Conclusion: We like it

The Nexus 7, built by Asus in close partnership with Google, is without a doubt the best 7-inch tablet currently available. And even better, at just $200 it's among the most affordable tablets you can get. It packs in numerous features typically available only on higher-end devices, including a sharp 1280 x 800 display, and a fast quad-core processor. And given the fact that it's the only tablet to run the latest version of Android (Jelly Bean), it's easy to see why the Nexus 7 is far ahead of other budget tablets, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. But that doesn't mean it's perfect. The $200 model has just 8GB of storage, and lacks a microSD expansion slot (which you'll probably need if you want to load up some movies). And Android's tablet app ecosystem is still not nearly as robust as the iPad's. But there's no 7-inch iPad (at least not yet), nor is there another 7-inch Android tablet that offers so much for so little.

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Critic reviews

8.2
30 reviews
  • Features
    7.6
  • Display
    8.2
  • Battery life
    8.3
  • Ease of use
    7.6
  • Storage capacity
    5.7
  • Design and form factor
    8.1
  • Portability (size / weight)
    8.2
  • Durability
    8.2

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User reviews

8.9
17 reviews
8.0
Engadget Jun 28, 2012

If you've been toying with the idea of getting a real Android slate but didn't want to spend big bucks for a big device, this is what you've been waiting for. This is the best Android tablet for less than $200 and the best budget 7-inch tablet on the market. For the moment.

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9.0
PC Mag Jun 30, 2012

Google and Asus smack it out of the park with the Nexus 7, a terrific small-screen tablet that's an incredible value at $200.

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9.0
Wired Jul 3, 2012

While the Nexus 7 isn’t a full-on iPad-killer, it far out-classes anything else offered in the 7-inch category, and most 10-inch tablets too. The Nexus 7 does this by offering smartly designed, powerful hardware and the best Android tablet experience to date.

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8.0
CNET Jun 28, 2012

With a beautiful screen, fast performance, a comfortable design, and overall great media options, the Nexus 7 is easily the best 7-inch tablet available and one of the top tablets on the market.

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8.0
Laptop Magazine Jun 29, 2012

The Nexus 7 is the best 7-inch tablet yet, combining fast quad-core performance, top-notch design and Google's smart Jelly Bean OS for an amazing price.

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8.0
Technology Review Jul 2, 2012

If you really want an iPad, you're going to get one ... But if you want a tablet without making so much of a financial commitment, the Nexus 7 is the best choice on the market. Sometimes it pays to be a little late to the party.

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8.0
New York Times Jul 4, 2012

Its hardware and software smoothness rival Apple’s, and its luxury humiliates the Kindle Fire. In short, it’s possible that this tablet may finally help solve Google’s chicken-and-egg problem.

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8.0
PC World Apr 3, 2012

Make no mistake: Of today's 7-inch Android tablets, the Nexus 7 is the one to beat, and it is handily one of the best-executed Android tablets of any size you can buy.

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8.0
Gizmodo Jul 2, 2012

$200 for a full-fledged, seriously-spec'd, fully-capable tablet is an absolute steal. Get it. Seriously.

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8.0
Ars Technica Jul 8, 2012

The Nexus 7 is absolutely a worthy buy. We are as pleased with this experience as we were displeased at the execution on Amazon's 7-inch non-tablet... The Nexus 7 is going to become the go-to device for people who find the iPad too large, or find it too expensive.

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8.0
AllThingsD Jul 10, 2012

Google’s tablet is a better choice than the iPad for people on a budget; for those who prefer a lighter, more compact tablet that’s easier to carry and operate with one hand; and for those who prefer Google’s ecosystem of apps, services and content to Apple’s.

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7.0
TechCrunch Jul 5, 2012

Look, if you’re looking for a 7-inch tablet or any tablet of the Android variety, you’d be hard pressed to find anything better than the Nexus 7

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7.0
Popular Science Jul 13, 2012

The Nexus 7 is the best of its breed, but it also doesn't give me any evidence that the breed is one that really holds all that much promise. Aside from reading books, I think it's pretty clear that a 7-inch tablet is not preferable to a larger one like the iPad or the upcoming Microsoft Surface.

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9.0
Pocket-Lint Jul 11, 2012

The Nexus 7 is a great play mate, a great travel companion and your best buddy on the sofa. It gives you quality and affordability, without compromising on performance. For that reason, we love it.

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8.0
SlashGear Jun 28, 2012

What you’ve got here is a fun machine. ... Even those who want a tablet just to fiddle with should and probably will be considering this device first in the near future – unless they want an iPad.

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8.0
ABC News Jul 5, 2012

... for $200 the Nexus 7 isn't only the best of the $200 options but it is really the best choice among any of the Android tablets thanks to its improved software and its top-notch hardware.

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8.0
The Guardian Jul 13, 2012

So it will suit those with wide (if not deep) pockets who want some Android games, or a bit of music on the go (but more likely streaming video somewhere static).

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9.0
Ubergizmo Jun 30, 2012

The Nexus 7 is the absolute best 7” tablet . With no questions it offers way more bang for the buck than the Kindle Fire.

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9.0
TrustedReviews Jun 29, 2012

Google’s first tablet is undeniably impressive. Asus has done an almost miraculous job for the money, providing a device that not only matches its competition, but surpasses it on many fronts.

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9.0
Android Central Jul 6, 2012

This is the best Android tablet you can buy at any price. When you factor in the low price, it's probably the best tablet for the money you'll find as well. If you can live in the cloud, and Google Play has enough of the content you're looking for, go buy one.

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9.0
TechRadar Jul 6, 2012

...Google appears poised to reclaim any tablet ground lost since the introduction of Amazon's forked version of Android. It may not tread a lot of new ground, but the Nexus 7 is a solid performer and easily the best tablet a couple of hundred bucks or pounds can buy.

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8.0
VentureBeat Jul 3, 2012

Aside from its limited storage, there’s little I can fault with the Nexus 7. It’s fast, light, and cheap, but it also feels like it costs twice as much ... I’m still not convinced Google actually understands tablets, but the Nexus 7 proves it’s at least trying to.

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8.0
Los Angeles Times Jul 13, 2012

Google's first tablet is a great portable device packed with power that's perfect for media consumption and gaming. Starting at $200 and with a ton of bonus content tossed in, the Asus-manufactured Nexus 7 is an excellent purchase if you've been thinking of getting a high-quality tablet without the...

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8.0
Geek.com Jul 3, 2012

It’s not an “iPad killer” by any stretch, but it certainly gives someone who doesn’t want a 10-inch tablet an alternative that worth looking at.

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8.0
Digital Trends Jul 5, 2012

Could this be the device to kick start Android’s tablet presence? Could it be the first Google branded device to be a real hit? Yes it could, but only time will tell. What we can say with certainty is that you won’t find a better tablet at this price on the market right now.

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8.0
Mobile Syrup Jul 9, 2012

The Nexus 7 is a truly excellent tablet. It's not flashy or particularly unique, but achieves greatness at an aggressive price. This will hopefully be the tablet to put Google on the radar.

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9.0
PocketNow Jul 5, 2012

If you’re considering a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet…don’t: get this instead. If you’re considering an Android tablet for work, play, and everything else, the Nexus 7 is an impressively good choice.

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8.0
MobileBurn Jul 5, 2012

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.

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9.0
sawilson

I had a Google friend hook me up with one of these, and I got to play with it for four hours (so roughly 3 hours more than any tech review site got to play with one). This was the white I/O version they gave away at the dev conference. I ordered one of these almost immediately because you'd...

9.0
radikal

I have been loving this tablet. When i reviewed other tablets they sat around, no real desire to use them nightly. The touchpad I owned had the same effect. I really really like this tablet, it is light, easy to use and very nice!

8.0
michaelkeating

The 7 is a super useful, portable, fast, and simple device. I got one at Google I/O and have been reading on it, watching a little TV, sending some email, and using it for work over the past few days. It is my first tablet (though I have played with other people's iPads) and my first Android. At...

10
appleifan

Stop complaining $200 tab! It does everything the iPad does and does it heaps better! Sure it doesnt have a camera at the back it doesnt matter! I have an ipad and i have never used the camera!!

9.0
Bman31

I have never been into tablets, however until my brother got the Kindle Fire a couple months ago, I saw how useful one can be. The moment I began using the Nexus 7, I fell in love. I have always been an Android person and I had CM9 running on my smartphone. I was home with Jelly Bean. The N7...

6.0
DisC

Having great apps is a boon for any tablet eco system (this is where I felt a little burnt with the blackberry playbook) but the most important thing is a competent web browser. I am having serious troubles with video on this device. As of Jellybean flash is no longer supported in any form. Most...

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