Review: Nexus 7 by ASUS

For the past three weeks, I have been able to have first hands on review of the second generation nexus 7 tablet from ASUS. Nexus devices are synonymous with pure Google experiences. This is the chance for Mountain View to show off Android in its purest form, away from the meddling fingers of Samsung or HTC who just love to Sensify and TouchWiz up their devices.

The difference here is that the Nexus 7 doesn't come with a brand new OS on it. Whereas the original launched with Jelly Bean, there is still no sign of Android   Kit Kat on this tablet: instead, you get an incremental update from Android 4.2 to 4.3. The only saving grace is that when Kit Kat is released, it's likely to be the Nexus 7 that gets it first.

The Nexus 7 is still aiming for that sweet spot. The price has been bumped up but the specs are much better, so it's still very reasonably priced. And it looks a lot better too. Whereas the original Nexus 7 looked like a medium level device, the Nexus 7 now looks like a premium slab.

•  Price- 16GB model ksh. 32,000 with VAT included
• 32GB model ksh. 36,000 With VAT included
• Availability- launch will be early to mid-November 2013
• Memory sizes- 16 GB & 32GB
•  Any special additional accessories features- none whatsoever
•  Sold with any special arrangements- if someone wants to buy they just have to order from other markets-awaiting the Kenyan launch.

Comparing the Nexus 7 to its predecessor - that's what most people will be expecting. Suffice to say, this is one beautiful piece of equipment. The front is one sheet of high gloss Gorilla glass, interrupted only by the minute presence of a front-facing camera for selfies and Skype.

It's thinner and lighter than before (200 x 114 x 8.7mm and 290g, compared to 198.5 x 120 x 10.5mm and 340g). Eagle-eyed mathematicians will notice there is a slight height increase, but it's negligible in practice. I did not try it out on 3G but it performs way better that my Xperia which I am ditching soon for something simpler.

Whereas before there was a plastic trim around the bezel, painted to look like metal, here it's gone. This is an all-black device. The screen just blends into the sides, which curve round to create an uninterrupted back panel. And if we had to find fault, it would be with this bit.

Firstly, the bezels have been shrunk right down to make the screen almost extend to the edges. But it makes it difficult to hold the Nexus 7, because the natural act of curling your hand around the tablet and resting your thumb on the bezel is now impossible without touching the screen and causing all kinds of annoyances. Instead, you have to rethink how you hold the tablet.

Google and Asus have pushed the density on the Nexus 7 up to the competition's level and beyond. It's now a staggering 323ppi (1200 x 1920). Consider the iPad's Retina display is 264ppi and you can imagine just how razor sharp this is. Text pops out and images look almost inexpressibly crisp. Naturally, the glass makes it less than ideal for outdoor use, but if you set brightness to maximum it should be able to cope. The only manufacturer that gets is worth comparing this tablet with is Apple with its iPad mini.

This is a great device and given that it runs on Android it is even better as compared to iPad mini. The other alternatives to this the Samsung Galaxy not III and the Xperia Z1.The grape vine is swamped with rumor mongers with regard to the forth coming iPad mini with retina display. All we can do is wait and see but my advice to Asus Africa is that “there is enough disposable income in this market and you don’t have to take five months to launch an unknown product. Just ask Samsung.”

A seven inch tablet might sound quite big but this is a well done device that could fit in my trouser pockets and comfortably in my chest pocket in my jacket. If you want to get the value for your money then this is the tablets for you…