Google has revealed a new Nexus 7 tablet alongside a brand new version of Android, which the tablet will of course be sporting out of the box. The company unveiled ‘the new Nexus 7’, as it’s called, at a media event in the US.
The device won’t be sold as a Nexus 7 MK2 or Nexus 7 II, but merely a new version of the current model. For those interested, the 2012 Nexus 7 is still available in some places and is likely to become a bit cheaper as the new model comes out.
So what’s changed in the new model? Well, quite a few impressive upgrades make the new Nexus 7 a compelling 7-inch device. Perhaps the biggest change is in the screen, which remains at 7-inches in size but has been bumped up to a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a stunningly crisp 323 pixels per inch. That not only beats the iPad Mini but also the Retina display-sporting iPad 4.
Inside there’s more power in the form of a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM and the Adreno 320 graphics chip, which when combined together with the Full HD display, should make HD movies and the latest games look fantastic.
Google took into consideration the wants of those who picked up the original model and has added a 5 megapixel rear camera for snaps and HD video. There’s also a 1.2 megapixel front facing camera for video calling, which is complemented by front facing speakers as well.
Connectivity is bountiful, with dual band Wi-Fi or 4G on offer for internet hook-ups, Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity to the latest low energy accessories, plus NFC, GPS and micro USB for charging and syncing, as well as connecting via HDMI to your TV.
Despite cramming more in, Google and Asus have worked together to make the tablet slimmer and sleeker overall. It measures 114.3 x 200.6 x 7.6mm and weighs in at 317.5g, so it’s considerably slimmer and a good 20g or so lighter, too.
As with the original, 16 and 32GB versions will be available, with a 4G model coming in as well with 32GB storage. The new model also runs Google’s very latest version of Android – 4.3 Jelly Bean – which it also unveiled at the same event. It will be the first device to carry the new OS, with other Nexus devices joining in the party later on.
The new Nexus 7 will be available through the Play Store and other retailers over the coming weeks, and is available to pre-order in the US right now.