

    Both articles I’ve read by this author were so bad that I’m considering adding this site to my news source’s blacklist (i.e. don’t show me news from this site).

  16. perrymoon

    06/20/2013 at 12:46 am

    What’s this? an apple commercial?

    How can you stablish with this security that ipad mini is better than nexus 7 2, when the second is expected to have a much higher ressolution and (rumored) for half of the price? Actually: how can you say that ipad mini has a good price? I work basically with Mac but I think we should be a bit rational and accept that some of their devices are just overpriced.

  17. Logic

    06/20/2013 at 5:23 am

    Nexus device is developers’ device because it always receives the latest version of Android OS when it comes out. And therefore it must be buggy.

    I pity all the owners of iPhones, iPads and iPods because same thing happens to them all the time.

    Yours sincerely
    Logic

  18. Djentleman

    06/20/2013 at 7:19 am

    Longevity? Superior?
    Be unbiased while writing these articles.

  19. Eric

    06/20/2013 at 7:58 am

    this guys articles always show up in my google news feed and they are always horrible =/

  20. Adam

    06/20/2013 at 8:11 am

    “[The iPad Mini has] a relatively cheap price”? Since when is twice the price the same thing as a relatively cheap price? That’s not how that works at all!

  21. GTRsdk

    06/20/2013 at 11:58 am

    Umm if you have an OTG cable and any sort of hard/flash drive, you can get massive amounts of storage.
    Just grab a 12v battery pack with a DC plug, a 2 TB hard drive, OTG cable (with a USB cable, of course) and you now have enough storage to rival that of just about all devices.
    Transfer the files you want, or access the media you want from the drive, and you’re good to go.

  22. Stan

    06/20/2013 at 1:42 pm

    If you’re searching bad jokes rather than a professional critic, Adam Mills is your man.

  23. Sandheep

    06/20/2013 at 8:20 pm

    You need to be more objective Adam

  24. r cook

    06/21/2013 at 3:33 am

    You can run out and buy an Apple device now! Wow!

    I hope they paid you for this article. If they didn’t you are a fool, if they did, you joined or already belong to the world’s oldest profession.

  25. Paid indeed

    06/21/2013 at 11:01 pm

    Rather subjective approach. Nice how you added in the obligatory and bleeding obvious ‘consider these Apple products instead!’…complete with pictures.
    Shills gonna shill.

  26. lee

    06/22/2013 at 3:51 am

    Seriously….. what a f’cktard you are adam mills…. go spread you crapple fanboy sh1te somewhere else….

  27. Biased

    06/23/2013 at 11:12 pm

    I just wanted an honest, unbiased take on the Nexus. This author is CLEARLY in the apple camp…making this an Apple propaganda piece. First and last time I’ll come to this website

    BTW Walmart has the Nexus 7 for 159 so the mini is double the price

  28. astralbee

    06/26/2013 at 10:47 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever read a bigger load of masturbatory Apple propaganda. Apple are the WORST offenders for “minor updates”. It took 6 iPhones just to increase the size of the screen! The iPad mini is not “relatively cheaply priced” – relative to what? It is around £100 more than its 7″ competitors including the current Nexus 7, AND the upcoming new Nexus 7 which is reportedly going to be the same price.
    The only reasons you would buy an iPad mini are if you think the metal case is worth an extra £100, you can’t bear the thought of anyone thinking you can’t afford an iPad, you can’t think for yourself at all, or you fall for celebrity endorsements of Apple products such as Will.I.Am’s brilliant response to the question “what do you like about the iPad mini?” which was “It’s like an iPad, but smaller.” Idiots.

  29. Shintsu

    06/27/2013 at 12:45 am

    You forgot to finish your title for this article. “Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the Nexus 7 2 and instead wait for the new iPad Mini 2” I don’t understand what Apple does to tech reporters that makes them overlook every bad thing that Apple does. I recall seeing articles that said iPad 4 was a revolution for tablets and so on. It was such a minor upgrade from the iPad 3. Why is this guy writing articles for Android anyway? Go write some more articles for Apple, maybe Jobs ghost will pay you a visit…

  30. leemarion

    06/27/2013 at 5:49 am

    HHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAAHAHHAHAHAAHHA – says every Nexus 7 owner

  31. craigsouthwick (@craigsouthwick)

    06/28/2013 at 2:23 pm

    Why is this in the Android section when this is an article about Apple’s superiority in aluminum and promised upgrades over time?

    The fanboi materials are really starting to annoy me. I would enjoy a balanced comparison of tablets. This aricle, and the fanboi genre, arent even trying. This article actually posits the idea the Nexus 7 2 will have an upgraded processor, display, memory, an extra camera, and a host of smaller ugrades but it still looks the same (like a rectuangular tablet) and isn’t aluminum therefore this isnt really much of an upgrade.

    Really? Upgrade the hardware all you want but if it isn’t aluminum it isnt much of an an upgrade? Is that all Apple users expect no upgrades to hardware as long as it has an aluminum body?

    The fact that these fanboi articles have no facts or logic behind them is revealing. Apple has nothing to compete. As an Android user I find this sad because the competition is often what makes technology better.

  32. di2cbl

    07/05/2013 at 11:00 pm

    relatively cheap price? get real you apple fanboy

  33. Johnnyo7

    07/06/2013 at 2:58 am

    Great article!! Basically I did not learn a damn thing of significance about the impending new nexus 7. What is it with these Apple lovers do they think they are cool with all there Apple gadgets or is it that they can’t use a real os. Maybe they just have money to burn. Whatever the case the author of this article should have been objective in comparing the nexus and the Apple however his lack of knowledge on tablets is obvious. Author keep your Apple junk and strongly consider a new line of work.

  34. Joseph

    07/08/2013 at 8:38 am

    I read this article thinking it was serious. I mean who in their right mind would consider the mini anywhere near the quality and value of the Nexus 7. Good thing I could see through the author’s humor.

  35. Gary

    07/09/2013 at 7:44 am

    Now I see how apple is intimidated by nexus devices, sorry sir, apple is desperate for an article like this becuase the nexus is more superior than hype ass ipad

  36. Gstaad San

    07/10/2013 at 6:17 am

    To be updated: https://au.ibtimes.com/articles/488393/20130710/google-nexus-7-2-release-week-3.htm#.Ud1bdT78968

    Soon after 11 July 2013, iPad mini 2 shall be ready to revise their tentative specification and etc. as they are subtle to launch after! Hu-huh :)

  37. Dan

    07/11/2013 at 3:37 am

    Apple passed away with Steve Jobs, unfortunately. I’ve been an apple guy since around 2008, starting with the black macbook. Since then, I’ve seen more and more freezing, and smoother, faster and more reliable performance from the Android devices my friends/family have. Apple also hasn’t come up with any apps that are truly innovative or ground-breaking lately – its like they ran out of ideas/lost they’re creativity.
    Theres also the greedy, amoral overpricing Apple chooses to subject their customers to. I used to be willing to pay the extra for the reliability, but Apple’s reliability has gone waay down (my iPhone apps are always disappearing). The prices have not. Btw, “for those who don’t like bugs”?? What kind of a statement is that? Thats like saying “one of my dislikes is bad breath”. Sort of an inherent dislike.
    Finally, I’d like to say, I realize what Apple truly means when they say “user friendly”. This means “idiot proof”, hence offering something called a “genius” to figure out what music I like…insulting

  38. paul

    07/11/2013 at 10:40 pm

    I use both the nexus 7 and the iPad mini and the differences are minimal. I prefer the nexus 7 and Google ecosystem to the iTunes but that’s just my preference.

    this article appears to be written by an apple staff member.

    • Caleb Crowder

      07/13/2013 at 2:15 pm

      exactly

  39. Caleb Crowder

    07/13/2013 at 2:14 pm

    This is some grade A BS. Apple is from the devil. Live long android. There is no reason to even compare the two.

  40. Jonny Rotten-Apple

    07/16/2013 at 7:06 pm

    well … my name used to be Adam Mills but I just changed it today to Jonny Rotten-Apple.
    Hope folks will quickly forget my old one, its jus too mbarrassing, i’ll best hide inside for bit …. well, ya naa, til all this dies down …

  41. jakey455

    07/23/2013 at 11:02 am

    When I think of minor updates, the first company to come in mind is Apple. Seriously.. Why is there an ‘S’ version of every phone. Skip a year and do something better with your time and actually improve the phones. I also hate how people say Apple is innovative. You mean Apple is really good at stealing everyone elses work and tweaking it a tiny bit to seem “innovative”. Apple has no soul anymore… at least not like they used too.

  42. [email protected]

    07/23/2013 at 8:35 pm

    a) Nexus 7 never breaks for me, software-ly. It does everything I want it to do nicely and efficiently. I never did a hard reset or reboot on it, and I am not an “average” user. (i.e. I like to touch places with a Here-be-dragons sign on it) It does get slower from time to time, but it is in my range of toleration.

    b) Nexus 7 is strong, physically. According to my survey at my middle school, 25% of all the iPhones and iPod touches have broken screens. The Corning Gorilla Glass really works as advertised. (https://www.google.com/search?q=Corning+Gorilla+Glass)

    c) Nexus 7 is cheap, but does not feel so. The faked-leather back really looks expensive, unlike iPad mini’s fragile Al back.

    d) Nexus 7’s screen is better. My eyes cannot distinguish between a N7 and a iPad 3rd generation (or 4th gen), but iPad mini lets me think of my mom’s old 2003 Motorola with 640×480 screen (which was pretty impressive at that time).

    e) iPad mini’s “7-inch” screen does not fit in my pocket, but Nexus 7 does. I suspect most pants pockets are not “Made for iPad”. (https://km.support.apple.com/library/APPLE/APPLECARE_ALLGEOS/HT1665/HT1665–made_for_ipad-001-en.jpg)

    f) Most apps are made for both iOS and Android, so there is no point saying that “iOS’s apps > Android”.

    y) To Mr. Adam Mills the failed tech writer: No offense, but what did you smoke that night?

    z) To all the readers: if I missed a point, please reply.

    Thank you.

    Bryan Sink

  43. nel

    08/21/2013 at 7:33 pm

    how he talks about storage nexus 7 and the ipad are the same 16 to 32 gigs tablets with no expansions but u can get ore with a otg cable something you cant do with apple

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