Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has finally announced a new Asus-branded tablet called the Nexus 7. This tablet was announced during Google’s keynote at Google I/O 2012. The good news is that Nexus 7 can now be ordered online from the Google Play Store starting at $199 for the 8GB storage configuration and $249 for 16GB. Shipping will start in mid-July and the purchase also entitles you to get a $25 credit to spend on Google Play media.
The newly announced Nexus 7 comes with a 7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,280×800 pixels. This is the first tablet that comes with 1.3GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, which includes a 12-core GPU.
Google Nexus 7 vs Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Surface comes with 10.6-inch screen, while the Nexus 7 comes with 7-inch screen. The RT model comes with Nvidia Tegra chip, Pro model comes with Core Intel Core i5 “Ivy Bridge” processor while the Nexus 7 comes with Quad-core Tegra 3 processor.
Comparing both tablets storage wise, the Nexus 7 comes with options to choose from 8 GB or 16 GB internal storage, while the Surface comes with options of 32 GB and 64 GB for Windows RT model and 64 GB and 128 GB for Pro model.
Microsoft Surface can come with rear and front cameras (as observed from the pictures), while the Nexus comes with only front facing camera.
Also it seems browser war is going to start on Tablets too. As you may have guessed, Nexus 7 will come with Chrome browser while Surface comes with Internet Explorer 10.
Below, you can find detailed tech specs of Nexus 7 Tablet.
Asus Nexus 7 Specs
Screen: 7” 1280×800 HD display (216 ppi), Back-lit IPS display, Scratch-resistant Corning glass.
OS: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean).
Weight: 340g.
RAM: 1 GB.
Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB internal storage.
Battery: 4325 mAh (Up to 8 hours of active use).
CPU: Quad-core Tegra 3 processor.
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth.
USB: Micro USB.
Camera: 1.2MP.
Other features:
- Microphone.
- NFC (Android Beam).
- Accelerometer.
- GPS.
- Magnetometer.
- Gyroscope.
Now, let’s compare Nexus 7 with Microsoft Surface RT model.
Microsoft Surface Windows RT Model Specs
Screen: 10.6-inch HD Display.
OS: Windows RT (Windows on ARM) .
Weight: 676 g.
RAM: TBA
Storage: 32 GB or 64 GB
Battery: 31.5 watt-hour.
CPU: Nvidia Tegra.
Connectivity: WiFi, USB port
Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video.
Software: Office 15.
Casing: VaporMg Case & Stand
Note that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has not launched the Surface, but the company has only announced this tablet. More details will follow during the launch of this tablet. There are still many details that are not yet known, such as will Surface come with 3G or 4G support? How much RAM do these tablets comes with? We’ll need to wait for more details to come.
For consumers, pricing is also an important factor. The official pricing of the Nexus 7 tablet for 8 GB model is $199, while 16GB model costs $249. Looking at Microsoft’s side, there’s still no official word out regarding pricing. However, rumors are that the Windows’ RT model can come with a price tag of $599 while the Pro model can cost $999.
Nexus 7 is more of a competitor to Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Kindle Fire and not to Microsoft Surface. However, Nexus 7 surely looks promising as of now. We’ll wait for detailed review before giving our take.
You may also like to read: Microsoft Surface vs. New iPad
