Google announced a revamped version of its Nexus 7 tablet that compares well with the iPad mini’s specs while definitely outdoing it on price. The new version improves on its predecessor with with 1.8 times the CPU performance, four times the GPU performance, and twice as much RAM.
The diminutive tablet still sports the same 7.02-inch display seen on the first Nexus 7, but Google and manufacturing partner Asus have significantly bumped up the resolution. The new tablet’s display outputs at 1920×1200, with a pixel density of 323ppi. That’s more than 50 percent higher than the original Nexus 7’s 216ppi density, nearly twice the iPad mini’s 163ppi, and higher even than the full-size Retina iPad’s 264ppi.
While the updated Nexus 7 is 6mm narrower and 60g lighter than its predecessor, it sports a larger battery that adds an additional hour of video playback, and an additional two hours of web surfing.
A 5MP rear camera has been added to the device, to compliment the 1.2 MP front-facing camera.
Google also featured its newest build of the Android operating system, Jelly Bean version 4.3. The new version brings multi-user restricted profiles, (are you listening Apple?), allowing users to set parental controls governing how other profiles can access in-app purchases. Bluetooth Smart integration is also included, bringing the ability to use low-energy wearable devices with the tablet. The Nexus 7 will be the first device to have 4.3 right out of the box, Google will be rolling the new OS out to other Nexus devices soon.
The new model of the Nexus 7 will be available starting July 30th in the Google Play Store, and is now available for pre-order through Best Buy. A number of other online and physical retailers will also be offering the device. The 16GB Wi-Fi model will cost $229, while a 32GB Wi0Fi model will run you $269. Google will also be offering unlocked 32GB Wi-Fi + 4G LTE versions of the device which will work with the AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks for $339.
