Nexus 9 Release: What to Expect

October is almost over and Google’s Nexus 9 release date is fast approaching, but before it arrives users can pre-order it today from the Google Play Store, or Best Buy. With a Nexus 9 release date just weeks away, we want to take a look at what buyers can expect from Google’s newest tablet release date.

Earlier this month, Google posted a quick blog post and announced the all-new Nexus 6 smartphone, the Nexus 9 tablet, a Nexus Player and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop software update. All the reports and rumors that were floating around for months were put to rest, and you’ll be able to get your hands on both in early November.

Read: 7 Nexus 9 Features You’ll Love

The previous Nexus 7 was announced and released in the summer months, and many expected the same this year. However Google kept everything a secret and took a few months longer to deliver a bigger and better Nexus 9 running the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop. The release date is almost here, and below we’ll go over what to expect, and what prospective buyers should know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHY3MFiq1o

Google shocked everyone by announcing the new Nexus 9 was made by HTC, delivered tons of quality features, and would be available for pre-orders just a few days later. However, the release date isn’t until early November, but that date is quickly approaching.

Since the announcement on October 15th Google’s been rather silent, but they opened up pre-orders on October 17th for two of the three Nexus 9 colors, but haven’t said a word about the Sand (gold) option, or the 4G LTE model. That said, here’s what we know.

Nexus 9 Release Date

The Nexus 9 release date is officially November 3rd, and pre-orders went live on the 17th as promised. The Google Play Store, Best Buy, and even Amazon all are taking orders, and even though they’ve been up for over a week, stock still says plenty is available with shipments all going out on or before November 3rd.

Best Buy and Amazon both say the device will “start shipping November 3rd” which means the device may not ship until the 3rd, rather than ship early and be delivered on the 3rd. It’s also possible you’ll be able to walk into a Best Buy on the 3rd, if they have stock, and walk out the same day with Google’s latest tablet.

Google’s been silent regarding the 4G LTE model, but a few sources have hinted that it won’t arrive until later in the month, possibly around November 12th or later.

Nexus 9 Price

In previous years the Nexus 7 tablet was extremely wallet-friendly, and priced very aggressive to take on the competition. This year Google changed that a bit, while still being aggressive, but delivered a much better product. The Nexus 9 is the best tablet they’ve released to date, has tons of features other tablets don’t offer, but that all comes at a higher price.

The Nexus 9 will be $399 for the 16GB model, and $499 for the 32GB version. Google’s 4G LTE option will be even more, costing users $599, making it the most expensive Nexus tablet ever released.

The Verge claims that reliable sources suggest the Sand color and 4G LTE version won’t arrive until a later date, which was confirmed when it wasn’t available for pre-order on the 17th. So what about the 4G LTE version and carrier support? That brings us to our next topic.

Nexus 9 Carriers (U.S.)

T-Mobile says that it plans to release the Nexus 6 starting November 12th. They’ll also offer the Nexus 9 that day too. This means other carriers may also announce pricing and availability for the 4G LTE Nexus 9, but none have made any formal announcements. AT&T hasn’t provided any release details, U.S. Cellular says November for the Nexus 6, and nothing about the Nexus 9. Most likely Sprint and Verizon will also offer the 4G LTE Nexus 9, but again, everyone has been silent thus far.

The Nexus 6 smartphone will be available from all five major carriers in the United States, and even if each carrier doesn’t offer the Nexus 9, it’s likely users will be able to pick up the 4G LTE model if they’d like, and toss a SIM in with full support.

Nexus 9 Specs

In case you missed it, the Nexus 9 has some compelling specs and features. This tablet has tons of features that we’ve never seen before on a Nexus device, so check out the entire list of top tier flagship specs below. The Nexus 9 is Google’s iPad Air, yet has much more to offer. Things like front facing speakers, just to name one.

• 8.9-inch 2048×1536 Full HD display (4:3 aspect ratio, and Gorilla Glass 3)
• NVIDIA Tegra K1 Processor with 2GB of RAM (64-bit)
• 16/32GB storage configurations (32GB 4G LTE coming later)
• Android 5.0 Lollipop (first device with Android 5.0)
• 8 Megapixel OIS Rear and 1.6 MP Front Camera
• Brushed Aluminum frame, soft touch matte design
• Dual HTC Boomsound front facing speakers
• 6,700 mAh battery
• White, Black, and Sand color options
• 153.68mm x 228.25mm x 7.95mm
• more

Offering a bigger Quad-HD display, front facing speakers, a brushed aluminum design, an 8 megapixel camera and more all in a sleek package makes this an instant buy for Android users. It’s sized and priced perfectly between the iPad Mini and iPad Air 2, and should be quite popular this holiday season.

Nexus 6: Where to Buy

According to Google, the Nexus 9 will be sold on the Google Play Store, from carrier locations and through at least one big name retailer like Best Buy. The official Nexus 9 product page also mentions Amazon and Gamestop. Last year the Nexus 7 was available from Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, and many other shops around the United States, and similar stores outside of the US.

The Google Play Store is an obvious retail choice for the Nexus 9 and it will join the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 as Google’s flagship Nexus products. Google’s Play Store has been a great place to buy previous Nexus devices, even if stock is limited and supplies sell out quickly. The Nexus 5 was a smooth launch when compared to the Nexus 4, and the Nexus 9 should be even better.

The Nexus 7 release last year was pretty smooth, although the Google Play Store ran out of stock rather fast and some select stores like Office Max, Best Buy, or Walmart sold a few early by accident. We could see something similar this year, so keep your eyes out if you visit these stores around the November 3rd release date.

As you can see above, everything we just mentioned above is being confirmed here by Google, although a few of those smaller stores and Walmart aren’t mentioned for pre-order, but should have stock once it’s released in November.

Read: Nexus 9 vs iPad Mini 3: What Buyers Need to Know

Users will be able to head to a nearby Best Buy to get hands-on time with the device before they buy, but with this being one of the best Nexus tablets ever released, the $399 asking price should be well worth it.

Nexus 9 Accessories

While Nexus accessories have never been extremely popular, or easy to find, the past year Google’s done a much better job offering official options for their smartphones and tablets. The HTC Nexus 9 will be no different.

Google and HTC are releasing a keyboard attachment that will “magnetically attach to the Nexus 9, folds into two different angles and rests securely on your lap like a laptop.” This is essentially an origami-type case that has a built-in bluetooth keyboard, and in a way will be taking on both the Microsoft Surface and the huge selection of 3rd party iPad Air keyboard cases all in one take.

HTC and Google also have an oragami style magnetic folding case available in four colors options for $39.99, but it’s yet to be released. Amazon is taking pre-orders already, so you may want to grab one before they’re gone to protect your new tablet.

The Nexus 9 release date is almost here, and it will surely be followed with updates to Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Nexus 7 tablet, Nexus 10, and other Nexus devices in the near future. Stay tuned for more details, release information, and hands-on once it arrives.