After Google’s Nexus 7 announcement today, we had the opportunity to put the new device through its paces and it did not disappoint. The new unit is noticeably lighter than its predecessor and its narrower form factor makes it easier to fit in a back pocket without busting seams.
The new 7’s screen is brighter and slightly larger than last year’s model, packed with deeper colors and full HD resolution (which when combined with Netflix’s new 1080p streaming service looks incredible). The UI navigation is quick, crisp, and snappy without the minor lag when flipping between apps or Chrome tabs.
The 5 MP front camera is decent enough, certainly an upgrade from last year’s non-existent one, but its off-center position causes my hand to cover the lens every time I shoot left-handed. We’ll be taking a closer look at the new Nexus 7 over the next few days, specifically how it stacks up against the likes of the iPad Mini and Kindle Fire, but initially, the 2013 Nexus 7 looks to be a solid contender for tablet of the year.
